By Mike May
Question: Where in the U.S. can you find ten miles of marvelous oceanside beaches, kayak tours, bicycle rides, bird watching, tennis, paddle boarding, horseback riding, fishing, boating, canoeing, croquet, world-class accommodations, plus 63 holes of golf?
Answer: Jekyll Island, on the Georgia coastline. :
“Jekyll Island is one of the best places in the U.S. where you can go to unwind and relax while enjoying golf, fresh seafood, long walks along the beach, poolside siestas, and time off the grid,” said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, the Georgia Golf Trail. “For golfers, the 63-hole Jekyll Island Golf Club features four courses at one location which makes it one of the most popular getaways on the Georgia Golf Trail. For golfers, Jekyll Island is one of Georgia’s most popular stay-and-play destinations.”
When it comes to the ‘stay’ part of your Jekyll Island adventure, there are three great overnight options — The Westin Jekyll Island, the Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island, and the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort. All three properties are the ultimate ‘rest & relaxation’ destination.
The Westin Jekyll Island and the Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island provide easy access to the beaches, wonderful poolside destinations, and tremendous views of the ocean, while the Jekyll Island Club Resort is one of the most historic structures on the island.
The Jekyll Island Club Resort was built in the 1800’s to provide overnight accommodations for the rich and famous, such as: the Rockefeller’s, Morgan’s, Vanderbilt’s, and Pulitzer’s, all of whom frequently vacationed on Jekyll Island.
The croquet courts located near the resort’s entrance are a popular outdoor recreation outlet, while The Wharf provides fresh, tasty, and delicious seafood selections, while overlooking the surrounding marshlands. The Pool House is another great dining option, while lounging poolside at the resort.
When it comes to the ‘play’ part of your Jekyll Island adventure, the Jekyll Island Golf Club includes three 18-hole courses, Indian Mound, Oleander and Pine Lakes, plus the original nine-hole layout, the Great Dunes.
Indian Mound, constructed in 1975 by golf course designer Joe Lee, is the shortest of the three 18-hole courses with water impacting play on 11 of the 18 holes. The par fives provide more difficulty than their yardage indicates, and the short par four holes provide the best birdie opportunities.
Oleander, which measures just more than 6,500 yards from the tips, has been the host course for the Georgia Open on four occasions. Designed by golf course architect Dick Wilson, Oleander is known as the most ‘distinct’ of the three 18-hole golf courses on Jekyll Island.
Pine Lakes, designed by Clyde Johnson, was first opened for play in 1968 and was renovated in 2002. It meanders through forests and natural marsh hammocks. Golfers agree that Pine Lakes is peaceful, quiet, as well as, tranquil, yet a challenge for any skill level.
Great Dunes was the first course on Jekyll Island and was built by Walter Travis. Asked to design and build the best golf course money could buy, Travis did just that. Work on the Great Dunes Course began in 1926 and it opened for play in 1928. It sits just a drive and wedge from the beach. When the seaside breezes pick up, the degree of difficulty of Great Dunes also increases. At one time the United States Golf Association used Great Dunes as a testing facility for clubs, shafts, and golf balls.
After golf, enjoy a post-round drink or snack at McCormick’s Grill. It’s a welcome 19th hole!
To book your visit to Jekyll Island, check out JekyllIsland.com or GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.
Don’t forget, ten miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches and 63 holes of golf await your arrival.
