Panther’s Run, the second course built at Ocean Ridge Plantation, offers a more forgiving and flowing layout compared to its feline siblings, making it a favorite among mid-handicap players and traveling golf groups. Designed by Tim Cate, Panther’s Run blends natural beauty with playability, offering wide fairways, subtle elevation changes, and stunning views of coastal wetlands.

If Tiger’s Eye and Leopard’s Chase are designed to test your precision and nerve, Panther’s Run is built to entertain and reward smart golf without beating you up.

Course Overview

Cate designed Panther’s Run to be both visually inviting and player-friendly. The course winds through tall Carolina pines and scenic marshes with multiple lakes and creeks influencing shot selection. While water comes into play on many holes, there’s usually a safe path for conservative players.

  • Architect: Tim Cate

  • Yardage: 7,086 yards from the tips

  • Slope / Rating: 136 / 73.8

  • Par: 72

  • Course Type: Semi-Private with Public Access

  • Greens: MiniVerde Bermuda

  • Signature Hole: #18 – A long par 4 with a dramatic carry over water on the approach and a tiered green framed by bunkers and pines

The Golfer’s Review

Panther’s Run is a confidence builder—a course that lets you swing freely off the tee, yet still challenges your shot-making with water and subtle green complexes. It’s ideal for the first round of a golf trip, or as a recovery round after a beating from Tiger’s Eye or Leopard’s Chase.

The greens roll true, and the pace of play is typically solid. It’s a course that makes you want to come back and try to go lower.

Amenities

As part of the Big Cats lineup at Ocean Ridge Plantation, Panther’s Run shares in the full suite of top-notch amenities.

  • Clubhouse: Elegant and fully equipped with pro shop and restaurant

  • Practice Area: Grass range, chipping green, and large putting green

  • Dining: Big Cats Grille – excellent for pre-round breakfast or post-round lunch

  • Pro Shop: Stocked with name-brand gear and Big Cats merchandise

  • Lodging: Stay-and-play deals available through Ocean Ridge lodging partners

Location

  • Address: 351 Ocean Ridge Pkwy SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469

  • Distance from North Myrtle Beach: ~25 minutes

  • Nearby Courses: Lion’s Paw, Tiger’s Eye, Leopard’s Chase

  • Nearby Attractions: Sunset Beach, Calabash seafood, Shallotte River

Panther’s Run Golf Links strikes a perfect balance between beauty and playability, with wide corridors and generous landing areas allowing golfers of all abilities to relax and enjoy the round. It may be the most approachable Big Cat—but don’t mistake that for easy.

Pro Tip: The greens are subtly tricky—watch for grain and elevation influence, especially near the edges.