Hammock Beach (Ocean Course) Routing effect on your enjoyment?

[Kenny Baer]

I just played the Ocean course in Palm Coast, FL this Friday, ; the holes by the Ocean are spectacular; as good as any holes I have played anywhere.  They were especially fun this trip due to 30+ mph winds.

The routing is as bad as the Ocean holes are good; it seems that there is 1/4 mile walk/ride (they won't let you walk) between almost every tee.  It is impossible to walk if there are any other golfers on the course w/ carts (I think it would add 1.5 hrs to every round).

My question is if 14-16 golf holes are good/great holes but you spend so much time in a cart driving to and from each green to tee then how much does it effect your enjoyment of the course?  After all a good golf course is about good golf holes...but IMO it takes away from the expierence significantly, there is just something about taking the driver out the bag and walking to the next tee w/o having to even move your bag.

At the Ocean course I give the holes in and of to themselves a Doak 7 but the overall expierence a 4-5.  Is it fair to be so harsh?

I have played at Hammock Beach many times but that was BGCA, (Before Golf Club Atlas) now I even question the routing of the phones in my house, I stay awake at night wondering if the coffee table would look more natural with or without the phone........

In all seriousness what do you guys think?

[Andy Troeger]

Kenny,
I think you make a fair point about the routing. There are a number of long walks (rides) and the development around the course between the resort and other homes takes away some of the aura. I think not being able to walk (due to policy and the routing) tends to frustrate me more on a totally flat site as opposed to some of the mountain layouts where the terrain makes it hard to design a walkable course. That was not a concern at Hammock Beach. I think their other course is carts only as well, even though its more walkable.

I liked some of the holes, especially the ending stretch of #15-18. I don't think I liked it as much as you did. It doesn't affect the quality of the holes, but the lack of interaction is a little disappointing to me. You really can never see much of it through the big "hedge," other than a few glimpses. The course is very difficult, especially when the wind blows.

If you think the routing is a bit odd at Ocean Hammock, take a look at the routing for the following course: http://www.ironbridgeclub.com/golf/thecourse.php (Colorado). Note the gap between 1/2, 8/9, 9/10, 13/14.

[Kenny Baer]

Andy,

At least that course is on a mountain; the thing that drives me nuts is that Hammock Beach is on flat ground; I don't see any reason why it was built that way.

I totally agree about the hedges and the lack of interaction but for Florida it is about as close as  you come to the sea.

I love 15-18 as well; what do you think about the 2nd shot on 15, (any shot that doesn't land 15-20ft deep on the green runs 10+ yds off the green to the right)  do you like it; or do you think it should be softened?

[Andy Troeger]

Kenny,
#15 was probably my favorite hole on the course. It provides ample width, and the green is large enough that I don't have a problem with the severity of the fronting slope. Its a tough hole on a tough course, but there is room left to try to ramp the ball up if I remember correctly. One just better not miss right or down the slope the ball will go. I had a left pin which wasn't nearly as severe as you described--I wonder if I might not have liked it as well if the pin was on the right which would make things much more difficult.

[Kenny Baer]

I like the hole a lot; especially in a stiff wind like the one I played in on Friday; but it is right on the edge, at least imo.