The Third by Davis Love III Tees Off at Watersound Club, Expanding Florida’s Most Exclusive Coastal Golf Retreat
Source: Watersound Club®
Reported By: Matthew Kennedy
March 3, 2025 – With sweeping coastal pines, challenging contours, and a philosophy rooted in timeless course architecture, The Third has officially opened at Watersound Club®, adding a new chapter to Florida’s exclusive golf landscape. Designed by Davis Love III and his team at Love Golf Design, the course spans rolling acres in Panama City Beach, offering both seasoned players and rising amateurs a dynamic, meticulously refined experience.
Opening for play on March 20, 2025, The Third joins Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek as the club’s third championship-level course, bringing Watersound Club’s total to a full 54 holes—a rare offering even among private club peers.
An Elevated Design with Purpose and Play in Mind
True to its name, The Third is a celebration of progression—of the club’s growth and of Davis Love III’s enduring legacy in course design. Every detail, from the strategically shaped bunkers to the six thoughtfully positioned tee boxes, is engineered to offer versatility. The course can host high-level events with complex pin placements or accommodate leisurely rounds with a more relaxed pace and forgiving strategy.
“The greens are large and have a good deal of movement in them. We can set the course up to challenge highly skilled players in a major event, but on a daily basis, we can provide a nice mix of easy, medium and difficult pins to keep things interesting, but not too difficult for the average golfer.”
Mark Love, President of Love Golf Design
This attention to balance is what sets The Third apart. While the course will undoubtedly test precision and patience, it’s also accessible and enjoyable—hallmarks of Love Golf Design’s human-centered approach.
Access Through Membership or an Elevated Stay
While Watersound Club maintains its private membership model, guests of Camp Creek® Inn, the area’s refined coastal hideaway, will have rare access to play The Third through the Member for a Stay program. This offering grants overnight guests full access to club amenities otherwise reserved for members—including all three golf courses.
Camp Creek Inn, located along the coveted 30A corridor, is quickly becoming a destination in its own right. Its Golf Packages are carefully curated to include tournament-caliber play, luxurious accommodations, and entry to an expanded suite of resort amenities. The recent growth includes a state-of-the-art wellness center, tennis and pickleball courts, a multi-pool complex, and three dining venues, all contributing to a multi-dimensional club experience.
A Strategic Addition to Florida’s Golf Landscape
Watersound Club’s expansion, which also includes the Sporting Preserve, a 15-station sporting clays course, is part of a larger movement redefining Northwest Florida as a discreet but growing hub for luxury outdoor recreation.
“The opening of The Third represents a monumental milestone in the ongoing Watersound Club evolution and an intentional response to growing demand for more golf options. We’re thrilled to elevate the experience on the green for our members, while also offering an exclusive opportunity for Camp Creek Inn guests to enjoy premier golf.”
Patrick Murphy, Senior Vice President of Hospitality with St. Joe
Located just north of Shark’s Tooth, the new course strengthens Watersound Club’s reputation as a destination for discerning travelers and committed golfers alike—those seeking challenge, tranquility, and excellence within a single itinerary.
About Watersound Club
Watersound Club (“Club”) private membership club has properties in the Northwest Florida beach areas of South Walton and Panama City Beach. Club members and their guests can access Watersound Beach Club® amenities, Camp Creek® golf course, Shark’s Tooth golf course, The Third golf course, a wellness center, tennis and pickleball courts, Watersound Club Sporting Preserve and other beach, dining and lifestyle activities. More information can be found at www.watersoundclub.com.
About Camp Creek Inn
Nestled along Northwest Florida’s scenic 30A corridor, Camp Creek Inn is a boutique hotel offering an elevated coastal retreat for travelers seeking luxury, relaxation, and access to world-class amenities. Owned and operated by The St. Joe Company, the inn features elegantly appointed accommodations, personalized hospitality, and seamless access to the exclusive Watersound Club amenities, including three championship-caliber golf courses, private beach experiences, and top-tier dining. Designed to provide an intimate yet upscale stay, Camp Creek Inn is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the Emerald Coast in refined comfort. For more information, visit www.campcreekinn.com.