Leopard's Chase

6330 Castlebrook Way, Sunset Beach, NC 28468

$$$$

The youngest of the four Big Cats at Ocean Ridge Plantation, Leopard’s Chase, might be the best of the litter. Tim Cate’s third course at Ocean Ridge opened to rave reviews in 2007, earning a spot on Golf Magazine’s list of the "Top 10 Best New Public Courses in America,” and it hasn’t looked back.

There is water on 16 of 18 holes at Leopard’s Chase and Cate also utilized waste bunkers to frame a course that is one of the most challenging along the North Strand. The layout, which includes five sets of tees ranging from 4,872 yards to 7,155 yards, traverses more than 220 acres and plays through native grasses, wetlands and vistas.

Among the course’s highlights are the unforgettable 5th hole, a par 4 that challenges golfers with water on the left that looms off the tee and a green that is surrounded by sand. Playing 365 yards from the white tees, No. 5 offers the chance to score but trouble looms, helping make it one of the round’s most memorable challenges.

Leopard’s Chase is home to an unforgettable closing hole, a 369-yard par 4 that is equal parts beauty and beast. Water surrounds the 18th fairway and an undulating green that is framed by the native coquina boulders that are familiar to golfers who have played Cate courses, and a waterfall that moves 1,600 gallons of water per minute.

Ocean Ridge grew into one of the premier golf properties along the Carolinas coast, offering players four distinct layouts, and Leopard’s Chase is regarded by some as Ocean Ridge Plantation’s best course. Beauty, both natural and man-made, and Cate’s creativity help define a memorable layout.

It’s worth the drive just across the state line to play Leopard’s Chase at Ocean Ridge Plantation as a standalone round or as part of the ever-popular Big Cats package.