By Brian Weis, GolfTrips.com
September is the harbinger to colder weather in the Northern portion of the country and golfers from Michigan, Ohio and Indiana are beginning to think about heading south for a winter golf getaway. There are plenty of great golf opportunities in Northeastern Florida. Here are a few tips to make your winter golf vacation more enjoyable.
- Enjoy Everything The First Coast Has To Offer!
Florida’s First Coast is at its very best in the autumn. The leaves might not change colors, but there is still plenty of blue water, white sandy beaches, green golf courses and other colorful attractions along the northeastern coast of Florida.
What’s brighter and more colorful than juicy-ripe fruits and veggies at a local farmer’s market? The farmer’s market season is in full swing in the fall, and one can find farmer’s markets in every county in Northeast Florida.
Fall would not be fall without college football. If you need a college football fix while in Florida, catch a Florida State of University of Florida game.
Northeastern Florida also has a vibrant local beverage scene. To learn more about the local establishments take the Manifest Distillery tour, the Jacksonville Ale Trail, or the Clay County Coffeehouse itinerary.
By the way, northeastern Florida has a large variety of golf courses that are perfect in the fall.
- Don’t Forget The Kids!
Don’t leave the kids at home, three North Florida resorts are child-friendly.
The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
This resort is one of Florida’s most celebrated golf destinations. But did you know that in addition to world-class golf, it also offers a whole range of family-friendly activities? You and your kids will have access to all of these amenities and more:
* Multiple swimming pools, including a kids’ pool
* Pristine beaches and the Cabana Beach Club, offering activities such as surf camps and kayak, paddleboard, surfboard, boogie board, and Hobie Cat rentals
* The Mighty Oaks Kids Zone, an outdoor venue where parents and kids of all ages can play and spend quality time
* Miniature golf and ping pong
This spectacular resort on Amelia Island is home to the Oak Marsh golf course, a classic Pete Dye-designed course known for its tight fairways and small greens lined with the signature moss-draped heritage oaks. The resort also offers a variety of activities for children, teens and young adults, including the following:
* A gigantic poolscape with a family pool and splash park, perfect for small children
* Pristine beach with chair, cabana, boogie board, and beach game rentals
* Miniature golf
* Camp Amelia, where guests aged 4 to 10 can discover nature and learn about sea life during interactive learning excursions
* A state-of-the-art gamer’s lounge
* Movie nights
* Family bonfires & s’mores
Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa
For a truly unique experience that will thrill all members of the family, head to this beachfront resort set against pristine, natural wetlands. While the parents test their skills on one of the resort’s two award-winning golf courses, kids can enjoy fun-filled days as part of Kids Crew, with activities such as scavenger hunts, beach games, pool activities, and more. Morning and evening drop-off times are available.
Kids and adults alike will also love the 91,000 square foot water park featuring a lazy river and water flume, plus the opportunity to explore the area on bikes. One-hour bicycle rentals are included in the resort fee.
Beyond these three resorts, you will find plenty of fun activities for your whole family to enjoy in Northeast Florida.
If you are thinking of visiting with the kids in November, plan to head to Jacksonville. During Kids Free November, kids under 12 will have free access to many of Jacksonville’s most famous attractions, including the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Catty Shack Ranch and Wildlife Sanctuary, museums and historical sites, and more.
- Golf For Every Age
There are plenty of opportunities for senior golfers to enjoy North Florida, too. The sheer number and range of golf courses ensures that, whether your senior is experienced, or simply a casual golfer, they will be able to find a golf course to suit their preferences.
The Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches Senior Games are held every fall, this year September 15-30th, with the golf event scheduled to take place on September 23rd. Anyone over the age of 50 can participate in the games, regardless of skill level.
Seniors who stay at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa will not only be near the Senior Games venues, they can also enjoy access to the full range of amenities that this world-class resort has to offer.
Senior golfers may particularly enjoy golfing at the famous Palm Harbor Golf Club, where they can bask in the full glory of historic Florida. The club’s 18-Hole, 72 par course is conveniently located between Daytona Beach and Historic St. Augustine area and offers a daily play fee.
- Perfect Golf Weather
With an average daytime high of over 60 degrees and nearly 1,000 of the best golf holes of the Sunshine State, Northeast Florida is the perfect fall destination.
A word to the wise
* Bring lightweight jackets and long sleeve shirts
* Bring warm weather, high-compression golf balls as well as some softer, low-compression balls, which are more effective in cooler weather.
* Bring sunscreen AND an umbrella. In changing weather conditions, you might need both items on the same hole
Traveling in the area and realize you forgot an essential? Don’t worry! The PGA Tour Superstore can supply you with anything you need.
- Choose A Course To Enhance Your Game
Northeast Florida is the perfect place to perfect your game. With a variety of courses to choose from, there’s something for every skill level. Looking to play like a pro? Choose TPC Sawgrass and play where the champions play. For a short game, try one of the area’s 9-hole courses, a great place to really improve your technique. Practice your chipping at an oceanfront club or strengthen your left-handed swing in the marshlands of Florida.
Fall into Florida’s First Coast of Golf this Year and Don’t Miss Out!
There is something for everyone and there’s no better time of year to take a golf vacation with the whole family.
Are you ready to start planning? Check out our vacation packages here.
