Golf isn’t just about kicking back; it’s about seizing every opportunity to hit the links and embracing the exhilarating moments on the green. Golf has become the go-to pastime for local residents and tourists looking for relaxation and excitement.
Golf can be the ultimate social scene. Picture this: a sunny day, a lush green course, and a lively group of friends teeing off together. It’s not just about sinking putts; it’s about sharing laughs, swapping stories, and soaking up the joy of camaraderie. On the fairway, age is just a number, and every swing is a chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts who share a passion for the game and a zest for life.
Every year, northeast Florida plays host to the The Players Club, the PGA Tour’s annual star-studded event attracting golf enthusiasts and fans from around the world to the Ponte Vedra Beach area. This year is the 50th Anniversary of the TPC.
“Without a doubt, the greatest aspect of golf is the friendships you form,” says Jim Cotton, who has played golf since age 12 and is celebrating his 25th year volunteering for The Players Championship. “Fellow golfers and volunteers truly become a family.”
But let’s not forget the physical perks. Golf isn’t just a sport; it’s a full-body workout disguised as a leisurely stroll. Walking from hole to hole, swinging clubs, and hauling around a trusty golf bag—it’s all part of the fun! And the best part? It’s exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise. Players can stay active and energized while basking in the fresh air and scenic beauty of the course.
Golf is a puzzle waiting to be solved—a thrilling challenge that keeps the brain buzzing. Each shot requires strategy, distance calculations and outsmarting tricky hazards. It’s a game of skill that keeps the mind sharp and the senses alert. And when that perfect shot finally lands, it’s a triumph worth celebrating.
“One of our older golfers says, ‘Golf is 90 percent mental and the other half is physical,’” quipped Kevin Glynn, PGA Assistant Professional for Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club in East Arlington. While it’s a highly physical game that uses the full range of muscles, “It also takes strategy, knowing how to factor in variables like wind and where the pin is on the green, plus eye-hand coordination.”
Of course, golf isn’t just about the game—it’s about the sense of achievement that comes with it. Every birdie, every par, every well-executed swing is a victory in itself. Players revel in the thrill of improving their skills, mastering new techniques, and pushing themselves to new heights.
Whether it’s sinking a hole-in-one or simply enjoying a leisurely round with friends, every moment on the course is a reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest.
So, if you’re looking for adventure, camaraderie, and a whole lot of fun, grab your clubs and tee off.
Golf Courses in Our Area
Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club
3901 Monument Road
Jacksonville, FL 32225
Rates: $44 plus tax and up, includes golf cart
(904) 620-0910
hiddenhillsgc.com
Queens Harbour Country Club
1131 Queens Harbor Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32225
Rates: $50 plus tax and up, includes cart
(904) 220-2118
qhycc.com
Blue Cypress Golf Course
4012 University Blvd N
Jacksonville, FL 32277
Rates: $13.95 for 9 holes walking
(904) 204-3965
golfbluecypress.com
Deercreek Country Club
7816 McLaurin Road North
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Rates: $60, plus includes cart
(904) 363-1604
deercreekcountryclub.com
TPC Sawgrass
110 Championship Way,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
(904) 273-3235
tpc.com
• Dye’s Valley / TPC Sawgrass
Rates: $300 plus tax and gratuity (peak) includes cart
• Stadium Course / TPC Sawgrass
Rates: $650 plus tax and gratuity (peak) includes cart
*This list does not include all public and semi-private golf courses in the northeast Florida area.
