Courses, Travel & Tee Times

Hang 10: Reasons to plan a golf vacation to Florida's First Coast

The Jacksonville area offers dozens of public golf choices, great weather and terrific dining at an array of price points. But why should you plan a golf vacation to the Jacksonville area? Mike Bailey offers up 10 compelling reasons, from the World Golf Hall of Fame to the mild weather and ocean breezes.

Buddy trips: Jacksonville

The ingredients for a successful buddy trip are simple: a comfortable room, an ice chest filled with your favorite beverages, good eats, entertainment options and quality golf. If you're heading to Jacksonville, Mike Bailey has some suggestions on how to make the most of your golf vacation.

World Golf Village vs TPC Sawgrass: Which Jacksonville golf mecca is right for you?

The two heavyweights in Jacksonville resort golf: TPC Sawgrass and the World Golf Village. Both offer 36 holes and a lot more, so where should your golf group start? Here's a tale of the tape.

Golf in Jacksonville: Play the First Coast on three budgets

We all know where to start your Jacksonville splurge: the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course. But your coin can go a long way around Jacksonville's golf scene. There are a multitude of courses and hotels that suit any budget.

Windy Harbor Golf Club near Jacksonville, Florida: A port in the storm

Windy Harbor Golf Club in northeast Florida isn't just a challenging, thought-provoking course on a naval base. It's an emotion-evoking glimpse into the life of active-duty sailors and soldiers. If you're fortunate enough to get the chance to play it, you won't forget it.

Eagle Landing Golf Course at Oakleaf Plantation in Orange Park, Florida

Eagle Landing at Oakleaf Plantation just opened in 2006, so it's the new kid on the block in the Jacksonville area. Clyde Johnston did a great job crafting a golf course that borrows classic features, such as the church pew bunkers he copied from Oakmont, and offering some great risk-reward choices.

Fernandina Beach Golf Club northeast of Jacksonville, Florida: Three nines that are so different, they can t even agree on par

Fernandina Beach Golf Club northeast of Jacksonville, Fla. is one of those rare courses where each of the three nine-hole layouts is different. The West Course is wide and open, the North Course is quirky and the South Course is creative. Beyond golf, it's a friendly, neighborhood-type course where most people know each other. Newcomers are made to feel welcome, too.

Fernandina Beach Golf Club

The three nines at Fernandina Beach Golf Club each have distinct personalities, from the long-but-open West Course, to the narrow shot-makers' South Course to the quirky North Course, the original nine. There's something here for everyone, as well as great service, smooth greens and a peaceful setting.

The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida: The joy of intimidation

Half the thrill of playing the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is not only tackling the same course that humbles the pros, but standing tall when faced with an intimidating shot and pulling it off.

The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach

Since 1981, The Players Championship, sometimes referred to as golf's fifth major, has been played on the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Over the years, many of the holes have become legendary, especially the par-3 17th, one of the most famous - and copied - par 3s in the world. The challenge doesn't begin or end with the 17th, though. From the first hole, Pete Dye makes players think about what club they want to hit off the tee, how to attack pins and how to avoid trouble, which is everywhere.