7 Unique Golf Courses in Northeast Florida

Sunshine, warm breezes, palm trees, and Spanish moss are all part of the experience in Northeast Florida along with its visually stunning 100 miles of coastline, the intracoastal waterway, rivers and lagoons, all of which showcase many of the area’s pristine and challenging golf courses.

When making plans for your next golf trip, the beautiful golf courses in Northeast Florida should be at the top of your list. Here are 7 unique golf courses to visit while you’re here!

1. TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course

Known as Northeast Florida’s signature golf course, also #1 in Golfweeks best courses you can play in Fl - the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course is also home to THE PLAYERS Championship each May. After watching the best golfers in the world play TPC Sawgrass, you can experience the Stadium Course yourself when you book a package with the Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa. This course has been honored as the No. 9 ranked resort golf course in the United States and the top-ranked golf course in Florida by Golfweek magazine. The famed 17th island green is listed at 137 yards and has proven to be a challenge for even the world’s best golfers from Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia and Fred Couples.

2. King & Bear and Slammer & Squire

World Golf Village in St. Augustine boasts two courses as well, the King & Bear and the Slammer & Squire. The King & Bear at 7,279 yards is the first-and-only course design collaboration between two of golf's most respected and well-known ambassadors, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. King & Bear is also rated among Golfweek's Top Resort Courses. The Slammer & Squire golf course is a 6,939 yard resort course named after consultants for the course Sam (The Slammer) Snead and Gene (The Squire) Sarazen to architect Bobby Weed. Not far from these courses, Renaissance Resort and Holiday Inn World Golf VIllage offer a great post game environment to relax and unwind.

3. Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort

Traveling to Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches, play the only true oceanfront golf course to open in Florida in more than 70 years, the Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort - Ranked #11 in Golfweeks best courses to play in Fl list. Jack Nicklaus maintained the elevated mounds of scrub oak and native brush called "hammocks" to create natural ocean barriers and used native coquina sand to mold the distinctive cinnamon-colored bunkers. Eight holes are on the Atlantic Ocean, while the remaining wind through unspoiled wetlands and past sparkling lakes. The last four holes of the par 72 course have been nicknamed the "Bears Claw" and are considered to be among the most memorable finishing holes anywhere.

4. Eagle Landing

Eagle Landing Golf Club in Clay County is a 7,037 yard Clyde Johnston design, progressively getting more difficult as you make your way through the course. Johnston incorporated classic holes from around the world in this vintage course design, which truly elevates the golfing experience. Luxurious amenities are available in the clubhouse, such as a sports bar, fully-stocked pro shop, his and her locker rooms, and an elegant restaurant overlooking sparkling water and lush fairways. If you need a place to crash after your round, the Courtyard of Orange Park is a great & convenient location for your lodging needs.

5. Hidden Hills

With rolling hills and peaks, Hidden Hills Golf Club is one of the highest points in Jacksonville. This course was the previous home to the Greater Jacksonville Opener in the 1970s and then redesigned by Arnold Palmer in 1986. In 2017, Hidden Hills opened its fairways to the public. Considered one of the most scenic holes on the course, the No. 8 –349 yards, Par-4, players are surrounded by pine and oak trees, and you might just spot some wildlife, too.

Doubletree Downtown Jacksonville is a great option to stay at when playing Hidden Hills with riverside views and an easy commute to Hidden Hills. Residence Inn Jacksonville - Mayo Clinic is another option near the highway. This all-suite hotel featuring fully equipped kitchen and living room areas, offers an array of amenities…from the relaxing pool to the oversized fitness center, to the lobby bar with food service and a full bar menu. This thoughtfully designed hotel also offers unparalleled amenities that set this hotel apart from all the rest, delivering a new level of well-being, cleanliness, and service.

6. Fernandina Beach Golf Club

Fernandina Beach Golf Club is a 27-hole facility lying just yards from the picturesque Atlantic Ocean and nestled among oak and pine trees on Amelia Island. It comprises three nine-hole courses - the North, West and South nines - each with a uniquely diverse configuration. Having 27 challenging holes of golf and being close to Jacksonville makes this golf club one of the most popular in the US. Before or after your round, be sure to check out their Lighthouse Driving range, equipped with Top Tracer Technology. Not far up the road. the new state-of-the-art lobby at Courtyard/Springhill Suites Amelia Island provides greater flexibility and choices for our guests. At the center of it all is The Bistro, your destination for a great breakfast, or drinks and dinner during the evening. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, your stay at Courtyard/Springhill Suites is sure to be more comfortable, more productive and more enjoyable than ever before!

7. The Yards Golf Club

The Yards is Ponte Vedra Beach’s newest outdoor sports and social venue. An innovative reimagining of the traditional country club, The Yards’ original Arnold Palmer designed course was completely renovated with the King’s blessing and reopened in October 2020.

By combining the totally redesigned classic nine Front Yard with amazing par-threes from the new Backyard, The Yards has created North Florida’s first and only 12-hole course. With other configurations including 9, 6 and 3 holes, The Yards is championship golf with playing options to fit your lifestyle. A great place to stay nearby would be Sawgrass Marriott. With extraordinary amenities and a terrific location, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa offers an unforgettable destination for work and play. You'll find our hotel in Ponte Vedra Beach, just a short distance from Jacksonville. Right on the beach you could go with One Ocean which is right near great restaurantes and shopping.

These are just a few of the many beautiful golf courses in Northeast Florida. Discover these courses and test your skills at these legendary holes. Click here for more information about tee times and golf packages across Florida’s First Coast.

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