Hammock Beach Resort

[Andy Troeger]

I'm meeting a couple friends to play the Ocean and Conservatory Courses at Hammock Beach Resort next weekend. Their website doesn't have much info on the courses themselves that I could find.

The Ocean Cse is formerly known more simply as Ocean Hammock, a Jack Nicklaus signature design. The Conservatory is a new course credited to Tom Watson. Slope from the tips is 155 and 7800 yards. Not going to be venturing back there!

Anyone played either course? Any thoughts?

[Ian Andrew]

Andy,

I ended up playing The Ocean Course as part of trip to see some of Florida's best known courses. It was added as a stop between North Palm Beach to Jacksonville to make the trip much easier to manage.

It surprised me completely and is probably my favourite Nicklaus course that I have played so far. The course features a lot of fairway width and hazards inside fairway lines including many in the centerlines. There are lots of optional routes and enough room to either play wide or try take on some of the bunkering.
The best word to describe the day was the course was a great deal of fun with the ocean holes being the highlight. The 8th and 9th are excellent holes.

My own quibble was with the stupid island green par five on the front where none of our group could find the green in a 40 mph crosswind. I found that hole out of place on such a playable and enjoyable layout.

I would recommend the course.

[ed_getka]

Andy,
  A few years back a number of guys were talking about this course and most seemed to enjoy it. I know it is on my list of courses to see if I get in the area. Have a great trip. Man, it must be nice to be young and single, gallivanting around the country golfing.

[David_Tepper]

The November/December issue of Travel & Leisure Golf magazine has a feature story on the course at the Hammock Beach Resort. Check out the magazine on a newstand or on line.

www.travelandleisure.com/tlgolf/articles/golf-swing-time-in-the-hammock  

[J_ Crisham]

Andy, This is actually a Nicklaus course that is very playable for players of all levels. The goofy par5 on the front 9 with the island green is unplayable in any kind of wind. Calm days are rare in this part of FL. Fun course just play the tees that match your HCP not Nicklaus's.

[Geoffrey_Walsh]

Andy,

I have always thought that Ocean Hammock doesn't get enough praise for its design.  I played it shortly after it opened and enjoyed my round so much that I have always thought about making a trip back.

One interesting piece of trivia.  It is the site of Michelle Wie's only major tournament win, the Women's Public Links.

[ed_getka]

Who is Michelle Wie?

[Bill Gayne]

I played Hammock Dunes several years ago and thought a lot of the course at the time. I don't remember much of the course details from the one play about twelve years ago. At that time it was their private course done by Fazio. I'm not sure how private it is now that they have two other courses.

[Andy Troeger]

Thanks for the comments so far. Sounds like fairly overwhelming positive reviews which is always nice to hear before a trip!  

Bill,
I had someone else say good things about Hammock Dunes, they have a Rees Jones course as well that is supposed to be nice.

Ed,
No complaints, I consider myself very fortunate but I'm taking advantage of it while I can!  

[Mark Manuel]

Andy,

I have played it a few times and it is a lot of fun.  The wind can change that course dramatically based on direction.  My travelling group has always recommended it to anyone headed over there.  The last 5 or 6 holes are the best part of the course and I concur on that par 5.  We ended up giving a guy a 12 as he hit 4 balls in the water and would have been there all day.

Enjoy 18, if it is into the wind you will struggle to get there in 2.

Mark

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

I just played both a few weeks ago. I think the Ocean course is an enjoyable play with a large number of very good holes. It is a real estate course but things were quiet enough to allow the round to be enjoyable none the less. It is upscale in every way. The Conservatory reminds me of why so many can not get their arms around Florida golf. I can only remember one hole the par 3 3rd being worth talking about. I would not recommend this course unless you are their for a business reason.

[Jay Flemma]

Isn't Ocean Hammock really Reflection Bay East? I noticed alot of similarities...

Quite honestly, I would choose Sawgrass everyt eim over Ocean Hammock.  But I had a nice time at the resort.  This was back in 2002 or something...it was New Years Eeve day and FREEZING!

[Anthony_Nysse]

Jay,
  I'm pretty sure that Andy is playing TPC on this trip also.

Tony Nysse
Asst. Supt.
Colonial CC
Ft. Worth, TX

[Andy Troeger]

TPC Sawgrass is indeed the third course on the trip. I've read enough about that one to not need to ask for more thoughts  

[Matt_Ward]

Andy:

Not being a Florida guy I have to say this -- the Nicklaus course at Ocean Hammock is one of the very best public access courses one can in the Sunshine State. How good? Given the ones I've played I would rate the course along the likes of World Woods -- ahead of the gem Southern Dunes outside of Orlando and a few paces behind what you see with TPC / Stadium.

The ending holes at Ocean Hammock are quite diversified and rather fun. I especially liked the cape-16th hole. The 9th and 18th are also fun to play and it was quite smart to run them from two different angles.

I know many people on this site know my disdain for much of what calls itself golf in FLA but Nicklaus and his team did a superb job with Ocean Hammock.

I've not played the Watson layout but since I'll be at the PGA Show in late January I may stop by and get a firsthand glimpse.

[Mike Mosely]

Andy:

Not being a Florida guy I have to say this -- the Nicklaus course at Ocean Hammock is one of the very best public access courses one can in the Sunshine State. How good? Given the ones I've played I would rate the course along the likes of World Woods -- ahead of the gem Southern Dunes outside of Orlando and a few paces behind what you see with TPC / Stadium.

The ending holes at Ocean Hammock are quite diversified and rather fun. I especially liked the cape-16th hole. The 9th and 18th are also fun to play and it was quite smart to run them from two different angles.

I know many people on this site know my disdain for much of what calls itself golf in FLA but Nicklaus and his team did a superb job with Ocean Hammock.

I've not played the Watson layout but since I'll be at the PGA Show in late January I may stop by and get a firsthand glimpse.

Matt, normally I'm firmly in your corner, but if you think Ocean Hammock is as good as World Woods, you're drinkin' Drano, man.  OH is as cookie-cutter McNicklaus as it comes!

[Andy Troeger]

I played World Woods a couple years ago so I'll be interested to decide for myself!

[Ian Andrew]

Mike,

Played them both - yes I prefer Pine Barrens - but I wouldn't dismiss Ocean Hammock that quick. Lot's of alternative routes, centreline hazards, plenty of width, ground game alternatives - it has it all.

Yes the island green sucks - but the rest is pretty good.

[Matt_Ward]

Mike M:

Ok -- let's say you are right. Just how far behind would you place Ocean Hammock behind Pine Barrens at WW ?

Nicklaus did a solid job with the layout in Palm Coast because it runs against the grain of so many forumulaic Florida layouts with H20 to one side and OB to the other protecting homes.

How Ocean Hammock doesn't get more attention does amaze me.