By Stan Awtrey
The waves from the Atlantic Ocean pound the beach a wedge shot away from the practice putting green at Hammock Beach Golf Resort. It’s a teaser of what to expect later in the round as you prepare to play The Ocean Course.
But the first hole turns inland and plays away from the ocean. It leaves a visitor wondering when the deep blue sea will be seen again. Finally, as you hit your tee shot to the par-3 elevated eighth green and crest the hill that leads to the putting surface, the Atlantic appears again. You know it’s there, but the sight is so rewarding and brings a sense of pleasure – visually and audibly.
It gets even better. The tee shot on the ninth hole expands the joy even more, even though you’re facing the hardest hole on the golf course. You realize a big slice is going to get wet and may end up with a 7,000-mile drop to the coast of Spain for a point of relief.
These are two of the six holes on The Ocean Course that play directly on the ocean, one of the greatest stretches of Atlantic holes for any course in continental United States.
It concludes with the final four holes, known as the Bear Claw. The 15th is a par-4 that finishes with an elevated green along the ocean. This difficult stretch concludes with the par-3 17th, a short hole that requires a carry over water and plays toward the Atlantic, and the 18th, a long par-4 that plays parallel to the ocean and finishes at an elevated green. Depending on the severity of the ocean breeze – there’s never a question of whether it’s present, only the ferocity and direction – the hole can play 100 yards shorter … or longer.
“The Bear Claw just gives you a good ocean experience,” said Brad Hauer, PGA, the club general manager at Hammock Beach Golf Resort and Spa. “Eight and nine are fun and kind of teases you for those last four holes. No. 15 is such a great hole. Looks like all we did was put a pin at the top of the hill. You drive up that cart path and you get that ocean view, not only the ocean in front of you but you can see miles down the coastline. It’s pretty impressive.”
There is plenty of room to move the ball around. The Ocean Course has 70 acres of fairway – about twice as much as a typical course – to make it more favorable to resort guests. And when Nicklaus came in to do some work after Hurricane Matthew, he actually softened the course, got rid of a few bunkers and made it easier to play.
The resort’s other course is only a short shuttle ride away. The Conservatory is an impeccable links style course designed by Tom Watson, a five-time winner of The Open Championship who knows a thing or two about links courses.
The visually spectacular and opulent clubhouse – based on the concepts of an English bird conservatory — cost $30 million and The Conservatory cost $20 million to build. There are 13 possible combinations of tees on The Conservatory, making it possible to play almost any length.
“Tom wanted to pretty much be able to roll your ball to the green on every hole,” Hauer said. “He didn’t want any forced carries, even though we have a couple, but primarily the whole golf course from tee to green you can run the ball.”
Hurricane Matthew decimated the golf course in 2016. An 11-foot storm surge left salt water everywhere and closed The Conservatory for a year. A $4 million renovation put things right and the course has never been better – or looked better.
Every inch of the facility is well-groomed, from the fairways, tees and greens, to the common areas and parking lots. The staff makes sure the club makes an amazing impact from the moment your ride up.
The golf courses are just a part of the amazing property in Palm Coast, about 70 miles south of Jacksonville and 30 miles north of Daytona Beach. (It is easy, convenient and affordable to fly from Atlanta into either Orlando or Jacksonville and make the short drive to the destination.) The resort features oceanfront accommodation, six restaurants, a 90,000 square-foot pool complex (which includes a lazy river), a spa, racquet sports and some amazing dining options.
The Atlantic Grille serves three meals a day and offers unmatched views of the ocean – a perfect place to start the morning or finish the day. Delfinos Italian Chophouse features homemade Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list. Stix Authentic Sushi offers freshly prepared varieties of sushi and sashimi, as well as a selection of signature rolls. And if you’re looking for a less-formal way to relax, the Loggerheads Sports Pub offers elevated pub fare with numerous local beers and craft cocktails available.
In addition to Hauer, staff professionals like Verdell Ekberg (director of sales and marketing), Louis Giovacchini (national golf sales manager) and Stephen Baker (director of group sales) will go the extra mile to ensure your visit is successful.
For information visit HammockBeach.com
