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Sporting Clays

Where precision meets the outdoors

Set amid a secluded stretch of longleaf pines, sporting clays offer Watersound Inn guests a chance to experience the thrill of the outdoors in a setting that feels both refined and exhilarating. Often described as “golf with a shotgun,” this immersive activity challenges focus, coordination, and timing across a thoughtfully designed course.

Experience Sporting Clays at the Preserve

The Watersound Club® Sporting Preserve features a thoughtfully designed 15-station sporting clays course that delivers a fresh challenge with every visit. Clay throwers rotate weekly, creating constantly changing flight paths that mirror real-world game bird scenarios. From first-time shooters to seasoned sportsmen, the course offers a dynamic, engaging experience that balances instruction, strategy, and pure outdoor enjoyment.

 

The sporting clays course is open Wednesday through Sunday, with reservation times available at 9 AM and 1 PM.

Expert instruction is led by General Manager and Lead Instructor Michael Abbott, a Level 1 Certified Instructor with the National Sporting Clays Association. Watersound Inn guests may choose from private or group lessons tailored to individual skill levels and comfort.

 

A curated selection of shotguns is available for rent, along with ammunition and select retail items, ensuring a seamless and well-equipped experience from the first station to the last.

The Watersound Inn guest services staff is pleased to arrange your sporting clays reservation and assist with planning private lessons, group outings, or specialty clinics during your stay.

All sporting clays pricing is per person:

  • Trapper/Guide & Mule Fee: $75
  • Certified Shooter* Mule Rental: $50
  • Targets (100): $50
  • Additional Targets (per clay): $0.50
  • Ammunition (4 boxes; 100 shells): $50
  • Additional Ammo (per box): $12.50
  • Gun Rental (per gun; optional): $35

Please note that pricing excludes trapper gratuity.

 

 

*Certified Shooters, recognized for their strong knowledge of shooting sports and firearms safety, must receive approval from the Watersound Club Sporting Preserve General Manager or Range Safety Officer to access the course unattended.

Watch: The Sporting Clays Experience

Experiences for Every Skill Level

Watersound Inn guests enjoy access to a diverse lineup of shotgun sports experiences at the Watersound Club Sporting Preserve. Beginner and ladies clinics emphasize safety, proper gun fit, and shooting fundamentals, while advanced sessions focus on refining technique, rhythm, and consistency.

 

Each experience is led by knowledgeable instructors in a relaxed, scenic outdoor setting that encourages confidence and camaraderie. Whether discovering sporting clays for the first time or fine-tuning an established skill set, these guided experiences offer a memorable way to enjoy the sport.

Sporting Clays FAQs

The sporting clays course is part of the Watersound Club Sporting Preserve, located just beyond Shark’s Tooth Golf Course. Watersound Inn guests begin their experience by checking in at Shark’s Tooth, where transportation to the course is provided via off-road side-by-side vehicles for a short scenic ride.

After check-in, you’ll be escorted to a thoughtfully designed 15-station course set in a natural outdoor environment. A trained range professional accompanies each group to manage safety, operate the throwers, and keep the experience flowing smoothly. Target presentations are adjusted regularly, so even repeat visits feel fresh and engaging.

No preparation required. Shotguns, ammunition, and essential gear are available on-site for rental or purchase. Guests who regularly shoot may bring their own shotgun if preferred. Bottled water is provided throughout the experience.

Reservations are arranged through the Watersound Inn concierge or by submitting the request form below. Shooting times are currently offered at 9 AM and 1 PM, Wednesday through Sunday, and advance reservations are required to ensure availability.

Absolutely. Private and small-group instruction is available for all experience levels. Certified instructors tailor each session to focus on safety, comfort, and skill development, making sporting clays approachable for beginners and rewarding for experienced shooters alike.

Participants should be mature enough to safely handle a firearm. While ages 14 and up are generally appropriate, final approval is based on individual readiness and instructor discretion.

Plan for a relaxed outdoor experience lasting about two hours. Comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, and sun protection such as hats or sunglasses are recommended. For safety reasons, open-toe shoes are not permitted on the course.

Pull the Trigger

The course features multiple shooting stations that simulate real-world hunting scenarios, with clay targets launched at varying speeds, elevations, and angles. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or trying sporting clays for the first time, each round delivers a fresh experience shaped by nature and skill.

 

Professional instruction, equipment rentals, and curated experiences make it easy to step confidently onto the course. It’s an ideal addition to a stay that balances relaxation with memorable adventure.

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