Ocean Course

Located along the Atlantic coast in Palm Coast, Florida, the Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa is a top oceanfront golf course. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course combines natural beauty with challenging play.

The course stretches 7,201 yards from the back tees with a par of 72 and a slope rating of 144. It winds through wetlands, lakes, and eco-friendly Platinum Paspalum turf.

Golfers looking for the best oceanfront golf courses in Florida will love its six holes that run right along the Atlantic Ocean—more than any other course in the state. These holes offer stunning views and a real challenge as you play against the wind and weather.

Course Layout of Hammock Beach Ocean Course

The Ocean Course has an 18-hole design that balances accessibility and challenging play.

The front nine has strategic fairways protected by bunkers and water hazards. For example, the par-5 second hole with pot bunkers on the left and the par-3 fourth requiring precise iron play over water.

The back nine gets harder with longer par-5s like the 551-yard 14th hole, where decisions off the tee can lead to eagle opportunities or pond encounters.

This Jack Nicklaus designed golf course has wide fairways andwell-protected, multi-tiered greens, so every shot needs careful planning. The course flows from inland wetlands to the oceanfront, creating an experience that appeals to both new and experienced players.

Course Challenges

Golfers playing the Ocean Course must contend with many obstacles that make the course more difficult.

Wind from the Atlantic Ocean influences play, especially on open holes, while many bunkers—including deep pot bunkers, waste areas, and front-guarding sands—demand accuracy. Water hazards and lakes frame several fairways, as seen on the dogleg-left 16th, and raised greens with hills and slopes test your putting skills.

The course’s rating reflects its difficulty, with sand dunes and grass hollows adding to its strategic depth.

For those looking for challenging oceanfront golf in Florida, the Ocean Course offers a rewarding test against nature and design, where accuracy and smart play are the keys to success.

Signature Holes

The best features are the signature holes that make the Ocean Course so appealing. The “Bear Claw” finish—holes 15 through 18—gets its name from Nicklaus himself and offers the toughest stretch.

Hole 15, an uphill par-4 at 432 yards, challenges with right-side bunkers and dune-fronted greens. The 399-yard par-4 16th curves around a lake, testing short-game skills on a crowned green.

Hole 17, a short par-3 at 174 yards toward the ocean, offers birdie chances amid scenic distractions. The 466-yard par-4 18th demands a precise approach to a raised green protected by dunes and hollows.

Other oceanfront favourites, like the par-4 ninth with its raised green and bunker carries, make these Hammock Beach Ocean Course signature holes unforgettable.

Facilities at Hammock Beach Golf Resort

The course also has excellent facilities that enhance the experience. The Ocean Course Pro Shop is open daily and sells top brands and resort items for all your golf needs.

Practice areas include a 10,000-square-foot putting green, chipping green, and driving range, perfect for warming up.

The Hammock House restaurant provides casual dining with ocean views overlooking the ninth green. These amenities make it a top choice for luxury golf resorts in Florida.

Hosted Tournaments on the Ocean Course

The Ocean Course has a rich history of hosting major events, showing its high quality.

It was the site of the 2003 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links, showcasing its challenging design on a national level.

The resort’s courses, including the Ocean Course, have also hosted PGA Tour events, earning praise from pros and experts.

Ranked among Golfweek’s Best 2025 Top 200 and highly rated by Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and Golfweek, it continues to attract tournaments and players wanting the best Florida golf experiences.

Whether for competitive play or casual rounds, the Ocean Course at Hammock Beach remains a top spot for golf tournaments in Florida.

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The Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa shows the best in oceanfront golf, combining beautiful views, tough challenges, and great facilities. Plan your visit to this Jack Nicklaus course for a memorable round that captures the spirit of Florida’s coastal golf tradition.