Amelia Island (Long Point)

Tom Fazio and Pete Dye are two names that frequently share the marquee when visiting resorts on the coast of the southeastern United States. The Amelia Island Resort (formerly Amelia Island Plantation) is one where Fazio’s design is generally accepted as the superior.

A big reason why is the superb portions of property that the architect had to work with. Much of the route works its way around saltwater marshes on the southern tip (or “Long Point”) of this barrier island. Although it’s not an easy walk to and from, Fazio brought the course out to the Atlantic beach for nos. 15 and 16, two consecutive par threes that offer beautiful views and tough breezes to combat.

Fazio is noted for his championship-caliber courses but Long Point was never intended to be one; it stretches to less than 6,600 yards from its back tees. The skilled player may find par a relatively simple task, however birdies can still test the mettle. No. 11 may outstrip nos. 15 and 16 as the most scenic hole but it also provides strategic challenges. A short, Cape-style par five, it will take two measured shots to skirt the marsh that borders the hole down the left side.