Just a few miles north of Amelia Island Plantation,
along the shore, is Summer Beach, a
world class Florida resort featuring a
Triple AAA, three-diamond Ritz Carlton hotel, and private
homes and villas for rent. The resort includes all the amenities you would expect
and features the Golf Club of Amelia Island, a semi-private facility designed by
Mark McCumber-Gene Littler. In 1998, the club hosted the Liberty Mutual Legends
of Golf, an event started back in the 70s in
Austin,
Texas that jump started the
PGA Senior Tour. (The tournament has since moved to the
King & Bear Course
at the World Golf Village.)
The
Golf Club of Amelia Island
is relatively short, measuring 5,039 to 6,692 yards, but it demands accuracy, especially
on the front nine, which snakes around majestic old oaks and serene inland lakes.
This part of the course is really beautiful with its woodland feel and contrasts with the
more open, seaside atmosphere of the back nine. Gracious and large homes line the
lakes but are well off the playing areas.
Holes of note on this course include the 572-yard (502-white) 2nd that doglegs almost
90 degrees and is lined with trees on both sides. A long, narrow lake runs down the left
side and juts prominently out into the fairway some 40 yards in front of the slightly
elevated green, making the second shot as testy as the drive. Equally demanding and arguably
the best hole on the course is the 365-yard (329-white) 6th. It doglegs 90 degrees around oaks
to a green guarded left by another lake. Drive too short and the trees block your approach shot.
Too long, and you are in rough or trees on the right.
6th, 7th, & 8th Holes at Oak Marsh
The back side features several 420-plus yard par 4s, the short (349 yard) par 4 14th requiring a
30-yard carry over marsh, and the 490-yard 15th with marsh that juts out halfway into the fairway.
A decent tee shot easily carries the marsh, which from the tee looks menacing. A safe drive leaves
a long second to a prominently elevated green guarded in front by a very deep bunker.
The course is excellent and a definite must play. A gracious, comfortable clubhouse with friendly service is
your reward after a pleasurable round. The clubhouse lies but 50 yards from the hotel entrance.
For Summer Beach Resort information, call 1-800-862-9297; for Ritz-Carlton reservations call 1-800-241-3333.
The number at the golf club is 904-277-8015. 
Amelia Island Golf
