AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (November 16, 2007) – Located just off of the northeast Florida coast, Amelia Island is home to many of the region’s most spectacular golf courses. The island’s natural beauty and varied terrain have inspired some of the world’s best golf architects – Dye, Fazio, Palmer and others – to create 117 holes of stunning, world-class golf. From oceanfront holes and oak-lined fairways, to Intracoastal marsh preserves teeming with wildlife, the greens of Amelia Island offer magnificent play for golfers of every skill level. Florida’s slightly cooler winter months (average highs of 67.5F) are the best time to play Amelia, with savings up to 20 percent off traditional season rates on the island’s line up of private and public courses.
Amelia Island Plantation
Located on the southern tip of Amelia Island, embraced by the ocean and surrounding marshes, Amelia Island Plantation is one of the few resorts in the world to offer a Pete Dye and Tom Fazio course combination with links sculpted masterfully to showcase the 1,350-acre sanctuary that is the Plantation property. Consistently named a Golf magazine Silver Medal Resort, the plantation offers 72 holes of golf, golf packages, two practice ranges, two putting greens, two clubhouses, golf clinics, private lessons and two pro shops. Designed by Pete Dye and Bobby Weed, Amelia Links is a 36-hole configuration featuring two signature courses, Oak Marsh and Ocean Links.
Golfers looking for a challenge will enjoy tackling Tom Fazio’s Long Point course, complete with natural hazards, tight fairways, and elevated greens up to 30 feet. Lessons are available at the Amelia Island Plantation Golf School, directed by Ed Bowe, and headquartered at Long Point. The plantation’s newest course – Amelia River – is an 18-hole, 6,823-yard Tom Jackson design in which ball control and accuracy are the keys to a great round. Winter golf rounds at Amelia Island Plantation are discounted up to 20 percent from typical spring rates.
Guests of the plantation also can take advantage of three golf packages. The Spa-Golf Getaway includes a choice of spa treatment or round of golf for each guest, each night. The Guilt-Free Golf package is designed as a guys-only getaway, complete with a discount on recreational activities, golf amenities, pizza and beer, and a take-home gift for a significant other. Guests looking for the best value for their dollar can purchase the Unlimited Golf package. For details and additional information, visit www.aipfl.com or call (866) 213-8045.
The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach
Designed by PGA Tour professionals Mark McCumber and Gene Littler, The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach is Amelia Island’s only PGA Tournament Course. The 6,696-yards of challenging, beautifully landscaped golf weaves through marshes and lakes, putting water in play on 14 holes. Guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Summer Beach Resort enjoy playing privileges, as well as The Golf Club’s practice range, two putting greens, pro shop and clubhouse.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island offers a variety of value golf packages throughout the year, appealing to different personalities. The Fairways and Greens package includes breakfast and up to two rounds of golf, while the Golf and Spa Getaway package gives guests a chance to recuperate after an intense day of golf by enjoying a choice of two massages. The Anne Cain Golf Academy package offers instruction from renowned LPGA instructor, Anne Cain, one of Golf magazine’s “Top 100 Teachers in America.” During the winter months The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island golf packages offer significant savings. For details about these packages and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, visit www.ritzcarlton.com or call (800) 241-3333.
Sharing a stretch of shoreline with The Ritz-Carlton, the Summer Beach Resort offers customized golf packages that include up to 30 percent discounts on room and golf rates during the winter months. Summer Beach Resort offers a variety of private, oceanside accommodations, including villas, town homes, and luxury condominiums. Each villa includes a fully-equipped kitchen, washer, dryer, patio, and other amenities, giving guests everything they need for their home away from home. For more information about Summer Beach Resort, visit www.summerbeach.com or call (800) 862-9297.
More Great Golf
Amelia Island offers additional options at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club and the nearby Golf Club at North Hampton. The 27-hole Fernandina Beach Golf Club is considered one of the finest public courses in the Southeast. With 9,479 yards of diversity, vibrant forests and Bermuda-328 greens grace the North and West courses. The North and West courses were designed in the mid-1950s by Ed Matteson, while Tommy Birdsong designed the South Course in 1972. For seasonal specials, visit www.fernandinabeachgolfclub.com.
Design by Arnold Palmer, the Golf Club at North Hampton is a par 72 championship design which incorporates 10 surrounding spring-fed lakes. Located a short 10-minute drive from the island, this semi-private course features Bermuda grass, coquina boulders, and elevations of more than 40 feet. For more information, visit www.hamptongolfclubs.com or call (904) 548-0000.
Located just off the coast of northeast Florida, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Its long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters have made the island a favorite destination for outdoor adventure. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions, and eateries. For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.org. For additional information regarding golf deals on Amelia Island, visit www.ameliaisland.org/golf.