First Class on the First Coast
by Ed Holbrook
with Sue Holbrook and Daniel Shube
They call it Florida's First Coast &endash; the
area surrounding Jacksonville and its beaches. Presumably, it derives
its name from the fact that, when you come down the east coast, it's
the first Florida coastline you come to. I'm sure the Chamber of
Commerce would tell you it's also first in importance, although those
of us on the Treasure Coast might beg to differ.
Grand Haven, the
new Jack Nicklaus course scheduled to open late spring. The
thing we can tell you is that, from a golf standpoint, First Coast
also means first class. This is an area of stand-out golf courses,
gorgeous stretches of pristine beach and truly fine accommodations.
Ponte Vedra Beach is also the national home of the PGA Tour and the
site of the Tournament Players Club.
The attention of the golf world will focus here twice later
this month...first when the seniors play their Liberty Mutual Legends
of Golf tournament March 16-22 at The Golf Club of Amelia Island.
With a purse of $1.5 million, it's one of the richest stops on the
Senior Tour.
Following close on its heels is The Players Championship, which
historically features the strongest field on the PGA Tour and is the
last stop on the Tour's Florida swing. Steve Elkington will be
defending his title when the balls go on the tees March 26 at the TPC
Stadium Course.
Marriott At Sawgrass
You, too, can play the Stadium Course and its sister, the
Valley Course, if you stay at the Marriott at Sawgrass. Sue and I did
just that one recent weekend and enjoyed it to the max. Since this
area of Florida is almost more south Georgia than Florida as we
know it, the change of weather and surroundings was very pleasant
and at times, downright cold. The day we arrived, we played the
Valley Course in clear, crisp, sunshiny Florida winter weather.
However, we were awfully glad we didn't have an early tee time the
next morning, when the temperature went into the 30's. Typically for
Florida, the sun soon warmed things up to a very pleasant mid-50's.
Dotting the Marriott's beautifully-maintained grounds are
swimming pools, hot tubs, a putting green, tennis courts, creative
children's play areas and even a wedding gazebo.
While most of the golf attention centers on the Stadium Course
(and you can see that for yourself on the tournament telecast) the
Valley Course should not be overlooked. This is also a Pete Dye
design, with consultation by tour player, Jerry Pate. Were it not
sitting right next to its famous sister, the Valley Course would
surely be known as the best course in this area. And, both Sue and I
agree, a truly fun course.
The Valley Course has few bunkers, but lots of mounds that make
play interesting, and there's water on every hole. While Big Sister
has her famous island green on number 17, Valley has her own version
on number 14. More of a peninsular green than a total island, this is
still a tricky par 3 that demands a careful shot to avoid the water.
Our accommodations at the Marriott were spacious and
comfortable, giving us a view of the gardens and a lake with a full
community of waterfowl. We chose to have dinner in their Café
on the Green and it was delicious. Let's just be up front about it,
however. This is price-y golf...it's not something that most of us
would do every weekend. But for a special occasion (it was my
birthday) or a memorable treat, it's just what you want.
Amelia
Island- A tough par-3 at The Golf Club
of Amelia Island.
Meanwhile, about half an hour north, the Shube crew was
exploring the delights of Amelia Island. Since they had children in
tow, they were seeking more than just golf. Sounds like they found
it. As Dan said, "I found a perfect hide-a-way, overlooking a
gorgeous beach, with plenty of space, 5-star amenities and great
golf...the Summer Beach Resort. Guests staying here may use the
facilities of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel that's on the property
(including their superb dining establishments) yet have spacious 2,
3, or 4 bedroom condos, townhouses or villas, all at an attractive
price. There are plenty of lighted tennis courts, sunrises to die
for, pure sand beach and all the shells a kid can ask for."
After playing the Golf Club of Amelia Island, Dan gave it a
real "thumbs up." This par 72, 6,681 yard gem (designed by Gene
Littler and Mark McCumber) is in pristine condition, he said, and is
playable for all golfers, yet challenging even for the best players
on the Senior Tour. An addition and renovation project has just been
completed on the clubhouse and is first class all the way.
Amelia Island and the Summer Beach Resort is just a short drive
from historic Fernandina Beach, where you'll find Victorian
architecture, quaint boutiques, antique shops and fine restaurants.
Apparently, the only thing they couldn't make time for was a visit to
Kayak Amelia. Yes, you can even learn to kayak in this part of the
world. It would be a great way to explore Amelia's natural
surroundings from a sea-level perspective.
Palm
Coast- Cypress Knoll Pictured
After our separate adventures, we had much to share when we met
on the southern tip of Florida's First Coast at Palm Coast. Palm
Coast Resort played host to the Florida golf media for three days,
and truly rolled out the red carpet for us. From our headquarters at
the Harborside Inn, we were treated to golf on the four courses at
Palm Coast: Cypress Knoll, Matanzas Woods, Palm Harbor, and Pine
Lakes. All are challenging, fun courses with their own personalities.
As a special treat, we were privileged to be the first group to play
the front nine of the new Jack Nicklaus course, slated to open in
late spring or early summer &endash; Grand Haven. What a beauty this
is &endash; and not to be missed once the ribbon is cut and it's open
for public play.
When we think of golf trips, we often think of the faraway and
exotic and that's great. Scotland, Ireland, Spain, Australia...the
golf possibilities there are out of this world. British Open,
Masters...if they're on your agenda of things to do, don't
wait...book now.
Matanzas Woods
at Palm Coast pictured. But in the meantime, there are lots of
truly great places to play right here under your nose. We've told you
about some and there are lots more for you to discover. If you've
played a really terrific Florida course lately that you think we
should know about, drop us a note so we can share it with Fore
Florida readers. Another aspect of the First Coast we will be sharing
shortly with our readers, is the 400-acre World Golf Village, now
under construction and slated to open in late spring. With its golf
course named after two of golf's greats, "The Slammer" and "The
Squire" (Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen) and its 300-room World Golf
Village Resort, the World Golf Village promises even more first class
golf thrills on Florida's First Coast.
Stay tuned!
Wake-up call...balcony view from Ocean Place at
Summer Beach Resort.
Ed and Sue Holbrook are golf travel connoisseurs in their
spare time, as well as by occupation. Together as Holbrook Golf
Travel, they provide custom, worldwide golf travel packages. You can
reach them by calling 561-770-2222 or 800-785-7180.
edh@floridagolfing.com
