Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort Set to Re-Open in October
Salamander Hotels & Resorts announces Jack Nicklaus Signature Design is in final phase of 12-month restoration project, which include new salt-tolerant greens, fairways and rough
PALM COAST, FL. August 17, 2017 - Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the luxury hotel company founded by Sheila C. Johnson, today announced that Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Fla. is on schedule to re-open its famed Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design, on Oct. 12, 2017 after a 12-month restoration project.
Renowned for its six Atlantic Ocean-hugging holes and closing stretch named “The Bear Claw,” the Ocean Course has been closed since October 2016 after high winds and storm surge from Hurricane Matthew caused damage across the majority of its holes. The resort's owners and management team took a long-term view regarding conditioning and opted to conduct a complete course restoration in conjunction with Nicklaus Design.
Staying true to Nicklaus' masterful design, the Ocean Course restoration has included the re-grassing of all fairways, greens and rough with the salt-tolerant Platinum Paspalum, as well as the reconstruction of each tee box, bunker and green complex.
The course's dune line, which is over a mile long, continues to be carefully restored to state conservational specifications. Newer and stronger dunes are forming, which offer greater environmental protection while also offering golfers some of the most stunning ocean views on the East Coast.
“By replacing Bermuda grass with the salt-tolerant Platinum Paspalum, we will now offer golfers one of the purest surfaces in the game,” said Brad Hauer, director of golf at Hammock Beach Resort. “And, in addition to improved playing conditions for golfers of all levels, the views of the Atlantic Ocean are simply incredible.”
As one of only a handful of courses in the Southeast to feature Platinum Paspalum, the Ocean Course's new surface features thick, short grass blades. Tolerant of all seasons, the grass is able to withstand seasonal temperature changes yet maintain a beautiful verdant year-round look. The addition of new and bright white Angle-G sand has also significantly brightened the already visually appealing course.
The Ocean Course originally opened in April 2000. And, while the integrity of the original design has been retained through the recent restoration, new forward tees have been added to each hole, making six on each. This allows the par 72 course to play as short as 4,100 yards, but retain a challenging overall length of 7,201 yards from its back tees.
Throughout the Ocean Course's restoration project, Hammock Beach's other championship layout, the highly-rated Conservatory Course (Tom Watson), has continued to accommodate guest and member play. Once the Ocean Course re-opens, the resort will be able to double its efforts to introduce young players to the sport through its Family Fairways Program. The daily program, designed to bring families together through golf, provides special rates for adults and juniors along with complimentary club rentals for children from 3:00 p.m. until close.
Guests are invited to be among the first to play the Ocean Course during the Grand Reopening Weekend, starting on Oct. 12. It will feature several events, dining and entertainment. Golfers can also register to win a weekend at the resort by visiting the Ocean Course's countdown page.
Starting this fall, the resort is offering golfers a Just Golf Package with rates beginning at $179 per person, per day. The package includes one round on the Ocean Course, one round on the Conservatory Course and $20 daily breakfast credit. Pricing is based on a midweek, two-night stay with four people sharing a deluxe three-bedroom villa. Rates, which are subject to availability, do not include taxes and service fees.
The restoration of the Ocean Course follows a number of previous enhancements at Hammock Beach Resort. The resort has recently renovated and refurbished its grand lobby, refurbished all 15,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event spaces and upgraded 75 of its spacious one-bedroom suites. Most recently, Hammock Beach Resort announced the July 1 re-launch of its boutique hotel experience, The Lodge at Hammock Beach, and re-opened its signature restaurant, The Atlantic Grille.
The Lodge now offers an intimate accommodation option overlooking the Ocean Course. It features 20 guest rooms, direct beach access and provides guests with the unique “Lodge Experience” - a VIP service including amenities and daily breakfast. With spectacular ocean views, the Atlantic Grille, led by new Executive Chef Kevin Luque, is serving “Shore to Table” cuisine, highlighting local, freshly caught seafood.
Just south of historic St. Augustine, Hammock Beach Resort presents true luxury nestled among nature and offers an upscale escape surrounded by scenes of Old Florida, with more than 300 luxury, spacious accommodations. Including a variety of golf and social membership options, the coastal oasis offers storybook experiences with two highly renowned and ranked golf courses designed by legends Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, a 10,000-square-foot ocean-inspired spa and fitness center, multiple restaurants and bars, a multi-level pool complex with adult and children's areas, oceanfront meeting space, a marina and tennis center, and miles of coquina-laden coastline.
For more information, call Hammock Beach Resort at 866-841-0287 or visit www.hammockbeach.com. Hammock Beach Resort is located at 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32137.
About Salamander Hotels & Resorts
Salamander Hotels & Resorts is a Bennett, a 179-room luxury hotel in Charleston, SC, opening in early spring 2018. The Golf Collection includes the famed Innisbrook Resort in Tampa Bay, which hosts an annual PGA TOUR on its Copperhead Course; the elegant Reunion Resort in Orlando, which includes Signature Course designs from Nicklaus, Palmer and Watson; and the recently renovated oceanfront Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, FL, home to layouts by Nicklaus and Watson. All Salamander properties are members of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. For additional information, visit www.SalamanderHotels.com.
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