Davidson Realty Picks: Favorite local golf courses

Northeast Florida attracts people for a number of reasons—our beautiful beaches, great job opportunities, and of course, breathtaking golf courses. The First Coast is home to more than 70 public and private courses, offering golfers the chance to choose their favorite based on quality greens, challenging fairways, superior service, lovely scenery or the all-important 19th hole.

I asked several golfers at Davidson Realty what their favorite course is and why. Here’s what they said.

Sherry Davidson, President

Favorite Course: King & Bear in World Golf Village, St. Augustine

“It feels very private because there are not as many homes on the course, and with the set-backs, you don’t feel like you are playing in someone’s back yard. There is only one time you have to cross a road in your golf cart and it is in a neighborhood with only a few homes. The course can be difficult from the longer tees but the ladies tees make it very fun for all levels of players. It is a beautiful course.”

More information on golfing at King & Bear: GolfWGV.com

Travis Pike, Realtor

Favorite Course: Hyde Park Golf Club, Jacksonville

“There are a number of great courses that are affordable and fun to play—Hidden Hills, Jax Beach, Blue Sky—but I keep going back to Hyde Park. This course is old and has a lot of history. They used to hold the Greater Jacksonville Open there before TPC was a tourney. Ben Hogan carded an 11 on the par-3 6th hole in the 1947 GJO. The course is always in good shape, especially with all the rounds they play there, and it is very affordable with prime time rounds being around $30. With all those things put together, I would consider this my favorite course.”

More information on golfing at Hyde Park:HydePark.golf

Candy Gil, Realtor

Favorite Course: The Golf Club at South Hampton, St. Augustine

“I think South Hampton takes the cake. I actually asked the girls that I play with to name their favorite course and they all said South Hampton. It is a very friendly golf course, not only the staff when you check in, but also the rangers, the great service in the 19th hole, and the course itself.  The yardage is nice for women golfers, because we don’t have to cross water (except for the 18th tee); that is important to me. All that being said, it is a challenging course with its bunkers strategically placed and, even though women don’t have to cross water, there are lateral water hazards along the fairway and some off the greens, which do give me all the challenge I need or want.”

More information on golfing at South Hampton:GolfSouthHampton.com

Kevin Karn, Realtor

Favorite Course: The Golf Club at North Hampton, Fernandina Beach

“I’d have to say my favorite public course in the area would be North Hampton. It’s a very fun, challenging and unique layout that never gets old no matter how many times you play it. Playing there feels like you’ve been transported to a Scottish links course. It’s without a doubt a must-play for golfers in the area!”

More information on golfing at North Hampton: GCNorthHampton.com

Ed Gil, Senior Vice President and CFO

Favorite Course: The Golf Club at South Hampton, St. Augustine

“It is a course that a double-digit handicapper truly  enjoys and the course is well-maintained. The staff in the pro shop, starters and the 19th hole (very important part of the course) are always super pleasant. When I have out-of-town guests, South Hampton always seems to provide a great local experience.”

More information on golfing at South Hampton:GolfSouthHampton.com