Florida’s Historic Coast — A Golfer’s Paradise
St. Augustine, Fla. — A destination on every golfer’s bucket list, Florida’s Historic Coast has more than a dozen must-play championship golf courses and experiences you’ll never forget.
Where to stay, where to play and unique experiences for golf enthusiasts
Embrace a Challenge
Ready to bring you’re A-game? The most famous course on Florida’s Historic Coast is THE PLAYERS Stadium Course with its world-renowned 17th island hole at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach. THE PLAYERS Championship takes place here in May, so this course even tests the PGA Tour Pros. The Stadium Course was designed to improve the overall on-site fan experience for THE PLAYERS, and presents a selection of short, medium and long holes within categories of par-3s, par-4s and par-5s; both right and left doglegs; and a routing laid out so no two consecutive holes ever play the same direction.
Play on at Dye’s Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass, the sister-course to the world-famous THE PLAYERS Stadium Course. Seasoned and casual golfers can benefit from the design of this golf course with wider fairways and larger greens. Dye’s Valley Course is available for play year round.
Stay at the nearby Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa and you’ll enjoy privileged access and golf cart transportation to TPC Sawgrass. Make History on the LinksWhere else can you explore the history of the world’s greatest game and enjoy two golf courses designed by golf legends. At the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, visitors live out their golf fantasies on two great courses – the Slammer & Squire inspired by Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead - and the King & Bear, jointly designed by golfing greats Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. The Slammer & Squire is a 6,939 yard resort course with views of the World Golf Hall of Fame and is distinguished by memorable par-3s, preserved woodlands, wetland and natural beauty. The King & Bear is a 7,279 yard course that is eminently playable and picturesque with par-5s amid lakes and live oaks. The King & Bear is rated among Golf Week’s Top Resort Courses. This is also the home of the World Golf Hall of Fame, the only place in the world where golf’s greatest players are enshrined along with exhibits tracing the evolution of the game and personal memorabilia and artifacts from its 146 members. Cross over the Swilcan Burn Bridge at St. Andrew’s replica, play the 18-hole natural grass putting course or try your hand on the Challenge Hole. With unique items from golf’s biggest names including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Nancy Lopez, Phil Mickelson, Gary Player and Annika Sorenstam (just to name a few), the Hall of Fame is truly one of the game’s most revered places.
A Day at the Beach
If you’re looking for the ultimate golf game with a true Florida feel, play at one of several seaside courses.The Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort was cut out of the Atlantic Coast coastline. This Jack Nicklaus design will give you a golf experience like no other. This 7,201 yard par 72 is truly a Florida oceanfront golf course with six holes which overlook the Atlantic Ocean. One of its signature holes, the 18th is a par four that stretches 468 yards along the Atlantic coast. At the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, you’ll find two courses that are just a short walk from the greens to getting sand between your toes. The Lagoon Course is a 6,022 yard, par 70 masterpiece. The course places a premium on accurate drives and thoughtful approaches. Water is definitely a dominant feature with a mosaic of lakes and lagoons taunting golfers on 11 holes. The par-72, 6,811 yard Ocean Course at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club has served as the site for the U.S. Open qualifying round five times.
Polish Your Game
The PGA TOUR Golf Academy at World Golf Village is a one-of-a-kind, full-service game improvement facility. Designed to provide you with an experience like no other, the Academy enjoys spectacular views of the World Golf Hall of Fame and features a 2,700-square-foot state-of-the-art building, complete with all-weather hitting bays and multiple covered tee areas. The instruction programs feature highly personalized attention to your unique needs and skill level, and include video swing analysis, comprehensive instruction manuals, and a written game plan for improvement.
TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse
The Mediterranean-Style, 77,000 square foot clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass is a majestic centerpiece for the club, providing TOUR-standard hospitality to members and guests alike. Blending elegant, old world charm with modern, upscale amenities, the TPC Clubhouse features a variety of dining options, an expansive gallery, beautifully appointed banquet and meeting space and a world-class golf shop. The clubhouse is open for the public to enjoy with storyteller docents on hand to help every guest explore the club’s wide array of PGA TOUR memorabilia.
Golf Travel Deals
The St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau is the best source for special offers and deals for visitors. From romance to golf or family getaways, these special offers provide even more reasons to visit Florida’s Historic Coast.
Florida’s Historic Coast has special offers for Golf Getaways featuring the ultimate golf experiences that are on every golfers bucket list, even ticket and lodging packages to THE PLAYERS Championship!
Florida’s First Coast of Golf is a portal to all things golf and travel in Northeast Florida. Find travel packages, book accommodations, schedule tee times and more all from www.florida-golf.org. Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. For more information on events, activities, holiday getaways and vacation opportunities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com, become a fan on Facebook or call 1.800.653.2489.
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