Founders at St. James Plantation

The Founders Course at St. James Plantation in Southport, North Carolina, was designed by P. B. Dye and serves as one of several courses within this residential community along the Cape Fear River region. P. B. Dye, son of legendary architect Pete Dye, brings elements of his family's design philosophy to the layout while adapting to the coastal plain landscape of southeastern North Carolina. The course is part of a larger development that has grown to include multiple golf options for residents and guests.

The routing works through relatively flat terrain characteristic of the Carolina Lowcountry, incorporating natural wetlands, mature pines, and native vegetation. Dye's design typically features strategic bunkering and water hazards that require thoughtful course management rather than overwhelming length. The layout reflects the accessible yet strategic approach common to courses serving a residential membership base, where playability across skill levels balances with design interest.

St. James Plantation sits near the historic port town of Southport and the beaches of Brunswick County, positioning the Founders Course within a region known for its concentration of golf communities. The course functions as part of the club's amenity package, complementing the residential character of the plantation development. The setting provides views of coastal Carolina landscape without the dramatic elevation changes found in other regions, creating a golf experience rooted in the natural character of the Cape Fear area.