By Mike May
While all the major highways that lead into Georgia are dotted with great golf courses to play along The Georgia Golf Trail, the one major thoroughfare which is filled with the most venues is I-95. Bring your golf clubs for an 18-hole pitstop or two along The Georgia Golf Trail.
“The Trail has many locations along I-95 in southeast Georgia,” said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, The Georgia Golf Trail. “The climate in southeast Georgia allows you to play golf 12 months a year. This part of Georgia also has a multitude of well-designed golf courses, tremendous accommodations, first-class restaurants, and access to our wonderful beaches. Jekyll Island is one of the best places in the U.S. where you can go to unwind and relax while enjoying golf, fresh seafood, long walks along the beach, poolside siestas, and time off the grid,”
The Jekyll Island Golf Club is one of the most unique stops along The Georgia Golf Trail. Four courses, The Great Dunes, a nine-hole layout and three 18-hole courses, Indian Mound, Oleander and Pine Lakes, there is something for everyone to like.
Indian Mound, constructed in 1975 by golf course designer Joe Lee, is the shortest of the three 18-hole courses and water impacts play on 11 of the 18 holes. The par fives are more difficult than their yardage indicates. The short par-four holes represent the best birdie opportunities.
Oleander measures just more than 6,500 yards from the tips and has been the host course for the Georgia Open on four occasions. Designed by golf course architect Dick Wilson, Oleander is known as the most ‘distinct’ of the three 18-hole golf courses on Jekyll Island.
Pine Lakes, designed by Clyde Johnson, was first opened for play in 1968 and renovated in 2002. The golf course meanders through forests and natural marsh hammocks.
Walter “Old Man” Travis built Great Dunes, the first golf course on Jekyll Island and he designed the best golf course that money could buy in 1928. When the seaside breeze picks up, the degree of difficulty of Great Dunes gets increases exponentially. The United States Golf Association once used Great Dunes as a testing facility for clubs, shafts, and golf balls.
After golf, enjoy a post-round drink or snack at McCormick’s Grill.
When it comes to the ‘stay’ part of your Jekyll Island adventure, there are four great overnight options, The Westin Jekyll Island, the Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island, the Jekyll Island Club Resort, and the property that is part Courtyard Jekyll Island and part Residence Inn by Marriott Jekyll Island. All four properties can claim to be the ultimate ‘rest & relaxation’ destination on Jekyll Island.
“Clearly, Jekyll Island is one of Georgia’s most popular stay-and-play destinations for golfers,” said Hollandsworth.
Just north of Jekyll Island is the Sapelo Hammock Golf Club in Shellman Bluff. Surrounded by tidal marshes, saw palmettos, and live oak trees, this golf course’s greens are a reflection of this club’s commitment to excellence.
Farther north along I-95 Savannah’s only golf course along The Georgia Golf Trail is The Club at Savannah Harbor, which hosted the Legends of Golf event on the Champions Tour from 2003-2013.
There is certainly no reason to leave your golf clubs stuck in a Michigan snow drift. Head down I-95 and check out these great Georgia Golf Trail courses along I-95.
For more information visit: www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.
