The history of Palm Coast, Fl., goes back some 55 years when the land in Northeast Florida – between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine – was acquired and developed by ITT as a retirement destination for its employees. The area has grown considerably over the years. However, Brad Hauer, general manager and director of golf at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, still refers to it as a “destination to discover.’’
Hammock Beach has been a major attraction in the Palm Coast area since it opened in 2000 with the Nicklaus Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, which likely will be the final course ever built along the ocean anywhere in Florida. Any Nicklaus design, naturally, merits attention. The Nicklaus Ocean Course, in particular, fits that bill. Renovated by Nicklaus design following Hurricane Mattew in 2017, the Ocean Course’s green Paspalum fairways perfectly complement its six ocean holes on the Atlantic.
The final four holes on the 7,176-yard (tips) par 72 layout collectively are known as the “Bear’s Claw.’’ The 18th hole, a 465-yard (tips) par-4, plays with the ocean to its left and into an elevated green that is more than it looks. It’s a great way to finish on one of Florida’s more memorable tracks.
About 15 minutes away, the Conservatory course is the epitome of what Hauer means by a destination to discover.’’ The Tom Watson-designed Conservatory (7,740 yards pa-72 from the tips) is one of the Southeast’s better unheralded layouts. Featuring streams, waterfalls, an island green (on the eighth hole), a plethora of bunkers, and undulating greens, the Conservatory shows off Watson’s love of links-style golf (he won five Open Championships) and a feel for the Northeast Florida terrain.
That combination makes the Conservatory one of Watson’s top designs and an absolute delight to play. And don’t let all those bunkers fool you. Most are there to frame the holes and act as direction guides, so there’s plenty of room on most holes to find the fairway.
“Tom put a lot of time and effort into the design of the Conservatory,’’ Hauer said. “About a year-and-a-half ago, he was here to do some bunker renovation and said, ‘This is a really good golf course.’’ He didn’t say that because it’s his – there are just a lot of good shots out there. It’s not tricked up at all. There aren’t any forced carries. Everything is right there in front of you.’’
The Nicklaus Ocean Course and the Conservatory give Hammock Beach – each managed by Troon – one of the top one-two golf course punches in the Southeast, but the resort is much more than just golf. In addition to a water park and marina, the resort has nine food and beverage outlets, including Delfino’s Italian Chophouse and Stick Authentic Sushi. The one-two culinary punch has elevated Hammock Beach to another level. In particular, Delfino’s, which opened two years ago, gives the resort the relaxed, luxury dining experience it lacked.
Delfino’s, which won the Wine Spectator Award in 2023 and 2024, offers regional Italian cuisine and outstanding beef selections.
Hammock Beach’s accommodations include a variety of guestrooms, suites, condos, and villas, many of which overlook the Nicklaus Ocean Course and the Atlantic Ocean in the resort’s main tower. The best, however, might be yet to come, as the resort is planning a 200-room boutique hotel where a 20-room Lodge now stands. Early next year, plans are to break ground on the new hotel, including a restaurant and bar.
“It will be a game-changer,’’ said Verdell Eckberg, director of sales and marketing at Hammock Beach. “There’s not going to be anything like in the general area.’’
Another reason to discover Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa and the Palm Coast.
Feature Photo Courtesy of Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa