King and Prince Golf Club Announces Beau Welling to Lead Course Renovation Amid Shift to Private Structure in 2026
Published:
St. Simons Island, GA – South Street Partners (“South Street”), a leading private equity real estate investment firm headquartered in Charlotte and Charleston, announced today that they have engaged acclaimed golf course designer Beau Welling to lead a renovation on The King and Prince Golf Club’s golf course on St. Simons Island, scheduled to commence mid-next year. Located just a few miles north of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, The King and Prince Golf Club is also planning a clubhouse reimagining, alongside the upgrades to their 18-hole golf course, as they shift to a fully private model in the next year.
Beau Welling Design has become known as a leading innovator in the golf industry after serving as the principal planner of the award-winning PGA Frisco as well as the designer of its Fields Ranch West Course. Locally, BWD has recently completed three renovations in Georgia: Atlanta Country Club (Marietta), Coosa Country Club (Rome) and Ocean Forest Golf Club (Sea Island). BWD has also collaborated with South Street on multiple projects, including the new Orange Hill course and club community at Kiawah Island Club on Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
The planned enhancements at The King and Prince Golf Club will showcase the course’s distinctive setting while elevating every aspect of play. With dynamic design updates, reimagined practice areas, and inspiring new views, these improvements are designed to bring fresh energy to the course.
In addition to the course renovations, early stages of planning have begun on a clubhouse transformation designed to complement and elevate the overall member experience. These upgrades will support The King and Prince Golf Club’s long-term goal of transitioning to a fully private model by mid-2026.
“We identified The King and Prince for acquisition as both the resort and golf club complemented our existing portfolio of exceptional assets, including Kiawah Island Club and Palmetto Bluff, located in high-growth, Southeastern markets,” said Chris Randolph, Managing Partner, South Street. “We are really excited to bring our expertise in the development and operations of luxury residential and resort communities to The King and Prince Golf Club and introduce best-in-class experiences, premier golf offerings and thoughtful design to this iconic property.”
“The King and Prince Golf Club sits on an incredibly unique piece of land, and there’s a real opportunity here to highlight that natural beauty in a more intentional way,” said Beau Welling, BWD founder and CEO. “Our approach is to stay true to the original character of the course, while introducing design elements that improve playability, strategy and visual interest. It’s about refining what’s already here and creating a more engaging experience for members.”
Located on St. Simons Island, the 188-key resort spans nearly six acres with direct beach access and amenities that include bars and restaurants, resort style swimming pools as well as the 18-hole golf course at The King and Prince Golf Club. The property also includes developable land and beachfront condos for purchase.
About The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
Located on Georgia’s St. Simons Island and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort is a historic coastal destination offering timeless Southern hospitality since 1935. A member of the Historic Hotels of America and previously recognized as one of The South’s Best Hotels by Southern Living, the resort features a variety of accommodations, oceanfront dining at ECHO, and a wide range of amenities including The King and Prince Golf Club and The Cottage Custard + Coffee shop. For more information, visit kingandprince.com.