PALM COAST, Fla. -- Most of us know that the only people who say golf is a “relaxing” game probably don’t play much golf. On the contrary, golf usually is the furthest thing from relaxation, an endeavor that requires far more concentration and intensity than say, lounging in a beach chair or flipping channels on an NFL Sunday.
Ocean Hammock Resort – a golf destination nestled on the coast of northeast Florida – sports a name that suggests a seaside tranquility surrounding a nap in the Florida sun. Yet, its golf course packs a much stronger punch. In other words, no matter how many times you play Ocean Hammock, it certainly won’t lull you to sleep.
In actuality, the "hammock" in the name refers to its location among elevated mounds of scrub oak and native brush in Palm Coast, between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. Those “hammocks” serve as barriers between the golf course and the coquina sand beaches. The Jack Nicklaus Signature design was the first true oceanside layout to open in Florida since the 1930s, and will likely be one of the last. Since its 2000 opening, it has earned the accolades expected of a course with such a distinction (see "Awards and Recognition" box below).
That recognition in such a short time can be credited to a 7,201-yard Nicklaus creation that expertly lays out along the Atlantic coast and through dunes, pine forests, water features and wetlands.
“The relationship between a golf course and its environment is one that goes hand in hand,” said Nicklaus after the course’s opening. “Ocean Hammock is very much a part of its coastal setting, and the surrounding environment helps determine the overall character of the golf course.”
And it is because of that environment that Ocean Hammock looks nothing like the archetypal flat layouts that prevail through the Sunshine State. While much of its brilliance is defined by the eight holes that skirt the ocean, the inland portion of the course is just as dramatic, almost giving the feel of an entirely different locale. In addition to the largest of ponds known as the Atlantic, water comes into play on at least 12 other holes, making for that tantalizing combination of challenging golf and photographic splendor. The lowland holes are carved through pines and play around dense, thicket scrub, while the ocean holes may inspire thoughts of the British Isles.
“Because of the way it weaves through the dunes, it has a look of being overseas, like in Ireland and Scotland,” says Mary Hafeman, head golf professional at Ocean Hammock. “It’s just very cool to look at. It’s just so beautiful here, that’s what we keep hearing constantly.”
Ocean Hammock reaches its apex on the mind-blowing final four holes, nicknamed the “Bear Claw” after their famous designer. The collection’s leadoff hitter is the long par-4 15th, featuring dunes on both sides and an elevated green that provides a 360-degree view of the Atlantic. After taking that in, players are faced with the 16th, a dogleg left with water awaiting those who get aggressive off the tee.
The par-3 17th is one of the more visually stunning holes on the golf course, thanks to a backdrop of ocean and dunes, giving way to a finishing hole that can make or break a round. If the length of the 18th doesn’t get you, the sounds of the surf hammering the left side of the hole will. No matter what you make here, you’ll always remember it.
The close to the front nine is just as unforgettable, as the eighth and ninth introduce players to the raging Atlantic, something they only hear in the distance prior to that point. The par-3 eighth plays straight into the dunes over a sandy waste area with high winds usually serving as a companion. The ninth is a lengthy, sandy par-4 with the Atlantic lapping against the right side of the hole, making players earn their refreshments at the turn.
Despite the challenge of the closing holes on each nine, the Ocean Hammock layout remains relatively gracious to the variety of players who visit. Wide fairways give way to large greens that welcome run-up approaches, accounting for the gusts that usually blow from the northeast in the winter and southwest in the summer. While rated a robust 77.0 with a 147 slope from the back (black tees), four other sets offer plenty of more benevolent options.
“The challenge is so unique,” Hafeman says. “You can really be a shotmaker on this course.”
That is something that will never change, no matter the conditions on the golf course. Yet the rest of the resort has undergone plenty of transformation in recent months. Resort accommodations are centered around the 20 rooms at the upscale Lodge at Ocean Hammock, as well as the luxurious condos at Cinnamon Beach. Nearby are other condominium and townhouse rental options.
The Lodge is located next to Ocean Hammock’s 18th green, with the expected gorgeous views of the course and ocean along with amenities like the Beach & Swim Club. Cinnamon Beach features the Oceanside Club and its swimming pool and cabanas that overlook the Atlantic.
Guests have the option of playing Ocean Hammock or more than 100 holes of golf in the area. Room and golf packages are also available with the courses at nearby World Golf Village and LPGA International.
Yet the amenities Ocean Hammock has to offer, along with the stunning scenery, leaves little reason to leave the confines of the resort. As if the setting along the water wasn’t ideal enough, its north Florida location finds it in a section of the state not typically overcrowded with tourists. Accommodations are ideal for couples or families, while at the same time serving as a memorable guys’ golf trip destination.
Non-golf options include biking along the Intracoastal Waterway or walking along the resort’s 2 1/2-mile stretch of beach. Dining at the Atlantic Grille combines a sophisticated Asian and island-influenced menu with views of the beach and the finishing hole of an Ocean Hammock course that is becoming more and more popular.
“The course is growing in reputation and we’re getting more and more people coming to play and get a really great experience,” Hafeman says. “It’s honestly been tremendous. The word is really getting out and we’re really proud to have people come here and have that lasting experience.”
FACT SHEET
Address: Ocean Hammock Golf Club
105 16th Road
Palm Coast, FL 32137
Phone: (386) 447-GOLF
Website: www.oceanhammock.com
Opened: December 5, 2000
Head Golf Professional: Mary Hafeman
Superintendent: Jared Jeffries
Course Type: Semi-private; resort
Yardage & Par: 7,201 Yards, Par 72
Green Fees: $195-$265 (January-April), $185 (May-October), $205 (November, December)
Awards and Recognition:
America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, Golf Digest (2005)
Ocean Hammock Resort, Best Local Getaway, Orlando Magazine (2005)
Ocean Hammock Resort, AAA Four-Diamond Award (2005)
Top 100 Resort Courses, Golfweek (2004)
Top 100 Residential Courses, Golfweek (2004)
Ranked No. 3, Top Courses in Florida, Golfweek (2004)
Top 100 You Can Play, GOLF Magazine (September 2002)
Top 50 Golf Courses for Women, Golf For Women magazine (July/August 2002)
Top 100 Fairways in 2001, GOLF for Women magazine (August 2001)
Ocean Hammock also hosted the 2003 U.S. Women's Public Links Championship, won by Michelle Wie, and U.S. Open qualifying in 2001.
