Sea Island Resort's Seaside golf course -- host of The RSM Classic -- showcases Georgia's scenic coast

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- If you're ranking PGA Tour events by the beauty of the host golf course, The RSM Classic would rate among the top five tournaments every year. There are moments on the back nine of the Seaside Course at Sea Island Resort that can almost compare with the picturesque ocean holes of Pebble Beach Golf Links and the Plantation Course at Kapalua on Maui.

The par-70 7,005-yard Seaside explores the coastal marshlands of Saint Simons Sound on the southern tip of a barrier island an hour north of Jacksonville, Fla. Fifteen holes border the marsh, climaxing in the middle of the back nine at nos. 13-16. Seaside will blow you away, figuratively, with its Lowcountry charms, and literally when the wind whips off the Atlantic Ocean.

The front nine by legendary English architects Harry S. Colt and Charles Alison dates to 1929. The back nine in the marsh was originally created by Joe Lee in the 1970s, but Tom Fazio worked his magic during a renovation completed in 1999 that created today's routing, which is ranked among the top 100 public courses in the country. His bold circular bunkers, faithful to Colt and Alison's distinctive style, add a special architectural touch, often flashing up in front of tiny greens.

Caddies are mandatory on Seaside although golfers can ride or walk.

For a memorable day, start by hitting balls on the range at the Golf Performance Center along the water. To finish in style, hang out for food and drinks inside the posh men's locker room of The Lodge. The five-star lifestyle of Sea Island can be addicting.