Ocean Ridge Plantation (Panther's Run Golf Links): Ocean Ridge Plantation is the land of the Big Cats. With courses bearing the names and paw prints of the Lion, Tiger, Leopard (and a Jaguar on the way), the Panther is a keen favourite with local and visiting golfers alike. A quite open, well-bunkered and gently uphill par-4 starts you on your way. You'll quickly discover this is a "leopard" (see Did You Know) that changes its spots as your round progresses. The terrain has some pleasant elevation changes, which add individual character to a number of holes and create pleasant contouring on the often wide fairways. Real estate may be visible through the well-spaced pine trees on several holes, but is generally set well back, and is occasionally contrasted by wetland forest. Running alongside the 8th and 9th holes is Preserve Point - a wonderful area of perfectly preserved wetland forest that forms part of the headwaters of the Shallotte River, no different now than it was thousands of years ago. Good-sized shallow bunkering is the principal defence around the greens, in combination with occasional grass bunkers and earthmounding. On the back-nine water hazards also join the greenside defences, not least at the two closing holes, the excellent par-3 17th flanked by water left and right, and the downhill par-4 18th, with a wide creek to carry in front of the green. There is plenty to enjoy in Ocean Ridge's black cat, but plenty of menace and challenge in the mix as well.