Some 120,000 golf balls are retrieved each year from the lake surrounding the 17th hole of THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, which says something about the pain golfers are willing to inflict upon themselves for the sake of the game. While the picturesque hole befuddles even the best players in the world, everybody wants a crack at it – even if it means donating a sleeve to the fish.

Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, this island green is one of the most famous in golf. It got that way because of THE PLAYERS Championship, generally regarded as the "fifth major" and one of the most important tournaments on the PGA Tour. The event has drawn the top golfers in the world each spring, and in turn, helped stamp the area as a golf hotspot.

Of course, the TPC Sawgrass is only one of many golf options in Northeast Florida. Known as Florida's First Coast, this veritable golf playground spans about 75 miles and features some incredible ocean views at places such as Ginn Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast and Amelia Island Plantation. An organization called Florida's First Coast of Golf exists specifically to help you explore it. This group provides you with golf information and tee times and is happy to assist with reservations and accommodations. They also have the scoop on events and tour dates.

The World Golf Hall of Fame opened at the World Golf Village in 1998 and is supported by the game's leading organizations, combining artifacts and personal memorabilia along with interactive exhibits to highlight the history of the game and its players.


World Golf Hall of Fame Inductions

Just down the road from TPC Sawgrass is St. Augustine's World Golf Village, home to the World Golf Hall of Fame, where induction ceremonies will take place on Monday, November 12 at 6:00 p.m. Each of the new Hall of Fame entrants receives a special hand-crafted crystal trophy. The six inductees include two-time major championship winners Hubert Green and Curtis Strange, famous golf course architect Charles Blair MacDonald and South Korea's Se Ri Pak, who at age 30 is going into the Hall of Fame while still an active competitor on the LPGA Tour.

Spectators are welcome for the induction ceremony. The newest members will have their personal items added to the Member Locker Room exhibit. The following day, a new exhibit called Jack Nicklaus: Golf's Golden Champion will open to the public.


Experiencing Golf's Past and Present

Come for the inductions or to feel fall on the fairways – then stay a while. The World Golf Hall of Fame opened at the World Golf Village in 1998 and is supported by the game's leading organizations, combining artifacts and personal memorabilia along with interactive exhibits to highlight the history of the game and its players. It's a must-see for anyone who appreciates golf. The Hall of Fame experience includes admission to the adjacent IMAX Theater, and the Hall also has an 18-hole natural grass putting course.

Visitors to the Hall can't help but notice one of the golf courses that surrounds the facility. There are actually two World Golf Village courses, the King & Bear and Slammer & Squire. The courses were designed by four of the game's most renowned players and have hosted several professional events, including the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf, a Champions Tour event and Shell's Wonderful World of Golf.

The King & Bear is the first and only design collaboration of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. The 7,279-yard course has a set of nines that is unique to each Palmer and Nicklaus, although they worked together on the overall layout.

Sam Snead (the Slammer) and Gene Sarazen (the Squire) consulted with architect Bobby Weed on the first course at World Golf Village. The 6,939-yard course is resort friendly and offers views of the Hall of Fame.


A True Golf Getaway

To truly take advantage of the whole complex, stay right there and walk out your door to golf, visit the Hall of Fame, shop and dine. The Renaissance Resort is located just a short pitch shot away from the World Golf Hall of Fame and the first tee to the Slammer & Squire course. It offers the Cypress Pointe Restaurant and Lounge, a swimming pool, fitness center and spa privileges. It also has a Full Swing Golf Simulator. (In addition, guests enjoy privileges at the nearby oceanside Serenata Beach Club.)

Grande Villas at World Golf Village offers another option, with one- and two-bedroom villas overlooking the Slammer & Squire course. With fully furnished units, including kitchens and washer-dryers in the two-bedroom layouts, Grande Villas is an ideal place to settle in for a relaxing golf getaway.