OAK MARSH (
omnihotels . com , 904- 261-6161 ) is a part of the Omni Amelia Island Resort northeast of Jacksonville , but it ’ s one of those courses tucked into a saltmarsh environment where you can disconnect and appreciate a spectacular setting .
Built by designer Pete Dye in 1972 , following Dye ’ s completion of Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island , S . C ., Oak Marsh ’ s challenging 6,607-yard , par-72 layout demands strategic shot-making with its tight fairways and small greens .
True to Dye ’ s trademark design features , the course ’ s signature 16th hole requires a focused par-3 , 170-plus-yard tee shot over water into a bulkhead-protected green . The prevailing wind typically blows toward the tee .
“ The layout is awesome and you get some incredible views along the marsh ,” said Jonathan Bridge , director of golf . “ It ’ s very scenic and you feel like you ’ re tucked
The Golf Club at North Hampton is a Scottish-style links course that is unique to North Florida .
away somewhere while playing a course that is challenging without being super difficult and long .”
To those who prefer to play numerous rounds at one site , the resort offers a “ Dye Hard Unlimited Golf Package ” that includes unlimited rounds of golf at Oak Marsh , complimentary bag storage , range balls and cart use during a stay at Omni Amelia Island .
THE GOLF CLUB AT NORTH HAMPTON (
gcnorthhampton . com , 904-548-0000 ) in Amelia Island is recognized for its course condition , casual setting and World Golf Hall of Fame designer . Built in 2001 by Arnold Palmer Design with Ed Seay , and renovated in 2012 , this par-72 tract offers slight elevation changes and is built in a Scottish-links style unique to North Florida .
Sand dunes and water define most holes and provide a buffer from surrounding
home sites . The semi-private course offers six sets of tees , measuring 7,080 yards ( back ) to 4,697 yards ( forward ), and has played host to U . S . Open qualifying tournaments and other Florida State Golf Association events .
“ The unique layout , beauty and challenge of the Arnold Palmer course is what we are known for ,” said Blaze Grinn , general manager and director of golf . “ There ’ s nothing else like it anywhere .”
North Hampton boasts a double-ended , nearly 400-yard turf practice range with a short-game practice area that includes target greens , bunkers , a pitching area for 60-100-yard shots and two practice greens .
Nature lovers will delight in the local flora and fauna and may observe hawks , osprey , alligators , bobcats , coyotes , beavers and gopher tortoises during a round or look for shark teeth on the coastal shoreline when golf shoes are replaced by flip-flops .
Eagle Landing is surrounded by the Jennings State Forest .
Part of Amelia Island
Resort , Pete Dye ’ s challenging Oak Marsh design is a true test of a player ’ s skill .
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32 V IRGINIA G OLFER | J ANUARY / F EBRUARY 2021 vsga . org