Last month, I wrote about Oak Marsh, a golf course on Amelia Island, Fla. where I learned to play the game as a boy.
Today, I am playing Long Point, which Amelia Island Plantation opened on the south end of the resort in 1987.
Designed by Tom Fazio, the course challenges golfers with natural hazards, tight fairways, and elevated greens. The par-72, 6,775 yard track winds through three spectacular and distinctive settings: the magnificent salt marshes, a thick oak and pine forest, and the scenic oceanfront dunes. Many of the holes include natural waste bunkers and large undulating greens, and eight of the holes require shots that carry over water hazards.
Two back-to-back holes on the inward nine are par 3s on the beach. With the Atlantic Ocean on the right and exclusive oceanfront homes on the left, the 15th hole measures 166 yards from the back tee. At 158 yards, the 16th hole is shorter and slightly downhill to a small green.
The golf operation at Long Point is managed by director of member golf Dean Grunewald and resident golf professional Bobby Voelker. The expansive practice facility is home to the Amelia Island Plantation Golf Academy, which is under the direction of golf instructor Ed Bowe.
Ranked as one of the “Top 50 Courses in Florida” by Golfweek Magazine, the course has hosted qualifiers for the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open and is the primary course for the members of the Amelia Island Club.
Now for your shot: Have you ever played an oceanfront golf hole? Please name the course and identify the hole.
Until next time, enjoy golf, America!
