Golfing in Putnam County, Florida: From a Donald Ross Classic to Wild Florida Fairways
From a 100-Year-Old Donald Ross Classic to Wild Florida Fairways
Golfing in Putnam County, Florida: From a Donald Ross Classic to Wild Florida Fairways
Golfers from all over the world have booked a tee time and made the journey to Putnam County to play on some of Florida’s best golf courses. The area boasts two very special, and very different golf courses. One is an original Donald Ross course that’s 100 years old, and the other gives you the chance to golf alongside some of the state’s most iconic wildlife.
At Palatka Golf Club you can see some of the world’s best amateur golfers compete in PGA-sanctioned tournaments, and at The Oaks Golf Club you can participate in laid-back events and even camp overnight. The rates change seasonally, but these are both some of the most affordable golf courses in Florida, each averaging a rate of less than $40 for 18 holes (including cart). Even better, the two courses are only about 30 minutes away from each other, allowing you to enjoy both unique experiences when you visit Putnam County, Florida. Here’s our rundown of what we love about each.
Palatka Golf Club in Palatka, Florida
Address: 1715 Moseley Avenue, Palatka, Florida 32177
Phone: 386-329-0141
Hours: Monday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What makes it special: It’s a 100-year-old course designed by Donald Ross.
Palatka Golf Club is a municipal course that is 100 years old, and the longevity of the course certainly proves how great of a course this is. Many golfing greats have played there over the years, including Fuzzy Zoeller, John Daly, and Greg Norman. Babe Ruth was even a member there back in the day. As a course with so much history, you would think things may have changed over the years, but that’s not the case. Palatka Golf Club has stayed true to its roots over the last century and is completely original. It’s never changed, and that’s part of what adds to its vintage vibes. That’s rare for a golf course. It was designed correctly from the beginning, and you just don’t have to change perfection.
One of the things that makes the course truly unique is its designer, Donald Ross, one of the most influential golf course architects of all time. This highly-esteemed designer created several courses, but sadly, many are no longer in existence. Many of those that are still around are private courses, making it difficult to ever have a chance to play them. Palatka Golf Club is one of the few Donald Ross courses that you can actually play, and golfers come from near and far to be able to experience one of his courses.
One of the well-planned attributes of Palatka Golf Club is the drainage system. Even after a downpour, you won’t find standing water like you will on many courses. The sloping of the land fits perfectly into the design, and Ross saw the opportunity to capitalize on this 100 years ago. Florida is typically a flat state, but this course does have some different topography. Hole 3, for instance. starts higher on a hill and then dips down, while Hole 4 has golfers hitting uphill to a flat area, and then downhill to the green. The terrain makes it scenic, but the lack of real estate around the course, bountiful oaks, and being neighbors with Ravine Gardens State Park adds to the beauty even more.
When the course was built a century ago, there weren’t any golf carts. Because of that, this course was designed to be walkable. Don’t worry – there are still golf carts available, and many people still use them. But it’s nice to have a course where you have the option of walking as well.
Other amenities at Palatka Golf Club
- Private and group lessons
- Full restaurant and bar
- Driving range
- Chipping green
- Practice bunkers
- Putting green
- Event space
- Onsite Pro Shop
Tournaments at Palatka Golf Club
This PGA-run facility hosts a variety of events throughout the year including summer camps, golf clinics, and junior tournaments. However, there are two annual tournaments that bring in golfers from all over the world each year.
Florida Azalea Amateur: This happens the third full weekend in March and typically has younger players between ages 18 and 30.
Senior Azalea Amateur: This happens the second full weekend in March, and is designed for amateur golfers 55 and older.
The Oaks Golf Club in Crescent City, Florida
Address: 1264 County Road 309, Crescent City, Florida 32113
Phone: 386-467-2512
Hours: Friday through Wednesday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What makes it special: The unique design gives you an opportunity to experience the woods and wildlife.
The Oaks Golf Club is off the beaten path, and the drive through the winding rural roads that lead you there will give you a small taste of what it’s like to play 18 holes at this remote, Old Florida-style golf course that also has more than its fair share of spectacular oaks draped in Spanish moss. Although it doesn’t date back as far as Palatka Golf Club, this course has its own interesting history. It first opened in 1979 with nine holes and was called The Live Oak Golf and Country Club. The back nine added in 2000 was designed by some of the members and it offers a completely different experience.
When you arrive, you’ll notice that the front nine’s fairways are wide open and have medium-sized greens. Keep an eye out for the giant bullseye, too. It’s a fun addition. There are homes scattered around the outskirts of the front nine as well, but as you make your way to the back, the scenery takes a dramatic turn. As you progress to Hole 10, you’ll take your cart over a bridge that leads to a more wooded space. The back nine is a little more challenging as it has tighter shots off of the tee. The greens are a lot bigger and more contoured. You won’t find any sand traps at The Oaks Golf Club, but there are multiple ponds – and it’s not uncommon to see alligators lounging in and around them. With its remote setting, it’s also possible to see a variety of other wildlife such as deer, armadillos, hogs, bears, turkey, and other birds.
This is a really laid-back course and is a popular local hangout, even for those that don’t golf. Every Thursday night they stay open a little later for karaoke night. It’s a lively night full of songs and laughter, and is fun for both locals and visitors. They have outdoor seating and leashed pets are allowed to come join in the fun, too. If you are coming from out of town, you can even stay onsite. The Oaks Golf Club is a Harvest Host location, and they have a place to camp on the property.
Tournaments at The Oaks Golf Club:
The Oaks Golf Club hosts a variety of ongoing events such as co-ed scrambles each Wednesday and Friday afternoon. At the end of each game, the winners take home cash. There is also a men’s league that plays on Monday mornings, and a ladies league that plays on Tuesday mornings. They also do some unique tournaments there.
- The Wacky Par Three: In this quirky greenskeeper’s revenge tournament, you could be teeing off of a toilet seat, have a variety of obstacles on the course, or have to find your way through a maze on the green.
- The Day-Night Tournament: This tournament starts with playing nine holes during the day, and then stops so golfers can have dinner. They then proceed with nine more holes at night, using glow-in-the-dark balls and lit up flags.
- Pink Out Putnam Tournament: The ladies league hosts an annual tournament that raises funds and awareness for early cancer detection through Pink Out Putnam, a local nonprofit organization.
Other amenities at The Oaks Golf Club
- Full bar and restaurant
- Event space
- Putting green
- Driving range
- Onsite Pro Shop
Although golf may be what brings you to Putnam County, there’s plenty to do when you’re in the area, so plan a few extra days for your visit. Download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android to learn about more exciting activities in our area. We can’t wait to see you!