Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa has been a staple – and a game-changer – in Northeast Florida since its Jack Nicklaus-designed Ocean Course opened in 2000. Likely the final course that ever will be built on Florida’s Atlantic Ocean side, the Ocean Course has been the carrot that drives golfers, guests and residents to Palm Coast, about 35 minutes from historic St. Augustine.
The Nicklaus Ocean Course, however, was only the beginning. Over the years, Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa has grown into one of Florida’s top golf and recreation destinations, complete with the outstanding Conservatory Course (designed by Tom Watson), just a few miles away from the property.
Each course, managed by Troon, is equally popular, which is a reason why Verdell Ekberg, the resort’s director of sales and marketing, says Hammock Beach expects 90,000 rounds played by the end of 2026. The Ocean Course (7,201 yards, par 72 from the tips) recently underwent an $800,000 project for its bunkers, while preserving its iconic coastal design and playability.
“Ocean Course players love the six oceanfront holes, including the four-hole ‘Bear Claw’ finish,’’ Ekberg told me. “Coastal winds add another layer of challenge and can make the course play differently from one round to the next.’’
The Ocean Courses’s 466-yard (tips), par-four, 18th hole, with the Atlantic hard on your left, is one of the great finishing holes in Florida. My favorite? The 437-yard (tips) ninth hole. With the ocean on the right side, players have the option of going left off the tee for a longer, but safer approach shot, into an elevated green. If you’re courageous (and long), a big drive down the right side might carry the bunker and give you a short approach into the green. The ocean winds, of course, should always have the final say.
“The Conservatory (7,766 yards, par 72 from the tips) appeals to golfers who enjoy a long, challenging, links-style layout. Its natural setting and signature island green offer a memorable contrast to the Ocean Course, making the two courses complementary experiences.’’
The eigth hole on the Tom Watson-designed Conservatory
My favorite hole on the Conservatory is its signature, par-3, eighth – 199-yarder that requires a tee shot over water to an island green. There’s some room to bail out on the right side, and with a variety of raised tee boxes, the hole gives players a good opportunity to score before heading to the 570-yard (tips), par-5, ninth risk-reward hole.
The resort offers golf packages for each course, so players and groups can decide which one they like better. But the best way to experience Hammock Beach is to play each course. You won’t be disappointed.
The golf courses are just the beginning at Hammock Beach. The resort features 275 guestrooms and suites, condominiums, signature homes, tennis and pickleball, a Yacht Harbor for boating excursions, and spa, lazy river, and nine swimming pools. It also has nine restaurants and bars, including the great sushi at Stix and outstanding steak and seafood options at Delfino’s Italian Chophouse. Don’t pass on the fish tacos for lunch at Atlantic Grille. The resort’s original eatery, Atlantic Grille, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, has terrific views of the ocean and ninth and 18th holes of the Ocean Course.
“Our culinary experiences give travelers another reason to visit and guests more reasons to dine with us. Special dinners, culinary events and our annual Food & Wine Classic help generate additional revenue while attracting resort guests, local members and groups,’’ Ekberg said. “Hammock Beach has helped position Palm Coast as a destination for luxury beach vacations, championship golf, weddings and meetings. Bringing accommodations, dining, spa and recreation together allows us to attract a broad mix of travelers and groups, introducing more visitors to Northeast Florida and giving them reasons to return.’
Feature: The Ninth hole on the Nickluas Ocean Course. (Photos Courtesy of Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa.