Members (Irwin Front/Irwin Back) at St. James Plantation

The Members Course at St. James Plantation represents Hale Irwin's design work in the coastal region of southeastern North Carolina, where the former U.S. Open champion and Champions Tour star created a layout that reflects his playing experience and understanding of strategic golf. The course is divided into two nines—the Irwin Front and Irwin Back—that form a traditional 18-hole routing within this residential community near Southport, positioned between Wilmington and the South Carolina border.

St. James Plantation is a large master-planned community that has developed multiple golf courses over several decades, and the Members Course serves as one of the primary amenities for residents. The property sits in the Carolina coastal plain, characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling terrain with native vegetation including longleaf pine, live oak, and wetland areas typical of the region. Irwin's design incorporates these natural features while providing a course that accommodates a range of skill levels within the membership.

The layout emphasizes strategic options rather than severe penalties, with fairway bunkering and green complexes that reward thoughtful course management. Water features appear on several holes, reflecting the low-lying topography and natural drainage patterns of the area. The Members Course functions as the centerpiece of the club's golf offerings, hosting regular member play and club competitions throughout the year.