The Slammer & Squire is named after its co-consultants , multiple major winners Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen , and is a testing challenge that weaves around the World Golf Village through native flatwoods , hardwood hammocks and wetland preserves .
Since 1998 the World Golf Hall of Fame has been based at the heart of the development , together with a museum . But falling visitor numbers meant they have now closed and the Hall of Fame is relocating back to Pinehurst Resort , where it was originally established in 1974 , to open in early 2024 .
I also play the nearby St Johns Golf & Country Club , a beautiful members ’ club track laid out through a pine forest with water galore that is Audubon International certified , recognising its protection of the local environment and provision of wildlife habitats . The similarly-named St Johns Golf Club is a municipal courses 20 miles south along Interstate 95 that reopened in November 2022 after an $ 8 million renovation by former Arnold Palmer Design vice-president Erik Larsen .
Among Amelia Island ’ s 99 holes of golf , the Omni Amelia Island Resort features two 18-hole courses . Oak Marsh is another Pete Dye beauty that I return to play , having first played it almost three decades before . Known for its tight fairways , small greens and water hazards on all but four holes , the course meanders through serpentine salt marsh creeks and is dotted with live oak trees draped in Spanish moss for which Amelia Island is famous . Originally opened in 1972 , is closing from March to October 2024 for renovations .
Long Point is a members-only course , although resort guests can book tee times to play there a day in advance .
Another fun option for golfers at the resort is the Little Sandy Short Course , a walking-only course which has 10 holes ranging from 30 to 125 yards set around a lake in a lowland oak marsh setting as well as an 18-hole putting course .
Although there is no time for me to play that , I do play another short course just a pitching wedge away from TPC Sawgrass . Florida ’ s only 12-hole course , The Yards is a fabulous facility that was redesigned by Arnold Palmer in 2020 and offers golfers options to play from three to 18 holes . I meet up with a long-time local friend for an enjoyable nine holes followed by a beer in the clubhouse . Among other golf clubs in the region are the glorious Conservatory and Ocean courses at Hammock Beach Resort on the Palm Coast , the Golf Club of Amelia Island which guests at the adjacent Ritz-Carlton , Amelia Island can play , the Amelia River Club and the municipal Jacksonville Beach Golf Club .
Oak Marsh
St Johns Golf & Country Club
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