The Most Famous Par-3 in Golf
As you watch the PLAYERS Championship this weekend and players tackle the famed island green, 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. Remember, you can play there. In fact, I recommend it highly. But while the Stadium Course gets most of the buzz, Jacksonville, Florida is home to many great world-class layouts.
You’ll learn plenty about Sawgrass this weekend, but here are a few other gems on Florida’s “First Coast” that you’ll want to know about.
World Golf Village
Not only does the village boast the World Golf Hall of Fame, but two great golf courses and a world class spa and hotel. The Slammer and the Squire was the original course at WGV. It’s named after it’s consultants, Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen. The course winds through the village and is a great links style, resort test. Conditions are always top notch and there is no lack of courteousness from the staff. The newer course on the property is the King and the Bear, the only 18 hole golf course that Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus have collaborated on. This course is a real treat, it’s always in perfect shape and you’ll be glad to know that the two legends blend their styles perfectly on this track. Combining these two courses on a stay and play package at the World Golf Village, including a stroll at the World Golf Hall of Fame should be on every golfer’s wish list.
The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Ponte Vedra Beach Inn
With several holes right on the Atlantic Ocean, wind can take it’s toll at this beautiful seaside resort course. The Ocean course dates back to the 1920s, but was rejuvenated by Bobby Weed in the late 1990’s. The course is not long, but precision is a must on the turtleback greens. To get the full effect, you must combine this with a stay at an ocean front room at the Lodge.
Amelia Island Plantation
Oceanside at Amelia Island Plantation
Just north of Jacksonville, near the Georgia border lies one of the most serene places in all of Florida, Amelia Island. There are 72 great holes of golf here, and a few are among the best in the world. The most celebrated layouts here are Long Point and Ocean links, both which feature stretches of holes just feet from the waves crashing on the beach. Long Point is a Tom Fazio course that is superbly maintained and the Ocean Links is a Pete Dye/Bobby Weed design, whose back nine features ocean views that might not be rivaled this side of the Mississippi. Stay at the intimate Amelia Inn & Beach Club to make this a one of a kind experience.
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