Jacksonville - for golf

[Paul Richards]

Will be traveling to Jacksonville and haven't been there for a while.

Already played the TPC at Sawgrass and Sawgrass CC, as well as Marsh Landing.

What else is there in the area?  Any "must-sees"?  Any to avoid?

Thanks in advance.

[ed_getka]

If memory serves, Bill McBride is in the area, he would probably be your best bet for info. I think Ocean Hammock is in that area of Fla. and has garnered good reviews on this site.

[Bill_McBride]

Thanks, Ed, but I'm actually a six hour drive west to Pensacola, the other end of the north border of Florida!  (It's a big state!).  John Conley is closer, in Orlando, but still a ways.  I think Tom Paul is an enthusiast of Timucuan (sp?), a Bobby Weed renovation in the area.  I played and enjoyed a pretty rough public Ross course, Hyde Park, with a few original touches.  The Ravines gets the occasional approving nod.  Not sure what else but I'm sure there's more.

[DTaylor18]

The only course I've played in the area is Osprey Cove, just over the border in St. Mary's, Georgia I believe.  It's supposed to be one of the best non-Sawgrass courses in the area, maybe a 30-45 minutes or so from Jacksonville.  It was pretty good, and some people on this board seemed to have liked it.

[Bill_McBride]

A post on the Sea Island thread reminds me that Fernandina Muni is the Tom Paul favorite in the north of Jax area.  I do think Bobby Weed was involved with renovation / remodeling there as well as Timucuan.  But I could be wrong.

[Jonathan Cummings]

Paul - another golf trip!?  

Try the David Duval course - Pablo Creek.  It is just a mile or so from the TPC.  I believe you can get onto PC through "your connections".

JC

[Andy Silis]

Paul!

         Pablo Creek is THE MUST PLAY in that area! One of the better Fazio's you will play!



Andy Silis

[james soper]

pablo creek is the answer. enjoy. jjs

[John_Conley]

I have not been allowed on Pablo Creek.  I'm told it is very good.

For those I have seen, I don't care for the TPC, Osprey Cove (to the N) is pretty good, and Ocean Hammock is wonderful.  I don't know if Palm Coast is too far out of area.  King & Bear is supposed to be much better than Slammer & Squire, but I've only seen the boring latter.

Enjoy.  Nice weather in Florida this time of year.

[Robert "Cliff" Stanfield]

Timiquana was a fun track. I played it the same day as the Stadium Course and I enjoyed the laid back feeling and simple design.  It is a Ross 1930's?  Re-worked by Weed.  Not to sure how much is left....I know he re-worked a few bunkers and greens to "modernze the course" or keep up with the modern avenue of the games direction.

Feel free to email me, maybe I can try to set a game up with a member.

[ed_getka]

Bill,
 Whoops, my mistake . Was I at least right about Ocean Hammock? .

[John_Cullum]

The only other course I know of worth mentioning would be San Jose CC in Jax. Ross design redone around 1990. I have not played it, but a member there once played with me at my home course. Probably well maintained. It sounds like it would be worth a look.

Some are impressed with Palatka about 40 mile south of Jax. I did a drive by and was not impressed with what I saw. It stays in pretty rough condition.

[David Kelly]

I would recommend:
1. Timuquana Country Club
2. Ocean Hammock

Osprey Cove is nice - not thrilling - but nice.

[Mike Benham]

Osprey Cove is nice and if it is mid-week mid-morning, you can probably play in 3 hours ...

What about Fernandina Muni ... I believe that is a favorite of someone on the board ... (redanman???)

[John_Conley]

Fernandina Beach Municipal is on Amelia Island.  This may or may not be close to you depending on where you stay in Jacksonville - on of America's largest cities.

If you play, the long 9 and the tricky 9 are a good combination.  I haven't played it, but the short 9 looked a little boring.  Best value in the area, but it isn't "fancy" golf like you might find at the WGV, TPC, or other more upscale places.

[BCrosby]

I believe that a certain Doyen's recommendation of Fernandina Beach Muni was with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

Bob

[SteveTL]

As a resident of the Jacksonville area, I'll give you my list (roughly in order) - irrespective of public or private...

1.  Pablo Creek - private (very exclusive - one of Fazio's best)
2.  TPC Stadium (overdiscussed - overrated???)
3.  Timuquana - private (yes - redone by B. Weed)
4.  Ponte Vedra Club (Ocean) (also redone by Weed)
5.  Marsh Landing - (cart golf through the swamp by Palmer)
6.  Sawgrass CC - (traditional Palmer, quite good)
7.  King & Bear @ World Golf Village - (Nicklaus/Palmer - I like it better each time I play it, especially the back side)
8.  Long Point (Amelia Island - a bit north)
9.  Palencia (contrived Art Hills layout on gorgeous property)
10. North Hampton - near airport/Amelia Island (difficult new Palmer layout, a bit funky)
11. TPC Valley (maybe not worth it)
12. St. Johns G & CC (straighforward/unspectacular)

An hour south is Ocean Hammock in Palm Coast.  Along with the two Hammock Dunes courses it is worth the drive.  An hour or so north is Sea Island - the Seaside, Retreat, and Plantation would all be worth the visit - as would the Lodge/Clubhouse.

All the best...!  Steve

[Paul Richards]

Steve:

Thank you very much for that comprehensive list.