WITH ITS WORLD-RENOWNED COURSES AND HIDDEN GEMS , FLORIDA ’ S FIRST COAST HAS CEMENTED ITS PLACE IN GOLF HISTORY , remaining one of the premier destinations to play the game in the U . S .
This March , some of the world ’ s greatest golfers will once again converge at TPC Sawgrass on Florida ’ s First Coast for a chance to win one of the most prestigious tournaments in professional golf — THE PLAYERS Championship . Last year ’ s tournament marked 50 years since Jack Nicklaus won the inaugural title , with Scottie Scheffler making history as the first player to win back-to-back championships at the Stadium Course .
Boasting more than 71 golf courses , the most coastal golf holes in the southeastern U . S ., resorts and vacation rentals , Florida ’ s First Coast offers the perfect escape for a golf getaway — especially as we enter the colder months of Virginia ’ s “ offseason .” Whether you ’ re traveling solo , with friends or with family , you ’ ll find incredible places to stay , to dine and , of course , to golf .
To learn more about the many golf opportunities in Northeast Florida , you can visit florida-golf . org . But for now , here are just a few of the exceptional courses that await you in the Sunshine State .
TPC SAWGRASS ( Ponte Vedra Beach )
Unlike many TPC courses , TPC Sawgrass is open to the public , offering any golfers the chance to play its Dye ’ s Valley Course and THE PLAYERS Stadium Course where champions like Tiger Woods , Phil Mickelson and most recently Scheffler have triumphed . Designed by renowned architect Pete Dye , this course presents countless challenges , with none more iconic than its famous par-3 17th hole . Known as the “ Island Green ,” this 137-yard masterpiece is surrounded by water , demanding precision and nerve from even the most skilled players — a favorite for both spectators and competitors alike .
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORIDA ' S FIRST COAST OF GOLF
THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass . vsga . org J ANUARY / F EBRUARY 2025 | V IRGINIA G OLFER
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