TheÊfamed Ocean Course atÊHammock BeachÊResort, a 
Jack NicklausÊSignature Design, today re-opened afterÊa 13-month restoration project.
A ceremonialÊevent, attended by golf, tourism and elected officials, featured a first teeÊfoursome consisting of Lee Elder, theÊbarrier-breaking, four-time PGA TOURÊwinner; Tennis Hall of Famer Ivan Lendl; Brad Hauer, the resort’s director ofÊgolf; andÊPaul Propis, vice president of the resort’s board of governors andÊgolf committee chairman.
The Palm Coast,ÊFL, resort is managed byÊSalamanderÊHotels & Resorts,Êthe luxury hotel company founded by Sheila Johnson, and is part of theÊSalamander Golf Collection.
Renowned for itsÊsix Atlantic Ocean-hugging holes and closing stretch named ÒThe Bear Claw,Ó theÊOcean Course has beenÊclosed since October 2016ÊafterÊhigh windsÊand storm surge from Hurricane Matthew caused damage across the majority of itsÊholes. The resort’s owners and Salamander took a long-termÊview regardingÊconditioning and opted to conduct a completeÊcourseÊrestoration in conjunction with Nicklaus Design.
Staying true toÊNicklaus’ masterful design, the Ocean Course restoration has included the re-grassingÊof all fairways, greensÊand rough with the salt-tolerant Platinum Paspalum, asÊwell as the reconstruction of each tee box, bunker and green complex.
The new salt-tolerant grass was tested byÊhigh winds and storm surge caused by Hurricane Irma in September, but the turfÊstood up well and the restoration project completion was only pushed back a fewÊweeks.
ÒToday, theÊOcean Course reclaims its position as one of the finest golf courses in theÊcountry,Ó said Salamander Founder &ÊCEO Sheila Johnson, who also serves asÊan executive committee member of the United States Golf Association. ÒTheÊlocationÊis unique, the views are exquisite and the conditioning now matchesÊthe spectacular locale. We thank Lubert-Adler, the resort’sÊowners, for itsÊcommitment to the game of golf, and are honored that the Ocean Course rejoinsÊthe rotation within ourÊSalamander Golf Collection.Ó
In addition toÊthe Ocean Course, Salamander is also re-opening its North Course at InnisbrookÊResort near Tampa Bay onÊNovember 3 Ð just 24 hours later. The course, designedÊby Larry Packard, had been closed for four months for a renovation ofÊitsÊgreens.
As one of only aÊhandful of courses in the Southeast to feature Platinum Paspalum, the OceanÊCourse’s new surface featuresÊthick, short grass blades. Tolerant of allÊseasons, the grass is able to withstand seasonal temperature changes yetÊmaintain aÊbeautiful verdant year-round look. The addition of new and brightÊwhite Angle-G sand has also significantly brightened theÊalready visuallyÊappealing course.
The course’s forming,Êwhich offer greater environmental protection while also offering golfers someÊof the most stunning ocean views on the East Coast.
ÒBy replacing BermudaÊgrass with the salt-tolerant Platinum Paspalum, we now offer golfers one of the purest surfaces inÊthe game,Ó said Brad Hauer,Êdirector of golf at Hammock Beach Resort. ÒAnd, inÊaddition to improved playing conditions for golfers of all levels, the views ofÊthe Atlantic Ocean areÊsimply incredible.Ó
The Ocean CourseÊoriginally opened in April 2000. And, while the integrity of the originalÊdesign has been retained throughÊthe recent restoration, new forward tees haveÊbeen added to each hole, making six on each. This allows the par 72 course toÊplay as short as 4,100 yards, but retain a challenging overall length of 7,201Êyards from its back tees.
Throughout the Ocean Course’s restoration project, HammockÊBeach’s other championship layout, the highly-ratedÊConservatory Course (TomÊWatson), has continued to accommodate guest and member play.
TheÊrestoration of the Ocean Course follows a number of previous enhancements atÊHammock Beach Resort. The resort hasÊrecently renovated its grand lobby,Êrefurbished all 15,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event spaces, andÊre-opened itsÊsignature restaurant, The Atlantic Grille.
In mid-November, it will launch itsÊboutique accommodation option: The Lodge at Hammock Beach, which offers anÊintimateÊaccommodation option overlooking the Ocean Course. It features 20Êguest rooms, direct beach access and provides guests withÊthe unique ÒLodgeÊExperienceÓ Ð a VIP service including amenities and daily breakfast. WithÊspectacular ocean views, theÊAtlantic Grille, led by new Executive Chef KevinÊLuque, is serving ÒShore to TableÓ cuisine, highlighting local, freshly caughtÊseafood.
Re-opening inÊmid-November, The Lodge offers an intimate accommodation option overlooking theÊOcean Course. It featuresÊ20 guest rooms, direct beach access and providesÊguests with the unique ÒLodge ExperienceÓ Ð a VIP service includingÊamenities andÊdaily breakfast. With spectacular ocean views, the Atlantic Grille, led by newÊExecutive Chef Kevin Luque, isÊserving ÒShore to TableÓ cuisine, highlighting local,Êfreshly caught seafood.
Just south ofÊhistoric St. Augustine, Hammock Beach Resort presents true luxury nestled amongÊnature and offers an upscaleÊescape surrounded by scenes of Old Florida,Êwith more than 300 luxurious and spacious accommodations. There areÊnumerousÊgolf and social membership options available at the coastal oasis, whichÊoperates as both a private club and resort. It offersÊstorybook experiences withÊtwo highly renowned and ranked golf courses designed by legendsÊJack Nicklaus and TomÊWatson, a 10,000-square-foot ocean-inspired spaÊand fitness center, multiple restaurants and bars, aÊmulti-level pool complexÊwith adult and children’s areas, oceanfrontÊmeeting space, a marina and tennis center, and miles ofÊcoquina-laden coastline.
For moreÊinformation, call Hammock Beach Resort atÊ866-841-0287Êor visitÊwww.hammockbeach.com. Hammock Beach Resort is located at 200 OceanÊCrest Drive,ÊPalm Coast, FL 32137.
