As a golfer, golf fan and golf writer, the sport obviously plays a big part of my life — and my vacations. But then I became a father, and while searching for a warm-weather getaway earlier this spring, boy, do you realize how quickly priorities change. With a 14-month-old now on board, my wife and I craved a short flight, good food and comfortable, family-friendly accommodations… plus a little golf for me to sneak in. Oh, and a Pack ‘n Play.
It wasn’t long until I stumbled upon the sprawling Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Fla., and it checked all the boxes: golf (for me), a spa (for her) and all the other goodies. Here’s why Hammock Beach worked for us.
THE LOCATION
Florida was an obvious choice for several reasons. We wanted to escape south for warmer weather, plus we wanted a beach and a flight that was less than three hours (parents understand that last one). Hammock Beach is within 90 minutes of three airports: Daytona Beach (30 minutes), Jacksonville (75 minutes) and Orlando (90 minutes). We chose Orlando because it had more flights and offered a cheaper rental car, but all three airports provide flexible options.
THE GOLF
There are two 18-hole courses at Hammock Beach, the Ocean Course and the Conservatory Course. (Packages with a one-night stay and one round start at $132.) The newer Conservatory Course is a Tom Watson design loaded with bunkers (over 130), undulating fairways and risk-rewards shots. Both nines end with challenging dogleg par-5s that wrap around water — no oceanside holes here, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see any water hazards — where three good shots can give you a birdie chance. Good holes, although the par-3 island-green 8th is where you’ll take your phone out to snap some photos.
The Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus design restored in 2018, ranks 86th on GOLF’s most recent list of Top 100 Courses You Can Play. One-third of its holes are along the ocean. The 17th green is practically on the beach (I know because I almost hit it there) as is the 18th fairway (I know because I almost hit it there). The Ocean Course, for all its spectacular views, is not easy. I told a pro shop worker I was a 16 handicap, hadn’t played in four months and was using rental clubs. I asked if six balls were enough to get through my round. “I’ll see you at the turn,” he said. I wish I could tell you he was wrong. Water and sand and tight lies around the greens abound. Bring your A game.
