Amelia Island Plantation

My wife Betty and I took our group to Amelia Island Plantation in March, and came away very impressed that it is an ideal location for many of my customers. Why? Because it has 4 golf courses, a full range of housing types to choose from and access to nightlife and dining nearby. I think this fits the needs of the typical Golf Exclusives customer.

The beauty of Amelia Island Plantation is bathed in ocean-topping sunrises each morning and spectacular sunsets over green salt marshes each evening. Throughout the day, the natural beauty of its 1,350-acre all inclusive beach resort calls out to everyone. Attractive accommodations and superior activities for family vacations, golfers and tennis players, premier meeting facilities, and Florida's most beautiful natural surroundings welcome every visitor to Amelia Island Plantation.

The beauty extends to four championship golf courses, each one an Audubon International certified sanctuary; to their renowned spa and shopping village; and to their well appointed meeting space. Visit the year 'round Nature Center with fun and educational nature tours or tour the resort on a Segway. Sportsmen and kids alike enjoy fishing around the resort or on charters off shore. So relax, get away, and reconnect with family, friends, and the natural beauty of Amelia Island Plantation.

Named "Silver Medal Golf Resort" by Golf Magazine, Amelia Island Plantation boasts 72 championship holes.It also has been named as one of only 10 "Green Golf Resorts" for its environmental committment in the care of its courses.

Amelia Links, designed by Pete Dye and Bobby Weed, is a 36-hole configuration including two signature courses, Oak Marsh and Ocean Links.

Ocean Links has 5 holes along the ocean and concludes with a par three whose green is strategically placed in the waters of Red Maple Lake. The course winds through six miles of the natural sand dunes and seaside terrain that make Amelia Island so special. It can be said that this is as much a nature tour as it is a round of golf. The course yardage of 6,300 yards is somewhat deceiving since small greens, narrow fairways and prevailing winds make the course play much longer. At par 70, these 18 holes provide a challenge to golfers of all levels. Named by Golf for Women as one of the "50 Best Courses for Women", its proximity to the ocean and the ever changing sea breeze provide the golfer with exhilarating views and intriguing play.

The Oak Marsh Golf Course is one of the truly classic Pete Dye designed golf courses in the world. The course, built in 1972 shortly after the completion of the Harbour Town Golf Links at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is noted for its tight fairways and small greens, meandering along serpentine salt marsh creeks and through the moss draped heritage oaks for which Amelia Island is famous.

Long Point, a Tom Fazio's creation, is an 18-hole layout designed distinctively among primal marshlands and the towering sand dunes of the Atlantic. Long Point is the Club Member's primary course; however, resort guests may reserve tee times 24 hours in advance.

Amelia River, (formerly Royal Amelia) is open to the public and located just three miles from the resort's main entrance. it offers a Tom Jackson- designed 18-hole layout, sculpted around a forest of majestic live oaks, sabal palms, pines and wax myrtles.

A skilled culinary team of chefs, an inventive cuisine and a variety of dining venues have earned Amelia Island Plantation a reputation for excellence in dining.

The Ocean Grill at the Amelia Inn offers the finest chops and the most recent trends in food and food preparation. Enjoy organic specialties, plus local and seasonal produce and seafood favorites.

For a casual dining experience, guests can dine outside under the covered porch at Marche Burette, all the while enjoying the Florida sunshine. After a pleasant lunch, head inside to Cooper's Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts, for a delectable treat, sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

If you are headed toward the beach, stop poolside for a quick bite at the Beach Club Grill. If the golf course is your destination, be sure to check out the Golf Shop Restaurant. If seafood is your choice, enjoy the charmingly casual The Verandah with the day's freshest local seafood.

I think you can see that Amelia Island Plantation should be on your list for your next golf vacation.