Hammock Beach Resort’s Ocean Course Returns: A Young Jack Nicklaus Would Drop a Little 62 Out There

The reshape by Jack Nicklaus and team is complete — after a 13-month renovation, Hammock Beach Resort’s Ocean Course reopens November 2. Hurricane Matthew damaged the golf course in 2016, which ultimately forced the resort to close the WBGD No. 6 golf course in Florida. The tee to green (and even rough) restoration includes a switch from Bermudagrass to a Platinum TE Paspalum.

We spoke with John Holmes, president of Atlas Turf International about the grass shift and why it’s important, “A golf course on the ocean will take on extensive sea spray and of course, there is always salt in the air. Although the initial cost of planting Platinum TE Paspalum is more expensive than Bermudagrass there will be cost savings for the course in the long term. It was a good decision to plant the Platinum TE.

Hammock Beach Resort Ocean Course #17, a par three

Hammock Beach Resort Ocean Course #17, a par three

Six holes sit next to the Atlantic Ocean, the most of any course in Florida. In honor of the greatest player to ever live, the final four holes along the coast are affectionately called, “The Bear Claw.” Nicklaus’ touch and his fade are glaring, #1 is a 380-yard dogleg right, which Jack probably birdies nine times out of ten. With water left, the par five #2 also favors a fade, also play a fade on #3 and #4 too – the player that can work the ball from left to right will love the Ocean Course. There are a lot of challenging holes – water is in play on ten holes and there plenty of palms. The short par five #6 has water left, trees right and finishes with an island green – it’s a hole where players make birdie, tap-in par or triple. We love the par three #8, it plays into the teeth of the sea breeze and has a blue ocean backdrop.

There are 36 holes at Hammock Beach, the Conservatory Course was designed by Tom Watson. Another quality layout, the difference is that it doesn’t touch the Atlantic. The resort is just south of St. Augustine and has all the amenities: a 10,000-square-foot ocean-inspired spa and fitness center, multiple restaurants and bars, a multi-level pool complex with adult and children’s areas, oceanfront meeting space, a marina and tennis center and miles of coquina-laden coastline. Accommodations are glamorous: there is the Lodge, multi-bedroom villas and suites.

The Just Golf Package offers start at $179 per person, per day. The package includes one round on the Ocean Course, one round on the Conservatory Course and $20 daily breakfast credit. Pricing is based on a midweek, two-night stay with four people sharing a deluxe three-bedroom villa. Rates, which are subject to availability, do not include taxes and service fees.

Win a Weekend at Hammock Beach Resort:

  • Three days + two nights for four
  • Daily breakfast
  • Stocked refrigerator
  • $500 pro shop credit
  • Click Here

Visit: hammockbeach.com

 

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