Tag Archives: golf vacation destination

PGA National – Haig Course

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The PGA National Resort and Spa was built on high hopes and high dreams, founded on the PGA of America’s high standards. Proof to this is the quality of its first course – the PGA National – Haig Course. Built in 1980 by Tom and George Fazio, and surrounded by several other high caliber golf courses, the Haig has remained to be amongst the finest in the resort and in the Palm Beach area. And with scenery all too unique to the Sunshine State, no room is left for questions and doubts as to why this is a favorite golf vacation destination.

Along with four other courses, the PGA National – Haig Course makes up the five courses of the PGA National Resort and Spa. It measures 6,806 yards from the longest tees, the third largest in the resort, and plays for a par of 72. The Fazio duo created the golf vacation haven to be playable and relaxing for all golfers, regardless of skill levels. And so the designers played on with the location of the water hazards. The result is a course that never requires a cross over water shot, giving the golfers more options for their shots.

Apart from that, the PGA National – Haig Course is also very versatile. Its 9th and 18th holes both lead to the clubhouse, giving the golfers an easy option for a full game or a shorter afternoon game before lounging at the clubhouse. This makes for golf trips that are fun at the most, relaxing the least, and perfect at its best. And all that are standing on the PGA of America’s standards on quality and excellence in the sport.

PGA National – Palmer Course

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The old-school avid golfer knows how big a fan of risk-reward games Arnold Palmer is. This much is true on almost every Palmer course. The PGA National – Palmer Course on the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach is a little more forgiving than the usual Palmer creation. With its open fairways and Bermuda greens that are large and rather accommodating, there is also much room for golfers on this golf vacation destination without being so intimidated for their lower skill levels.

PGA National – Palmer Course is known for not being too penalizing. Golfers can make an errant shot or two but not suffer for it for too long. The undulating fairways of this golf vacation haven allow second chance shots for golfers, and the best rewards for creative and daring shots. Truly, a risk-reward layout. Another notable feature of this course is the escalating excitement and beauty in the holes as the game goes further. Its 17th hole is listed the most challenging, but with a quick follow of the most scenic 18th hole. Palmer gave such and interesting finish to this course.

Amongst the largest of the five courses on the Resort, the PGA National – Palmer Course measures 7,079 yards from the longest tees and plays for a par of 72. Palmer made good use of every hazard on the course – having a total of 48 bunkers, and water playing on 16 holes, to make any golf trip set here not so much a risk but a most rewarding experience.

 

Hammock Creek Golf Club

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The next generation is said to be an improved version of its precedent. But the latter will always find itself as a most trusty mentor. This has been the case for father-and-son tandem, Jack and Jack II Nicklaus when they worked together at the Hammock Creek Golf Club. The result is a superb golf vacation destination that gives as much fun as it gives challenge – skill set regardless.

The 18-hole par-72 Hammock Creek Golf Club is in Palm City, Florida, a close distance from Port St. Lucie and Stuart. The course measures 7,119 yards from the championship tees. It is from this distance that the course is at its worst – that is, if one is not into intimidating, grueling, but extremely rewarding games. But from the other tees, golfers must not expect anything less than tough. Of course, a Nicklaus design is always challenging. Double the Nicklaus part, and you’re sure to get double the difficulty. As well as everything else – ranging from fun to beauty. And that’s exactly golf vacations hereabouts are made of.

The Hammock Creek Golf Club is defined by generous, rolling fairways, deceiving landing areas, smooth and fast green, wetlands, and old growth pine forests. This is complemented by a world class array of state-of-the art amenities and services, and the pride of completing a double-Nicklaus test. Opened in 1996, this golf trip haven is surely on its way to becoming a timeless classic, and continues to find a fan from golfers of this generation and the past. The next generation is on its way too.

PGA Golf Club – Ryder Course

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There is a South Carolina atmosphere to this sunny Southern Florida golf vacation destination. The rolling hills, wetland layout of many, many water hazards and the overgrowth of tall, majestic pine trees makes it so. But the challenge and layout supremacy is distinct, making the PGA Golf Club – Ryder Course in Port St. Lucie a favorite host among some of the nation’s awaited tournaments.

Not surprising, though. The PGA Golf Club – Ryder Course has as much prestige in competitions as it is named after the founder of one of the biggest international golfing events, Samuel Ryder of the Ryder Cup fame. It took a legendary golf course architect to achieve a layout excellence such as this; and by no means should this “legendary” architect not be in the person of The Tom Fazio. The holes on this golf trip haven are well placed – a variety of par 5s and par 3s, that make the course so dynamic.

It is this dynamic quality and challenging placement of the holes and hazards that make it attractive to tournament organizers. The PGA Golf Club – Ryder Course has played host to a good number of competitions, the likes of the Callaway Golf Senior PGA Professional National Championship, the Taylor-made Adidas Golf PGA Assistant Professional Championship; the Special Olympics National Invitational Championship; and the National Minority Collegiate Championship. Quite a tournament favorite, its many world class amenities – with the elegant clubhouse and impeccable service on the front lines – make it a golf vacation favorite as well.

PGA Golf Club – Dye Course

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Pete Dye’s taste in golf course architecture borders on the eccentric, sometimes being the subject of conservatives’ ire and criticism. The PGA Golf Club – Dye Course in Port St. Lucie, Florida was no different. The collaboration project between Dye and the PGA of America had to go through “surgery”, to tame the golf vacation destination. The result? Not anywhere close to “tamed”, but a little more relaxed for a Dye creation. And as expected from this golf course designer, it is as beautiful as it is challenging.

The links-style golf vacation favorite has been renovated by Dye himself, creating a layout that highlights the natural beauty of Port St. Lucie, and sweeping views of the stunning 100-acre “Big Mamu” wetlands. The course is surrounded by pine straw roughs, huge coquina waste bunkers, grass-based bunkers, and generally generous landing areas. Although the course looks threatening, it actually is not. It may seem as it is, but to the patient golfer, the PGA Golf Club – Dye Course is more forgiving.

Apart from offering quite a good round to any golfer, this golf trip haven is nature-sensitive too. Its drainage system has undergone a massive reconstruction, too, to ensure that it is environmentally healthier, to complement its superbly challenging layout. The PGA Golf Club – Dye Course also features the PGA Learning Center Golf Park, the PGA Historical Center, and a citation from Golf for Women as one of the top 50 Courses for women. From being an unconventional course to a much less eccentric one, this Pete Dye creation is a true testament to his genius; its excellence in layout never changed one bit even after the transition, and nevertheless earning golfers’ admiration in the process.

Cocoa Beach Country Club

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A paradise for wildlife as much as it is for golfers, the Cocoa Beach Country Club is a spectacle of excellent layout design meshing harmoniously with nature. The 27-hole golfing facility is located in a peninsula surrounded by the Banana River, and is dotted with about twenty or so stunning lakes. This makes it very attractive to and a perfect sanctuary for waterfowls, other birds, dolphins, alligators, turtles, and raccoons. The golf vacation destination brings out the nature lover in every golfer, and at the same time brings an entirely different experience to the usual Florida golfing.

The Cocoa Beach Country Club has three separate nines – The River, the Dolphin, and the Lakes, that can be played in a variety of combinations. Each pair will be totally different from the other, giving golfers a plethora of golfing experience in a single golf vacation. The most favorite pair of nines hereabouts is that of the Lakes and Dolphin. The holes on the course are named after the predominant species of waterfowls in the area, making each shot extra memorable.

An array of other world-class amenities, including state-of-the-art practice facilities and a gastronomic indulgence at the “19th hole”, complement what is already unquestionably impressive at the Cocoa Beach Country Club. The tennis and clay courts and the Olympic-sized pool make extends the golf trip invite to non golfers as well. And if that is not fabulous an offer yet, the course is a mere 45-minute drive from downtown Orlando, and an even shorter distance from the famed Space Coast. This makes the Cocoa Beach a paradise for just about anybody ready for large doses of good time.

Sawgrass Country Club

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The Sawgrass Country Club is not exactly the newest thing in the Northeast Coastal Florida golfing scene. In fact, there’s nothing new about it at all. It is still the 27-hole premier golf vacation destination that has long been serving Florida locals and tourists with a unique blend of beauty and thrill in its layout. It is still the good, old time favorite, well on its way to becoming a true classic.

Three nines of the Sawgrass Country Club – The South Course, The East Course, and The West Course – combine for a total of 10,340 yards, and plays for a par of 72. This Ed Seay creation has long been the frontrunner in Florida’s premier of the premier. It was the original “home” of the Players Championship (the East-West combination), playing host to this top-gun tournament from 1977 through 1981, and is easily among the top golf vacation spots, having been ranked among Golf Digest’s Top 28 Best Courses in the Country.

And not surprisingly so. The Sawgrass Country Club of today is still characterized by heavily-guarded greens, tight galleries with a good helping of pines and palms, and a lot of water in the holes. And by a LOT, it actually means water play on all but three of the 27 holes. And that comes with wind consistently blowing – a treacherous kiss to challenge any good golfer’s game and resolve. Everything that the golfing world enjoyed several decades ago in their golf trips hereabouts are the very same timeless features that continue to wow the golfers old and new.

Marsh Landing Country Club

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A marsh is a wetland that is composed of grasses and other plants. A golf course layout that winds through marshlands is without a doubt difficult because water is everywhere. Marsh Landing Country Club is one such course. This golf vacation destination has been testing the skills of players since 1986. Considered as one of Florida’s most demanding courses, many golfers visit the place to challenge themselves. Experts advice that visitors should have a good water negotiation skills in order to fully enjoy their rounds of golf.

 Marsh Landing Country Club is just minutes away from Downtown Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and the Jacksonville Beaches. It is situated within the Marsh Landing community gates. The course features 6,821 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. It winds along the towering pines that showcases wildlife that makes the place comparable to a nature preserve. Its fairways are not too wide yet not so narrow and the holes are all guarded by white sand traps that add more challenge to golfers aside from the plentiful water hazards. A golf trip to this course will make the visitors experience the beauty of nature as well as challenge their golfing skills.

 Marsh Landing Country Club was renovated in 2006 and is maintained by Marsh Landings Management under the management of Bruno Couturier. This club also features locker rooms, fitness center, golf shops, dining facilities, putting and chipping greens, and driving range. Spending a golf vacation at this club will not only test the skills of the golfers but will also let them enjoy a perfect golf getaway with its rich features and amenities.

Ponte Vedra Golf & Country Club

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If there is one thing that is required of a golfer at the Ponte Vedra Golf & Country Club , it would be strategic thinking. That and the many other vacation essentials, of course. This golf vacation destination offers many twists that force the players to plan well before hitting to not waste a round. Most of its holes are tricky – the 378-yard, par-4 hole has a tough water hazard. Because of their attractive and strategic designs, holes 2 and 8 were featured as the best 18 holes in Jacksonville City. But no matter how difficult this course is, it comes with a promise of a reward for the smart golfer.

 Ponte Vedra Golf & Country Club is always in good shape that is why it is a favorite destination of visitors who want to spend a relaxing and enjoyable golf vacation. It features impressive, tree-lined fairways and smooth greens that demand an intelligent shot-placement. Its course rating of 71.4 and a slope rating of 138 will surely test the skills of the golfers even though it is only 6,383 yards from the tips. Aside from precise shooting and course management skills, this course also lets the players to wisely choose what type of club to use depending on the Atlantic breeze.

 And the wise golfer gets a neat scorecard, naturally. But Ponte Vedra Golf & Country Club is not all tough, serious, gripping games. Its welcoming atmosphere will also relax the minds of the visitors while the clubhouse that features dining, locker rooms, and golf shops will complete their golf trip. Now if that is not in itself a reward, then nothing is.

The Grand Club – Pine Course

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One element that determines the greatness of a golf vacation destination is it’s difficulty – golfers, especially the pros, are more attracted to a challenging course. The Grand Club – Pine Course offers lots of hazards for golfers that’s why it is a favorite among Jacksonville’s best golf courses – for pros and hobbyists alike.

 A golf trip here will test the patience of the golfers. The rolling fairways offer a widely open layout that can be more forgiving than other courses. Half of the holes are surrounded by numerous water hazards: ponds, creeks, canals, and lakes. The toughest trouble can be experienced around the greens and fairways that are encircled by white sand traps. If players overcome these hazards, they find themselves making an approach shot on the large undulated greens. But of course, The Grand Club – Pine Course doesn’t want the average golfers to be left behind. The four sets of tee boxes offer them a great chance to shoot their best round.

 Opened in 2006, this Arnold Palmer design, The Grand Club – Pine Course features a good 7,100 yards of golf. The course rating is 73.5 while its slope rating is 126 on Bermuda grass. This 18-hole, par-72 golf spectacle has played host to numerous events that include the Junior Golf Tour Championship and the PGA Tour Qualifying School. With a four-star rating by Golf Digest, spending a golf vacation in this challenging course will undoubtedly satisfy the tournament players as well as the average golfers.