Dye's Valley Course
A years after it opened, Dye's Valley Course hosted the Seniors Players Championship that was won by Billy Casper, and it was recently picked by Zagat's as one of America's top courses. Often in the shadow of the TPC course, it affords the golfer a more leisurely experience on its beautifully manicured fairways and greens while being much less expensive to play. This course is almost 6,900 yards lone from the back where it carries a slope rating of 130. If you tee off after 2 p.m. on this Pete Dye designed course, it will cost you as little as $104 (as of 2009), and that includes cart.
110 Championship Way
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Phone: (904) 273-3230
Fax: (904) 285-7970
tpcsawgrass.com
St. Johns Golf & Country Club
This is a public course and it is extraordinary in every aspect. It has hosted the PGA TOUR Qualifying School since 2004 and the National Golf Foundation has ranked it high on its list for players' loyalty and their satisfaction. It is over 7,200 yards from the champion's tees with a slope rating of 142. But it is a true test for any skill by having six sets of tees on each hole. You'll also enjoy the natural wildlife that is evident from the first hole at St. John's. If you play after 2 p.m., you can do so for as little as $39 (as of 2009), including cart.
205 Saint Johns Golf Dr
Saint Augustine, FL 32092-1053
Phone: (904) 940-3215
Fax: (904) 819-0177
stjohnsgolf.com
Fleming Island Plantation Club
This course opened in 2000, and it was designed by award-winning gold architect, Bobby Weed, who created two courses in one 18-hole layout. The front nine is reminiscent of Scottish links courses with judicious use of wetlands and waste areas. The back meanders through huge trees, and because Weed chose to keep the natural terrain as untouched as possible, it creates for you a sense of comfort. Fleming Island Plantation is over 6,800 yards long from the back tees and, from there, it has a slope rating of 136. If you play the course anytime after 3:00 p.m., you'll pay as little as $33 which includes cart (as of 2009).
2260 Town Center Blvd
Orange Park, FL 32003-6331
Phone: (904) 269-1440
Fax: (904) 269-7440
flemingislandgolf.com
Hyde Park Golf Course
Hyde Park Golf Course is one of the oldest in Florida, having opened in 1925 after noted Scottish golf architect did his magic. After decades of hosting numerous professional events, it was purchased in 1971 by Billy Maxwell and Chris Blocker who totally redesigned the course you'll play. Jacksonville-based Folio Magazine named it the best public golf course in the area. It is under 6,500 yards long from the back tees and has a slope rating of 125 from there. If you play the course after 1:00 p.m., you'll pay as little as $26 in 2009, including cart.
6439 Hyde Grove Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32210-2835
Phone: (904) 786-5410
Fax: (904) 786-2446
hydeparkgolfclub.com
The Champion's Club at Julington Creek
This golf course winds its way through a rapidly-developing planned community with housing sites bounding almost every hole. The Champion's Course has exquisitely manicured fairways, greens and tees that will make you feel like you're in the lap of luxury. Former touring professional Steve Melnyk collaborated with Robert C. Walker to design this course that opened in 1988. It is almost 6,900 yards long from the championship tees, and it has a slope rating from them of 126. Play this course after 2:00 p.m. and you'll pay as little as $33 in 2009, including your cart, for a great round of golf.
1111 Durbin Creek Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32259-2935
Phone: (904) 287-4653
Fax: (904) 287-2044
championsclubgolf.com/
About The Author
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.
