May 13, 2021

The near-endless sunshine and warm weather of the Jacksonville, FL area make this a great place to get outdoors and enjoy some physical sports and activities. If you’re a golf fan, there are dozensMan playing golf of world-class golf courses in the area, and this guide will go over just a few of our favorites.

Hit the Links! 5 Great Golf Courses Near Jacksonville, FL

1. Players Stadium Course

TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach is home to the world-renowned Players Stadium Course. Home of the Players Championship, this course was built back in 1982, designed by legendary course creator Pete Dye, in conjunction with Deane Beman.

Even first-time visitors should recognize the 17th hole here, as it’s one of the most photographed holes in the world, with lots of water, little islands, and tree-lined fairways completing a very balanced and beautiful course.

2. Ocean Links

Over at the Amelia Island Plantation Resort, golf lovers can discover the Ocean Links course. Created by Pete Dye and Bobby Weed, this course backs right onto the ocean, with several holes enjoying waterfront views as far as the eye can see.

The surrounding scenery here is the star of the show, but the course itself is wonderfully put-together, with some short par-4s and more challenging longer holes too. It’s sure to test the driving, putting, and chipping skills of every player who gives it a try, helping beginners improve their overall game.

3. Bent Creek

If you’re looking for great value golf in the Jacksonville area, head on down to Bent Creek. This accessible, affordable course offers 18 holes of fun across more than 6,600 yards.

The course was crafted by architect Bobby Weed, alongside consultant Mark McCumber, and is very popular with the locals here. Both beginners and intermediate golfers are sure to enjoy the undulating terrain and picturesque Floridian nature throughout this course.

4. Ocean Course

You’ll need to visit the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club to enjoy the Ocean Course. Filled with carefully positioned water hazards, a whole lot of bunkers, and wide open spaces where the ocean winds can really come into play, this is a very technical, engaging sort of course, well-suited to players who like a challenge.

The terrific trio of Herbert Bertram Strong, Robert Trent Jones, and Bobby Weed came together to craft the Ocean Course, and the 9th hole might be its most striking feature. It was the first island green ever to be built on a golf course.

5. Lagoon Course

You won’t even need to leave the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club for this course. Dotted with lagoons, lakes, and tall trees along narrow fairways and short greens, it measures up at just over 6,000 yards in total, with a par of 70.

Robert Trent Jones put together the first nine holes back in 1961, before Joe Lee came along in 1977 to complete the course with the back nine. This unique creation process has given the Lagoon Course a truly one-of-a-kind structure and feel, and a thorough restoration project in 2007 has helped to make this one of the best courses in the Sunshine State today.

It’s clear to see that there’s a lot of golfing fun to be had in and around Jacksonville. While you’re in the area, you might also want to get some essential auto services or visit a local dealer to browse new and used vehicles. Visit Tom Bush Mazda for all of your auto needs.