Second chances are key at tough Golf Club at Fleming Island near Jacksonville, Florida

FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. -- For the most part, the Golf Club at Fleming Island is a "second shot" golf course just south of Jacksonville near Orange Park.

Certainly there are challenges off the tee -- notably the par 4s at no. 9 and no. 14 -- but it's the approach shot where golfers make or break their rounds. Architect Bobby Weed propped up many of his greens. Their edges drop off into bunkers, wetlands and all sorts of tricky side-hill lies and collection areas.

The slope and rating from generous white tees (5,888 yards) and tougher blue tees (6,410 yards) might look benign but only if you’re striking the ball well.

"The elevated greens play havoc with me," admitted Doug Seeley, who lives near the 6,688-yard course. "You have to hit the perfect shot or you pay a penalty. If you are off the green, you need to be in the planned access route or have some flop shots (ready to use)."

Weed mixes long and short holes into a nice rhythm. The best sequence, for example, starts at no. 12, a drivable par 4 of 294 yards, followed by the unlucky 13th hole, a 471-yard par 4 that plays like a par 5.

General Manager Troy Albers said customers like Fleming Island's commitment to consistent conditioning year round. "Bobby (Weed) did a good job of designing a fair, fun golf course," he added.

Golf Club at Fleming Island - hole 14

Sand and water are obstacles on No. 14 at the Golf Club at Fleming Island.

Courtesy of Golf Club at Fleming Island

Golf Club at Fleming Island - hole 17

A marshy area protects the 17th at the Golf Club at Fleming Island in Orange Park, Fla.

Courtesy of Golf Club at Fleming Island

Golf Club at Fleming Island - hole 6

Water runs up the left side on the sixth hole at the Golf Club at Fleming Island near Jacksonville.

Courtesy of Golf Club at Fleming Island

Golf Club at Fleming Island - hole 4

The fourth at Golf Club at Fleming Island swoops around a pond off the tee.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

Golf Club at Fleming Island - hole 6

The 225-yard sixth is the longest par 3 at the Golf Club at Fleming Island.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

Golf Club at Fleming Island - hole 8

Water plays a role on the par-3 eighth at the Golf Club at Fleming Island in northeast Florida.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

Golf Club at Fleming Island - hole 12

Players who miss left of the short, par-4 12th face a blind shot over a bunker to the green.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

Golf Club at Fleming Island - hole 14

The 14th at the Golf Club at Fleming Island features plenty of trouble.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

Golf Club at Fleming Island - hole 15

The par-3 15th at the Golf Club at Fleming Island plays into a nice wooded setting.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf