The Links At Brick Landing, Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Like most of the golf courses with “Plantation” in their name, Brick Landing Plantation in Ocean Isles, NC has a story behind it.

Prior to 1729, much of Brunswick County was part of South Carolina with a southern border of what is today known as the Little River. In the early 18th Century, the world around the Ocean Isle Beach area was undergoing drastic change. English settlers were beginning to inhabit the area and develop what would soon become one of the largest industries in America: plantations.

One of the wealthier families to move into the area was the Gause family; they played an integral role in developing the land that would ultimately become Brick Landing Plantation. The Gause family built a two-story manor atop a high hill overlooking a channel which is known today as Ocean Isle Beach and developed the manor into a large plantation, producing turpentine and more specifically tar, which was sold primarily to the shipping industry.

The Plantation did quite well and had a thriving monopoly on the local tar and turpentine industry. No one knows for sure whatever happened to Gause Manor but Brick Landing Plantation strives to honor the Gause’s memory and ensure their rich legacy lives on.

The centerpiece of Brick Landing Plantation is the 18-hole championship golf course known by locals as “The Brick”. The Brick is considered by many to be one of the area’s finest layouts and is a challenge for players of all levels of ability. The layout of the golf course takes full advantage of the terrain’s natural beauty as it weaves throughout the marshes and Intracoastal waterway. You’ll encounter a wide variety of wildlife, natural vegetation, saltwater marshes and hardwood forests which are home to historic oak trees as you play your way around the course, which itself winds through the plantation golf community.

The two things that many golfers remember most about their round at Brick Landing Plantation are the fairways and the greens. The fairways have a lot of roll to them and the occasional uneven lie is not an odd occurrence. They are well maintained and manicured and lead to Sunday Bermuda grass greens that produce consistently true rolls. The breeze that drifts in off the ocean is quite refreshing on those hot, summer days and can sometimes wreak havoc with your game.

Memorable Holes: (All Yardages are from the White Tees)

Number 2: Par 3, 90 yards. Although it’s an ultra-short hole, you’re tee shot’s either on the green or in the sand, especially if it’s hit short, long or left. The green is large and a lot wider than it is deep; three-putts are not uncommon and the sand can make for some big numbers on such a small hole!

Number 4: Par 4, 289 yards. If I were naming holes, this one would be called “Shotmaker.” A long iron or hybrid is all you need off the tee. Just be sure to hit it straight; there’s water on either side of the fairway. A good tee shot will leave a short iron or wedge back over water to a green protected by water in front and on the right. You’ll need two well-placed shots to have a chance at par or better.

Number 17: Par 4, 444 yards. The last two holes will test you physically and mentally. At 444 yards and slightly uphill, Number 17 will require a long approach shot regardless of how far you hit your tee shot. The green is long and narrow and is guarded in front with bunkers on either side. The tree between the fairway bunker and the green adds extra peril to shots down the right side. Par is a good score here.

Number 18: Par 4, 365 yards. This is another thinking man’s hole at Brick Landing Plantation. The goal off the tee is to find the fairway; if you don’t, you probably won’t find your ball at all! Success here will leave you a mid or short iron approach shot into a long, narrow green fronted by a pond. Another hole where par - or better - is good!

Before your round (or after if you had a rough day) be sure to hit some balls on the driving range. Brick Landing Plantation has an outstanding practice facility located across the street from the pro shop. In addition to a full-length driving range where you can hit every club in the bag, there’s a short game area as well as a large practice green. Like most sports, practice is the key to improvement and there’s no nicer place in the area to work out all of the bug then at Brick Landing Plantation. And, if you can’t solve your swing problems on your own, their staff of golf professionals can help get you on the right track.

The Pro Shop at Brick Landing Plantation offers golfers some of the best equipment and apparel choices in the area, all designed to complement your game. Golf apparel from names such as Adidas, AHEAD, Kate Lord and Bermuda Sands and equipment from Bridgestone, Cleveland and Srixon, is restocked on a regular basis. They also have a wide selection of golf balls from all of your favorite manufacturers.

Outside of golf, Brick Landing is known as an outstanding wedding venue. The event staff will take care of all of the elements on your dream day and let you focus on your guests. The Intracoastal Waterway offers a beautiful view while Ocean Isle Beach serves as a stunning backdrop; it’s a view unrivaled on the Carolina coast. All weddings are catered by ART Catering & Events.

Believe it or not, some golfers base their decision on what club to join based on the dining opportunities and the menu. While Brick Landing is by no means an upscale golf and country club, The View Restaurant stands in a league of its own. Locals and visitors alike routinely visit The View to enjoy fresh seafood and exciting American traditional dishes with a focus on fresh and local cuisine. You’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of the Carolina coast from one of Brick Landing’s luxurious dining rooms or patios. The menus are seasonal and there’s live entertainment and handcrafted cocktails designed to make your stay longer and more enjoyable. Be sure to check out their famous Sunday Brunch too.

If you live in the area and are considering joining a club or you visit the area on a regular basis, Brick Landing Plantation offers a membership plan that will fit both your needs and your budget. These memberships offer such privileges as preferential tee times, member only events and discounts in the pro shop as well as the locally famous The View Restaurant. Brick Landing offers Full, Social, Seasonal and Pay as You Play memberships. Full memberships offer the best value and include no daily golf fees, free range balls, a $30 guest rate, a Platinum Card and discounts in both the restaurant and pro shop. You’ll also get a personalized locker (based on availability). A Membership brochure is available on their website.

Last Word: At 6,576 yards, Brick Landing Plantation isn’t going to overwhelm a long ball hitter, but, at the same time, it’s not going to play to their strengths either. Several par 4s measure less than 350 yards, which will probably take driver out of their hands. On several of these holes, water dictates the shot and shape you need to hit off the tee; it’s more about shot placement and distance control than brute strength. There are a few holes where hitting the ball a long way off the tee can help, most notably on Number 17. At 444 yards from the White Tees, most double-digit handicappers will consider a bogey a good score.

Selecting the best set of tees to match your skill set will go a long way in determining how much fun you have at Brick Landing Plantation. It’s well worth checking out and I highly advise either getting there early or staying late and having a meal at The View Restaurant. It’s unbelievably good food served by a friendly and professional staff.