USA · Resort
Sea Island & Golden Isles
One of the most exclusive resort golf experiences in the American South. The Cloister at Sea Island — a Forbes Five-Star property — is the anchor resort. All three Sea Island courses require a stay at The Cloister. The RSM Classic brings PGA Tour pros to Seaside each November. An hour north of Jacksonville, a 3-hour flight from Toronto.
BEST TIME TO GO
March–November
EST. COST / PERSON
$3,500–$8,000 CAD
BOOK IN ADVANCE
16–36 weeks
TRAVEL TIME
2.5–3h flight from Toronto
MUST-PLAY COURSES
Seaside Course at Sea Island
Host of PGA Tour RSM Classic
The jewel of Sea Island. RSM Classic venue on the Georgia coast. Caddies available and recommended.
Plantation Course at Sea Island
Fazio redesign through Georgia lowland marsh and mature oaks. Best companion to Seaside.
Retreat Course at Sea Island
Love III design. Forgiving layout, excellent for mixed-ability groups.
Jekyll Island Golf Club
30 min drive. State park island, three public courses (Oleander, Indian Mound, Oceanside). Best-value round in the Golden Isles.
WHAT A TRIP LOOKS LIKE
Arrive Jacksonville & Jekyll Island
Fly into Jacksonville and spend the first afternoon at Jekyll Island State Park — three public courses (Oleander, Indian Mound, Oceanside) at under $100 CAD per round, with Georgia coast scenery that costs nothing to admire. Jekyll Island is the most accessible and lowest-stress opening round for a Sea Island week.
Check In The Cloister — Seaside Course
Transfer to Sea Island and check into The Cloister. The Seaside Course in the afternoon — RSM Classic venue, Rees Jones design, caddie recommended. The combination of Forbes Five-Star accommodation and a PGA Tour venue is the Sea Island experience at its most complete.
Plantation Course at Sea Island
Tom Fazio's Plantation layout is where Sea Island's non-golf environment is fully felt — mature coastal oaks draped in Spanish moss frame every hole, and the routing through tidal marsh is unlike anything in the Carolina or Florida markets. Morning round, afternoon on Sea Island Beach.
Retreat Course & St. Simons Island
Davis Love III's Retreat is the most walkable and casual of the three Sea Island courses — ideal for a mid-week round when the group wants golf without intensity. Afternoon exploring St. Simons Island: the Village, the lighthouse, and the waterfront restaurants on Mallery Street.
Seaside Rematch & Cloister Farewell
A second round on Seaside for the competitive players in the group — the back nine along the marsh is particularly good into an east wind. A final dinner at the Cloister's main dining room closes the trip; it's the best meal of the week.
Depart
Morning checkout and drive to Jacksonville. The Cloister's departure concierge handles luggage and car arrangements efficiently — built for guests with early flights.
GROUPS 12+ — Sea Island's group pricing structure requires direct negotiation with The Cloister's Golf Groups team — packages for 12+ players include bundled room rates, consecutive tee times on all three courses, and welcome amenities that are not available through online booking. Lead time of 16+ weeks is standard for prime spring dates; RSM Classic week (November) requires 6+ months.
BEST MONTHS
Ready to plan Sea Island & Golden Isles?
Tell us your dates and group size — we'll take it from there.