Julington Creek Golf Club Review

The Julington Creek Golf Club in Jacksonville is managed by Brown Golf, who, according to members I spoke with, have done an outstanding job of returning the club to its former glory. The course originally opened as a 9-hole course in 1989 and was designed by Robert C. Walker. New ownership took over in 1991, led by former PGA Tour Professional Steve Melnyk, who designed 9 new holes and developed the course to what it is today. Over the years, Julington Creek has played host to several events including the Hooters Tour, North Florida Junior Tour and USGA Qualifiers.

From the back tees, Julington Creek plays 6,908 yards, with a course rating of 72.4 and a slope of 127. Most golfers will find a formidable challenge from the White Tees (5,888/67.6/114). Ladies typically play from the Green Tees, which at 5,059 yards (69.6/115) will prove to be a good test. The bottom line is that, no matter how good or bad you are, Julington Creek has a set of tees to match your skill level.

Julington Creek features several interesting holes. Number 1, although somewhat short, makes you hit an honest tee shot in order to leave yourself a short pitch to a fairly open green. The second hole features a tree-lined fairway and is straight away; pretty simple until you get up near the green. Hit your approach shot short right and you might find yourself in with a nasty lie in a deep bunker. Number 11 features fairway bunkers at the turn of the dogleg which can lead to a high number should you find yourself in one of them. Hit your tee shot left of the 150-yard marker and you'll likely have to contend with a large, mature oak tree between you and the green. Here are some other favorites:

Member's Favorite: Number 8: Par 5, 509 yards (Blue Tees). It's easy to see why this hole is the #1 handicap; it's also the most scenic hole on the course. Water frames the fairway down the entire right side of this dogleg right and the narrow fairway slopes ever so slightly towards the water. Best to play down the left side and place your layup shot just right of the fairway bunker that's about 80 yards from the green. You'll need to hit a precision approach shot to avoid the sand left and water right on this shallow green that sits at an angle. Par is a good score here.

Pro's Favorite: Number 14: Par 5, 528 yards (Blue Tees). As you stand on the tee on Number 14, the water on the left dares you to try and carry it. A quick check of the rangefinder shows that it would require about a 250 yard carry plus more to get up the hill, so that's not an option. For most golfers, this double dogleg is a three-shot hole so, aiming slightly right of the fairway bunker provides a lot of fairway to land your ball. From there, you can hit a long iron or hybrid and leave yourself about 100 yards to the green which sits at a 45° angle to the fairway.

My Favorite: Number 16: Par 5, 484 yards. Standing on the tee, you have to wonder if there is any room to land your ball, however there really is quite a bit. Although for most golfers, the wetlands in the middle of this par 5, dogleg left are not reachable from the tees, they will figure into your scorecard with any miss hit second shots. Successfully navigate the wetlands on your second shot and you'll have a little over 100 yards into a well-protected green that is longer than it is wide.

Julington Creek offers three levels of memberships, some that include reciprocal privileges to Windsor Parke Golf Club. You'll also receive unlimited use of the driving range, free golf lessons, discounts on guest fees and access to the Brown Golf Reciprocal program. For more information, visit the website at www.julingtoncreekgc.com. The relaxed social atmosphere in the clubhouse offers a great place to meet new friends and commiserate over the day at a 19th hole get-together.