The sunny beaches and succulent seafood of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Vilano Beach are certainly popular draws for visitors to Florida. If one had to pick another reason to spend a lengthy vacation along this stretch of Atlantic shore, the prospect of a great golf game might just be the ticket. It’s no secret that professionals and casual golfers enjoy the lush greens of Northern Florida golf courses, and if you’re the type to plan your trip around eighteen holes St. Augustine is the place for you.
Where are the best courses to play? Here are a few suggestions to “link” you up to a great golfing vacation.
A World of Golf Awaits
Imagine if Disney World had been built specifically to showcase golf…that pretty much describes the World Golf Village in St. Augustine. This is perhaps the largest and most luxurious golf resort in the state, with two par-72 championship courses and an official PGA-recognized golf academy on the premises. When not out on the greens, you can tour the World Golf Hall of Fame or catch a show at the on-site IMAX theater, and for non-golfers on the family there is a full-service spa, swimming pools, and easy access to historic St. Augustine for a day trip.
Play Where the Tiger Prowls
Situated in beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach, just north of Old City, you’ll find one of the best known courses in the south: TPC Sawgrass. These greens are home to the annual Players Championship, and when Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson aren’t battling for top honors, the public is invited to try their hands, and clubs, at the challenging course. In order to play either of Sawgrass’ two courses, you must be a guest of the Sawgrass Golf Resort and Spa or else reserve a tee time two weeks in advance of your visit.
Pack up your clubs and your best golf shoes (no metal spikes for Sawgrass, please), and watch the cool Florida breezes as you prepare to tee off. A golf vacation in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach is perfect any time of year.