Florida’s Forgotten Coast is an area of the state that stretches from Mexico Beach on the Gulf of America to St. Marks on Apalachee Bay. The area is sparsely populated and still largely underdeveloped – Port St Joe is the largest city on the Forgotten Coast with a population just north of 4,000.
There’s plenty to do in the area, especially if you love the water. Pristine beaches, fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all nearby, as is shopping. There are lighthouses, museums, and historical sites to visit. Unfortunately for golfers, there is only one course in the area.
While that may pose a problem for golfers who like to play a variety of courses, it’s an “exclusive” for the St. James Bay Golf Resort and offers them a chance to show off. St. James Resort is a serene, peaceful where guests kick back, relax and have a great time. And as a golfer, it doesn’t hurt that one of the state’s best-conditioned golf courses is right outside your door.
The resort is run by PGA industry veteran Bruce Grundlock, who has managed such prestigious properties as Black Diamond in Lecanto, FL, and Killearn Country Club in Tallahassee. Bruce is a hands-on guy; he could be doing anything from running the check-in counter in the pro shop to running carts to the barn. His goal is to make St. James Bay Golf Resort a place you’ll remember as the best golf resort in Florida. If you need anything during your stay, say a particular vintage of wine or some new golf apparel brand, ask Bruce and he’ll get it for you.
A golf course is only as good as the grass you play on, and St. James Bay Golf Resort has one of the best agronomists in the business. Joe Hubbard has held the title of head golf course superintendent or director of agronomy for more than 30 years at such notable properties as Broken Sound Club, The Country Club of Louisiana, and Boca Del Ray Golf and Country Club. He was also the national director of golf course operations for Toll Brothers, a new home builder known for constructing residential developments with lavish golf courses.
St. James Bay Resort is located off the beaten path in Carrabelle, Florida, a picturesque coastal community known for its sugar white sand beaches and prolific offshore fishing. It’s different from other Florida golf resorts in that it’s not near a major city – Tallahassee is an hour away – which helps to minimize distractions. That can be huge if you’re a serious golfer or looking to escape suburbia. It’s also the area’s only Designated Audubon Signature Sanctuary Course.
Accommodations at the resort include two and three-bedroom condos and Clubhouse Villas. The condos all have dens, dining areas, flat-screen TVs, washers and dryers, and fully equipped kitchens.
Many have views overlooking the golf course. The Clubhouse Villas are as close as you can get to the pro shop without sleeping in an office. They’re well-equipped studio units featuring a flat-screen TV, a bar area with a sink, a coffee maker, a washer/dryer combo, and large, comfortable beds. These units are adjacent to the clubhouse, driving range, and pro shop; you’ll pass them on your way to the pool. And remember, if you need ANYTHING, ask Bruce.
The Crooked River Grill is located in the clubhouse, and while it may be best known by locals for a 2 oz. liquor pour, they serve some impressive dishes. Whether it’s locally caught shrimp or one of their delicious steaks, you’ll leave satisfied. You’ll be treated to fantastic views of their Audubon Signature golf course while experiencing a one-of-a-kind dining experience. It’s the go-to place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is open to the public.
If you’re worried about keeping the kids busy, don’t; there’s plenty for them to do. There are two pools on the property; one located at the condos and one behind the clubhouse, and outdoor games like giant Jenga, cornhole, ping-pong, and a playground. They’ll stay busy for hours.
Even though St. James Bay Resort boasts eight brand-new pickleball courts with a full-size viewing deck, the golf course is the main attraction. The course has received several accolades from Golf Advisor over the years, including being ranked as high as No. 2 on its list of Top Courses in Florida and No. 7 on Top 25 Courses for Pace of Play in the US.
This par-72, 6,600-yard public golf course is one of the best-conditioned golf courses in Florida and spans 90 acres of pristine Florida wetlands, replete with a diverse array of wildlife. The layout blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings with towering pines and strategically placed bunkers.
Trees line many holes, and where there are no trees, there’s usually sand or water. Water hazards and marshwetlands come into play on every hole, creating a layout that requires shot making and distance control rather than a ‘grip it and rip it’ approach. The greens are well-undulated and roll true; some of the best greens I’ve seen all year! As you might expect on a course with this much water, there are several forced carries off the tee and onto the green.
There are a couple of holes I’ll remember for a while. The eighth hole offers a great chance for a birdie or par, especially from the Blue Tees. At 462 yards, it’s a short par 5, but it’s going to take two well-struck and well-placed shots to make that happen. Trees line both sides of the fairway from tee to green, and two wetland areas need to be avoided. A 250-yard drive or better is still going to leave a fairway wood or hybrid into a small green surrounded by bunkers. Keep the ball in play, and you should end up with a low number.
No. 13 is a 394-yard dogleg right par 4 and is handicapped No. 1 on the golf course. Play your tee shot down the left side of the fairway but beware of the wetlands that cross the landing area about 250 yards out. A good drive will leave a mid to short iron into the green. Your approach shot is going to be up a steep bank into a large, relatively flat green protected on the left by three bunkers and a deep-faced bunker front right.
Before your round, warm up on the resort’s full-length driving range and chipping area. There’s a practice putting green where you can warm up the flat stick, too.
For the most part, golfers at St. James Bay Golf Resort fall into two categories: Members and packagers. As a member, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the golf course and related amenities, as well as the pool, fitness center, pickleball courts, and invitations to exclusive members-only events. Great, affordable golf packages can be found on their website, www.stjamesbayresort.com