The Guru
loves oceanside courses, yet, oddly enough, there aren’t that many in my home
state of Florida. You’ve got lots of layouts near the ocean, but
really only a precious few directly on the ocean.
That’s
why I’m so excited about the re-opening on October 12, 2017 of the Ocean
Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design, at Hammock Beach Resort in Palm
Coast, about 28 miles south of St. Augustine.
If the
date sounds vaguely familiar, it’s because it marks the one-year anniversary of
Hurricane Matthew, which wreaked havoc on the Ocean Course. High winds and
storm surge from hurricane made the course almost unrecognizable.
Now,
following an extensive 12-month restoration project, the Ocean Course is
returning better than ever.
Staying
true to Nicklaus’ design, the Ocean Course restoration and enhancement
encompasses the re-grassing of all fairways, greens and rough with the
salt-tolerant Platinum Paspalum, and the reconstruction of each tee box, bunker
and green.
“By
replacing Bermuda grass with salt-tolerant Platinum Paspalum, we will now offer
golfers one of the purest surfaces in the game,” says Brad Hauer, director of
golf at Hammock Beach Resort. “And, in addition to improved playing conditions
for golfers of all levels, the views of the Atlantic Ocean are simply
incredible.”
The Ocean
Course’s dune line, which is more than a mile long, continues to be carefully
restored to state conservation specifications. Newer and stronger dunes are
forming, which offer greater environmental protection while also offering
golfers some of the most stunning ocean panoramas on the East Coast.
Renowned
for its six Atlantic Ocean-hugging holes and finishing stretch dubbed “The Bear
Claw”, the Ocean Course is challenging, fun and oh so photogenic. Originally
opened in 2000, the Ocean Course has multiple tee settings and plays as short
as 4,100 yards and as long as 7,201 yards from the back tees.
While you’re
at Hammock Beach Resort, definitely play the resort’s other highly-rated
layout, the Conservatory Course, an exceptional Tom Watson design.
Once the
Ocean Course re-opens, the resort will be able to double its efforts to
introduce young players to the sport through its Family Fairways Program.
Designed to bring families together through golf, the daily program provides
special rates for adults and juniors along with complimentary club rentals for
children from 3:00 p.m. until close.
Guests
are invited to be among the first to play the Ocean Course during the Grand
Reopening Weekend, starting on October 12. It will feature several events,
dining and entertainment. Golfers can also register to win a weekend at the
resort by visiting the Ocean Course’s countdown page.
HammockBeach Resort has everything the Guru likes in a golf resort with challenging and
drop dead gorgeous golf, luxurious, spacious accommodations, superb amenities
like multiple restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness center and a terrific golf director who knows what golfers like.
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