Moss Creek Golf Club
North Course
Hole 3 / 370 Yards / Par-4
Architect: George & Tom Fazio (1974)
Updated: John Fought (2025)
Hilton Head Island, SC, USA
One of the more interesting aspects in golf architecture is when a course is “refreshed.” That does not mean wholesale changes that completely disrupt the original intent of the design but rather providing improvements that serve to enhance the overall course.
Moss Creek is a 36-hole private facility and the Lowcountry visual appeal is front and center. The critical dimension is that both courses fit into the landscape in a seamless manner. Too often architects can seek to add “definition” to the existing terrain and the result can mean a clear distortion from the natural environment.
John Fought, a former US Amateur winner and a successful architect, was hired to update the North Course. The work commenced March 10, 2025 and completed on August, 15, 2025. Total budget for the project was approximately $3.1 million.
Hole 3 on the North Course features a cape-like tee shot. The hole is defended by a slightly diagonally-situated penalty area. Players have to decide on the tee how much of the water they wish to take on when driving their golf ball,
Those opting for total safety can aim away from the penalty area but doing so only adds more yardage for the approach.
Those taking a more aggressive line can shorten their approach considerably.
Originally hole 3 had a putting surface of just 3,200 square feet. It was expanded to 4,300 — about 34% larger. Most of the green expansion took place on the left side of the green. This provided additional landing area for golfers seeking to safely play to that area of the target.
A number of small bushes and palms behind the green were removed to provide a bit of added mystery on depth perception when playing the approach.
Creating a challenging two-shot hole that’s under 400 yards is no small feat.
Options are a fundamental part of compelling architecture. Hole 3 on the North Course at Moss Creek provides an array of such engaging choices for golfers to decide upon.
Images courtesy of John Fought
Related: Jim Mclean interview
M. James Ward
A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 68-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 13 Ryder Cup matches. His writings have appeared in various outlets. On a personal level, has played over 2,000 courses globally and is lead reviewer for Top 100 Golf Courses.
Previously served for 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest. Has also personally competed in USGA Championships. Resides in the metro New York City area with his wife Celeste. Favorite quote paraphrased for golf — “You are what your golf score says you are.”