By Steve Pike
Hammock Beach Resort & Spa
Hammock Beach has been a major attraction of the Palm Coast, just south of Jacksonville, since it opened in 2000 with the Nicklaus Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course features six holes right on the Atlantic Ocean. The course was completely renovated by Nicklaus following Hurricane Matthew.
The final four holes are known as the “Bear’s Claw.’’ The 18th hole, a 465-yard par-4, plays with the ocean along the left side and into an elevated green. It’s a great way to finish on one of Florida’s more memorable tracks.
The second course at Hammock Beach, The Conservatory course was designed by Tom Watson and is one of the Southeast’s most unheralded layouts. It features streams, waterfalls, an island green, a plethora of bunkers and undulating greens. The Conservatory shows off Watson’s love of links-style golf and a feel for the Northeast Florida terrain.
That combination makes the Conservatory one of Watson’s best designs and an absolute delight to play. Many feel it is better than the Ocean Course.
The Nicklaus Ocean Course and the Watson’s Conservatory give Hammock provide two excellent courses at one location.
Hammock Beach’s accommodations include a variety of guestrooms, suites, condos and villas, many of which overlook the Nicklaus Ocean Course and the Atlantic Ocean in the resort’s main tower. The resort is planning a 200-room boutique hotel where the Lodge now stands.
“It will be a game-changer,’’ said Verdell Eckberg, director of sales and marketing at Hammock Beach. “There’s not going to by anything like in the general area.’’
The King & Bear Golf Course At World Golf Village
Farther north at St. Augustine, the King & Bear Golf Course at World Golf Village reopens this month after an extensive five-month, $2.5 million restoration. All 18 greens were resurfaced, as well as the chipping and putting areas with TifEagle Bermuda grass which provides a smoother, more consistent surface. The practice areas were also upgraded with new grass, ensuring lush, healthy turf year-round.
Improvements also included significant upgrades to the irrigation and drainage systems to promote water conservation, enhance turf health, and provide optimal playing conditions throughout the year. All bunkers were refreshed with new liners and sand, with eight receiving full renovations to improve drainage and consistency.
“Our goal with this restoration was to elevate the playing experience while maintaining the integrity of the course’s original design,” said Lon Grundy, Chief Operating Officer of World Golf Village’s King & Bear and Slammer & Squire courses. “We’re excited to welcome golfers back to enjoy these improvements and experience a course that is both visually stunning and exceptionally playable.”
The King & Bear Golf Course is renowned for its scenic beauty, with fairways framed by pristine lakes, towering loblolly pines, and majestic oak trees. Most notably, the course is the only design collaboration between two of golf’s greatest legends, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
Cabot Citrus Farms
On the west side of Florida, about 45 minutes north of Tampa, Cabot Citrus opened last year and is looking forward to seeing more golfers visit this outstanding location in 2024-25 winter season.
The property was the former World Woods Golf Club and boasts dramatic elevation changes, sandy soil, and rolling hills canopied by towering sand pines, palmetto trees, and century-old moss-covered oaks.
Anyone who has been to one of Ben Cowan-Dewar’s properties, Cabot Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, or Cabot Highlands in Scotland, knows firsthand that he demands everything be first-class.
Cabot Citrus Farms has named their four courses, the Karoo, designed by, Kyle Franz. The Roost named after the wild turkeys that “roost’’ in the property’s large oak trees. The Squeeze, a 10-hole course designed by Mike Nuzzo, with holes ranging from 100 to 550 yards. Many of the holes are inspired by the world’s best short par fours. The Wedge is an 11-hole par-3 course offering expansive waste areas and greens with dramatic slopes. Hole lengths range from 85 to 125 yards. Golfers have the option to play the short courses in between or after full rounds.
The Karoo, Wedge and Squeeze courses opened in January last year and the Roost opened later.
A new clubhouse and cottages have been constructed for golfers that want to stay on property. Cabot’s next phase of real estate will include five Fairway Homes.
“There is no shortage of activity around here,’’ said Cabot Citrus Farms Managing Director Daniel Knight. “Part of our focus now is setting the stage to welcome guests and to have them experience everything people have come to expect from Cabot.’’
For more information about Cabot Citrus Farms visit: https://cabotcitrusfarms.com/
