The PB Dye Golf Club in Ijamsville is certainly on any Middle Atlantic golfer’s wish list.  And now if you wish, you can play the course for free for the rest of this year. Check out the details below.

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Anthony Kim Going for Two in a Row this Week

Defending champion, Anthony Kim has the utmost respect for tournament host, Tiger Woods, yet he’s not about to back down with the world’s number one at his back. According to Kim, he’s just got to do what he does, and things will take care of themselves. What he did in round one of the AT&T National was set a Congressional Country Club course record, 8-under-par 62. Kim fired a 29 on his back nine (the front) and even lipped out a birdie attempt at the ninth that could have driven that course record down by a stroke. “You don’t have many opportunities to bust a 61,” commented Kim, not satisfied with his feat.

Nor should he be, because Congressional was there for the taking during round one. Several players, including Kim, fired their best rounds of the year, and lurking 2 strokes back is event host Tiger Woods. While Kim played in the haze of morning, Woods’ round was drenched sun and his gallery was immense. Tournament officials say it is the best first round attendance numbers in the brief history of the event, but rumor is that includes every playing of the previous PGA TOUR event, the Kemper/FBR/Booze-Allen Open. Tiger opened up with birdies on his first two tournament holes, the latter of which was a curling 45-footer that brought the gallery to an uproar.   He made another longish birdie on the 12th and added pops at 15 and 16 to finish at -6, shooting a 64.   With that kind of round, Woods not only made Kim’s round seem a little less impressive, he also fired a warning shot to the field.

Tiger Woods tees off at the Par-3 10th

Others who put themselves in good position on Thursday were D.A. Points, former collegiate sensation Bryce Molder, who has found some good play of late and could be around into the weekend. Of course, no leaderboard at Congressional would be complete without the name Jim Furyk. He’s had two straight top 5 finishes at the AT&T National, and is a cinch for another, if not a win outright. Furyk got it into the house at -4.

U.S. Open Champion, Lucas Glover, playing with Tiger, had an up and down round and finished with a -1, 69. Those who witnessed his drive at the 18th hole claim that there won’t be another one as long this week. He outdrove his playing partners Woods and Hoffman by some 80 yards and had a lob wedge into the green, consequently, Glover missed the green with his approach.

But make no mistake, the results of the first round make it more and more likely that we may see the defending champion and the host.. the kid and the mentor.. AK and TW go at it this weekend. It would make a fine farewell treat for the exiting (but soon to return) tournament.

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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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