PALM COAST, Florida – Before setting foot on Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, there are many telltale signs that this is not your average stay-and-play family and golf destination.
First, a quick Google search shows accolades and awards from esteemed publications as Conde Nast Traveler, Golf Magazine, Golfweek, Links Magazine, Northeast Golf and Golf for Women. Second, the property sits on 700 acres of prime oceanfront real estate facing the Atlantic Ocean, so you know it’s special. Third, with six holes on the Ocean Course playing close to the edge of the ocean, Hammock Beach has earned status as must-play on every conceivable golf bucket list.
As part of a stretch of sand along Florida’s Treasure Coast, Hammock Beach is located near St. Augustine, and is one of Florida’s premier family vacation beach destinations, featuring luxury villa and condominium accommodations. Hammock Beach offers two Signature courses: the Ocean Course designed by Jack Nicklaus, and Conservatory created by Tom Watson.
Other than golf, amenities at the resort include beach, bicycling, equestrian riding, boat ramp, business center, children’s programs, concierge desk, exercise/fitness facilities, breakfast, game room, pool, self parking, spa on-site, tennis, valet, volleyball court and restaurants.
A lot of “ocean” golf courses grant no more than a token peek at the water from a couple holes. The Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort is not one of them. With as many holes on the beach as any in Florida, it is one of the state’s most scenic. Since a renovation a few years ago, the Nicklaus layout is challenging with concessions made to the fact that its proximity to the ocean makes it a windy spot. The recent removal of long rough means that if you’re on grass, you’re either on fairway- or green-length Paspalum, which is maintained to a very high standard and can handle the daily does of salt-water moisture.
“Simply, the course is tremendous,” said golf writer Jay Coffin. “The layout is fun with a smattering of both long and short holes and the ones alongside the ocean wit 6 in total that face the beach that are as breathtaking as anything you’ll find in Florida. Hands down. The staff was a joy to meet with and everything on the day, from beginning to end, was first class. It also helped that the day was a Perfect 10 as far as weather. Can’t wait to get back there.”
Oceanfront holes are in short supply in Florida – despite the Sunshine State boasting more than 1,000 miles of coastline Hammock Beach has received high praise since it opened in 2000. The back nine is delighful, with the last four holes bringing you to the beach for the stretch run after initial teases at the first tee and ninth hole. It’s a fitting end to a momentous resort golf experience.
“As it relates to the East Coast in the United States, you are not going to get any better than you have right here,” said Nicklaus when the course opened. “Ocean Hammock is very much a part of its coastal setting and the surrounding environment helps determine the overall character of the golf course.”
Great golf courses “that you can play” are rare but Hammock Beach is one of the standard bearers in the “courses you can play” category, but you must be a guest at the resort to play the par 72 7,201-yard Ocean course. Known as “Bear Claw”, the closing four holes herald the start of a tough Ocean course climax, especially in a freshening breeze.
Ocean Hammock features plenty of classic Nicklaus-design features: visually stimulating yet daunting par 4s to close each nine; a mix of reachable yet demanding par 5s; and a variety of holes that dogleg left and right, flow uphill and downhill, and play to greens both large and small. In many ways, Ocean Hammock is a perfect resort layout—dramatic yet player-friendly, visually explicit yet possessing plenty of options for low-handicappers.
The cost to play the Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort typically ranges from $150 to $380-plus per round, depending on the season, time of day, and whether you are a registered resort guest. Because it is a semi-private resort course, pricing varies based on how you book: Standard Public/Guest Rates: Peak morning tee times usually run between $300 and $380-plus, while off-peak, afternoon, or summer rate dips can drop to around $150 to $200.
Resort Stay & Play Packages: Booking a lodging package through the official Hammock Beach Resort is often the most cost-effective option. For example, their standard “Just Golf” package bundles accommodations with daily greens and cart fees. https://www.hammockbeach.com/golf/golf-packages/
The signature hole is the par-4 18th hole that runs directly along the Atlantic Ocean. This dramatic closer demands a precise tee shot between water and bunkers before a challenging uphill approach into a green framed by the coastline. With ocean winds often influencing club selection, the hole can play completely differently from one day to the next. The panoramic Atlantic backdrop and amphitheater-style setting make it a fitting finale to one of Florida’s premier resort golf experiences.
For the next two years the PGA Champions Tour has found a new home at Hammock Beach Resort. The Furyk & Friends senior tour event is scheduled October 9-11, having moved from Timuquana Country Club in Jacksonville, after its first five years. Furyk & Friends received the 2025 Players Award, with PGA Tour Champions players voting this tournament as their favorite event.
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