By: David Theoret
Located minutes from the Florida line, Osprey Cove is a private, gated community featuring luxury homes, in a resort atmosphere.
Residents at Osprey Cove will find their social calendars crammed with a variety activities, fitness, tennis, swimming, biking, boating, or gardening. Plus, the 18-hole championship Mark McCumber-designed golf course offers another diversion.
Osprey Cove Golf Club opened for play in 1990 and over the years has gone through tumultuous times, which saw the course deteriorate to almost unplayable levels. Over the last 10 years, Osprey Cove has undergone a rejuvenation and is considered to be the best golf course in the area.
Golf Digest and GolfWeek have recognized Osprey Cove as a “Must Play,” as well as, a “Top 5 Course in Georgia”.
From the back (Black) tees, Osprey Cove plays 6,778 yards with a course rating of 72.9 and a slope of 135. Mere mortal men will find that the Blue Tees (6,236/70.7/131) provide an ample challenge and take out a few long carries off the tees. Ladies have a couple of choices, as well, but most choose to play from the Red Tees (5,062/70.0/117). There are a total of six sets of tees that create a yardage and difficulty suitable for golfers of any age, or ability.
Osprey Cove is the epitome of a Southern coastal golf course. It sits at the edge of the expansive St. Marys River basin and designed around a wild life preservation area, among tidal inlets and pristine marshes. Golfers are treated to magnificent views across the marshes on many holes.
Osprey Cove is a golf course that won’t beat you up, but at the same time, it won’t let you push it around either. To many, it’s a shot maker’s course that demands a high level of placement and execution if you want to score well. McCumber has given players many targets to aim at to keep them on course. If you can do that, you’ll find yourself writing down some favorable scores. Fail to do so and you’ll pay the price.
One memorable characteristic of Osprey Cove is the smallness of the greens, compared to other area courses. Many of them have significant slope and undulations or are tucked precariously behind bunkers.
All in all, McCumber did a great job of using the natural terrain and river to create an exciting golf course that can be enjoyed by everyone. Osprey Cove is private club caliber, but offers public access and should not be missed by golfers in the area.
Osprey Cove is easily accessible from Jacksonville and the Amelia Island area, plus is a great stopover for snowbirds, looking to get in one more round as they are heading back home.
Unlike many residential developments of this caliber, Osprey Cove offers stay and play packages that include accommodations in one of their luxurious suites overlooking the 18th hole, an in-room continental breakfast greens fees, cart fees, range balls and access to club amenities.
For more information or to book a round or a stay and play package, visit their website at www.ospreycove.com.
