The Sawgrass Golf Resort may be best known for the awe-inspiring TPC Stadium Course, but there are in fact 5 championship layouts in total, ensuring that this is certainly among the most desirable golf holiday destinations in the world.
The Sawgrass Golf Resort may be best known for the awe-inspiring TPC Stadium Course, but there are in fact 5 championship layouts in total, ensuring that this is certainly among the most desirable golf holiday destinations in the world.
Pete Dye's TPC Stadium Course is among the most famous in the world, and is the annual host to the so-called ‘fifth major', the Players Championship. The highlight, which goes without saying, is the incredible 17th hole with its island green, which has to be one of the most exhilarating golf experiences anywhere. Look past the most discussed hole and the TPC Stadium Course presents an exacting 6,954 yard layout, whose fairways and greens are pristine. No less than $30 million has been invested in the course, and the work completed in 2006 has affirmed the amazing Players' Course at the forefront of golf in Florida and beyond.
The latest addition to Sawgrass' already impressive portfolio is Pete Dye's Valley Course, which is already regarded as being worthy of standing side-by-side with the TPC Stadium Course, and has also hosted the PGA Tour's finest. The ambitious project reflects Dye's extravagant design ethos, and the result is a magnificent 6,838 yard championship layout overflowing with water and sand. Perfectly manicured fairways and slick, sweeping greens are among the characteristics that make the Valley so popular.
Sawgrass Country Club played host to the Players Championship from 1977 to 1981, and was designed by Ed Seay, an associate of Arnold Palmer's architectural organisation. The 27 holes are combined to produce the East and West rotations, with a maximum length of 7,072 yards. Whichever combination you are lucky enough to play, enjoyment and challenge are guaranteed at a course which Golf Digest included in its list of the ‘Best 25 Golf Courses'.
Intracoastal marshland and towering pines set the backdrop for the Marsh Landing Country Club, which boasts a 6,841 yard championship layout devised by Ed Seay, who also conceived the superb links at the Sawgrass Country Club. The two nines are truly distinct, but both offer a good test and the chance to observe the estate's outstanding wildlife.
The Ponte Vedra Country Club's course has been revised and greatly improved by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, and is set a stunning natural environment. Although it is short, Ponte Vedra Country Club is tight in places, demanding straight driving above all else. The signature hole is the short par 4 thirteenth, whose length is enticing, but there is water everywhere.
The trophy and awards cabinet of the TPC Stadium Course is already overflowing, but it has recently been ranked 5th in Golf Magazine's list of the ‘Top 100 Courses You Can Play'.At the end of manageable drives from both Jacksonville and Orlando is the 4* luxury Sawgrass Marriott Resort and Spa. Located near the exclusive Ponte Vedra Beach development, the resort boasts a stunning hotel, whose 508 rooms have been newly refurbished to guarantee the utmost luxury.
The accommodation is comprised of 324 waterfront guest rooms, 24 suites and 80 two-bedroom villas, all of which come complete with deluxe bathrooms, internet access, refrigerator, direct dial telephone and satellite television. The style is simple yet elegant, and the resort is tailor made to meet the needs of visiting golfers.
With the TPC Stadium Course and its golfing allies on the doorstep, the Marriott Sawgrass Resort and Spa is one of the world's most desirable golf holiday destinations.
The Spa at Sawgrass is a comprehensive relaxation centre aimed at therapy for mind, body and soul. One of the best new spas in Ponte Vedra Beach, the facility is at the centre of a great network of lakes, and offers the ultimate in relaxation in its 19 treatment rooms. The resort's Cabana Beach Club is among Florida's most exclusive, and is the place to kick back or enjoy the water sports on offer. There is a tennis academy that hosts ATP Tour events, and dedicated activity clubs for both teenagers and under-12s.Among the great variety of dining options, the regional Italian cuisine of Café Italiano comes highly recommended, while the Augustine Grille serves an exquisite contemporary menu.
Dancing and live entertainment are the order of the day at Champs Lounge.
Bar and grill favourites overlooking the ocean are on offer at the Cabana Beach Club.
The business complex is capable of hosting meetings, conferences and conventions of all sizes.
This venue has 2 reviews, with an average rating of 5 out of 5
Thanks very much for booking our golf holiday to Sawgrass. Everything worked out really well. We were expected at both hotels and the golf times were all lined up. We particularly enjoyed Sawgrass but Championsgate was good too and in excellent condition as we played the course the day after the annual Father and Son challenge. This is a Texas scramble type format featuring 16 Champions' Tour members and their sons/grandsons. They included the Faldos, Palmers, Langers, Normans, Loves, Nelsons, Nicklaus's, Singhs and Trevinos most of whom we got to see.
We were delighted with the trip and would be interested in any similar offers next year in either Florida or the Nevada areas. Regards,
The courses that we played were absolutely fantastic with the Stadium at Sawgrass coming out on top. To play that just 3 days after watching the tournament was without doubt one of the best experiences of my golfing career.
Johnny