Hammock Beach and World Golf Village
Tall palms line the long drive past a harbor, building anticipation for the arrival to the palatial setting of Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. This sprawling retreat encompasses two distinct, top-rated courses, superb amenities and unparalleled cuisine with the sparkling Atlantic waters ever present. From arrival to departure, guests are treated warmly by a staff who become familiar throughout the stay.
Accommodations in the villas or towers are spacious with balcony views to survey the grounds and ocean beyond. Begin the day here with coffee or tea and proceed to a leisurely breakfast at the Atlantic Grille by the sea or grab a quick bite at the lobby and proceed to a tee time.
Shuttles are efficient for delivery to The Conservatory golf course. Tom Watson’s Signature design has the highest slope rating and is the longest course in Florida for a true challenge. It is a swell course. Literally, the swells in some fairways seem like ski moguls. Watson originally placed 187 bunkers to maneuver but 40 have been removed for better play and seven combinations of tees are set to please any golfer’s distance. The Conservatory meanders through Floridian wilderness over crushed kokino paths in some areas. A wooden bridge carries carts clickety clacking through everglade terrain. Soothing waterfalls pop up unexpectedly and a magnificent stone bridge is spotted from the 7th tee with water flowing beneath to number 8’s green on the other side, one of the prettiest par 3’s anywhere. Go long on this one as the green will accommodate, the water in front will not. The entire round is serenaded by the melody of birds singing and wind whistling through pines and moss-laced oaks.
The Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature design, is front and center to the resort, perfectly complementing The Conservatory. It is a bit easier to tackle, starting with a short walk to the clubhouse for a cart which is driven up and over a bridge to the peaceful seaside practice area. Jack weaves his magic through salt marshes and dunes with a crescendo of Atlantic waves on each nine. Every hole offers a new visual masterpiece such as number 7, a stunning par 4 that juts out over the ocean. In procession to number 15, the cart display announces, “you are now entering The Bear Claw.” The final four holes engage the elements of wind with tight fairways and undulating greens for an intense finish. The Ocean Course was hit hard as fairways were wiped out by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. An extensive redesign with the aid of Army Corp of Engineers improved conditions as more hurricanes hit. The most recent in 2024 again flooded the 18th fairway but this time it drained in 12 hours, thanks to the paspalum.
That final hole is entertaining not only for golfers but onlookers dining at the Atlantic Grille and resort guests gazing on from their balconies. Adirondack chairs sweetly placed above the fairway offer another vantage point for dolphins, boats, or golfers gauging the wind and picking their swing for the uphill battle to the green by the clubhouse, next to the beach boardwalk.
Members and guests may enjoy the rare stretch of pristine sand on the beach where turtles hatch and starfish sparkle between kokimo rocks. Take long walks inhaling the fresh sea air or lounge the day away watching the waves, passersby, and perhaps a few surfers maneuvering to catch their perfect breaker. Horseback riding on the beach is arranged by the concierge as well as a new activity – “go carting” on the water at the nearby harbor. This is on our mulligan trip list.
Après or in lieu of golf, the beach is an excellent option as well as the pool complex, complete with a water slide for inner or actual children. Inner tubes are fun for lazing along the river or twirling in the sun while sore joints may be relieved in the giant jacuzzi facing the ocean. Catch up on reading or simply chill poolside or beachside.
Further resort amenities include tennis, fitness center and classes, a spa and a Kids camp with babysitting available. Every day is stellar with all the activities or relaxation choices. The golf is managed by Troon Privé and led by Brad Hauer who says, “I pinch myself every day and never take it for granted.” He came because the owners wanted to make this the best and it is, but he is not ready to retire, wanting to pass his knowledge on to the young people.
Two more Troon golf courses are just thirty minutes away in St. Augustine at World Golf Village. The King and Bear was designed by none other than Arnie and Jack with a gallery of their photos and sayings in the clubhouse hallways. The course was restored in 2024 to the tune of $2.5 million with a focus on improving the course’s playability while preserving its original character. The resurfaced greens run pure on the course in the natural setting among lakes, loblolly pines and oaks.
The second course is Slammer & Squire, a collaboration between Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen. Reagan Davis takes pride in managing the World Golf Village complex and since he hung out with “the biggies in golf from the 50s and 60s,” he has lots of stories to share.
St. Augustine is a blast to explore. Founded in 1565, many original sites have been preserved like the oldest jail, oldest store, oldest schoolhouse and the 1700s seaside fort, Castillo de San Marcos. Hop on and off the Old Town Trolley at any interesting spot, with entertaining narration along the way and take the Scenic Cruise aboard Victory III for a waterside view of the town with dolphins perhaps surfing on cue. Climb the second highest lighthouse in Florida for a bird’s eye view or view the pink flock of roseate spoonbills cohabitating with the giant lizards at the Alligator Farm.
St. Augustine is great if you can drag yourself away from the fantastic golf, beach and amenities at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The culinary experiences at Hammock Beach are as stellar as the golf, incorporating fresh ingredients, creativity and ambience in unique settings. Family, friends or corporate outings may select from several beach spots for unforgettable occasions or celebrations. Imagine a surf and turf feast with the waves in the background where Tomahawk steaks sear on the open flame and seafood satisfies the most indulgent palate from oysters to netted crawfish in a seafood boil, and even lobster.
At Stix Authentic Sushi, delicacies are creatively concocted and served on a wooden boat with sake or Japanese whisky. Delfinos Italian chophouse forms chicken parmesan on a pizza pie pan for two that is big enough to share with the whole table. Loggerheads Sports Bar is great for casual meet ups. These and more restaurants are reserved exclusively for members and guests of Hammock Beach except Atlantic Grille which is open to the public and popular for all three meals as well as the view.
On the Palm Coast of Florida, Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa warrants repeat visits, having all the elements of a luxury oceanside vacation for golf buddies, gals, couples and families. You can’t go wrong booking here. www.hammockbeach.com