The Clutch Launches with Unique 12-Hole Design on Florida’s Captiva Island

Thursday, May 2, 2024

The South Seas Resort on Captiva Island, nestled along the Gulf Coast of Florida, proudly unveils its latest addition, The Clutch, a new 12-hole golf course. Offering stunning views of coastal waters and the island, The Clutch is a short, family-oriented course designed to enhance the joy and accessibility of golf. This course marks a significant milestone in the resort’s recovery initiatives after the severe impacts of Hurricane Ian. Beau Welling crafted the course with a focus on enjoyable and straightforward play, and it is now open for enthusiasts to enjoy.

Named in tribute to a turtle’s nesting site, The Clutch is a pedestrian-friendly course featuring panoramic seaside views. Players can complete a round in 60 to 90 minutes, and although the course encourages walking, golf carts are also available. Each of the 12 holes presents a unique challenge with various playing routes, suitable for all skill levels. This design showcases the evolution of golf architecture, particularly with the growing popularity of shorter courses.

“The course is positioned to be a contender for top short courses in the U.S. competing with the likes of Pinehurst and Pebble Beach,” says South Seas General Manager, Shawn Farrell. “The appeal of this course at a resort like South Seas is the time available to enjoy all of the resort amenities and still take in a challenging round of quick golf.”

The branding of The Clutch, including its logo of a turtle clutching a golf flag, is consistently reflected across the course’s signage, hole designs, and merchandise. Players achieving a hole-in-one will receive a special challenge coin, uniquely minted for each hole.

Access to The Clutch is exclusive to guests of the resort and members of the Captiva Club. The course features beautifully contoured greens that offer just the right level of challenge for both seasoned players and beginners, emphasizing strategic play and shot precision.

The course’s holes are thoughtfully named to reflect the local history, environment, and wildlife of the area:

1. The Calusa – Celebrating the indigenous Calusa tribe, early settlers of the island.
2. Key Lime – Commemorating the island’s history as a key lime plantation.
3. Mariner – Paying tribute to the Mariner Group, significant developers of the South Seas Resort.
4. Heron – Named for the herons that inhabit the island, enhancing its status as a bird-watching haven.
5. The Vow – A nod to Captiva’s popularity as a wedding destination, juxtaposing the parallels between marriage and golf.
6. Osprey – Highlighting the osprey nests visible from the course.
7. Redfish – Named after a popular sport fish in the region.
8. Junonia – Inspired by a rare and beautiful type of shell found on Captiva.
   9A. Hawksbill – Named after a smaller species of sea turtle with a distinctive beak.
   9B. Loggerhead – Dedicated to the most prevalent turtle species in the U.S.
9. Egret – Named for the egrets commonly seen around the island.
10. Snook – Celebrating this revered game fish known for its spirited nature.
11. Manatee – Honoring these gentle marine creatures often spotted near the course.

Captiva Island, a serene getaway just a 45-minute drive from the mainland via the Sanibel Causeway, is a narrow strip of paradise between Pine Island Sound and the Gulf of Mexico. South Seas Resort, positioned at the northern tip of Captiva, is bordered by extensive sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it an idyllic retreat from the everyday hustle.

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