5 Tips for Planning Your Fall Golf Trip to Florida

Fall is going to be here soon and it couldn’t come sooner!

When you are planning your fall vacation to North Florida, here are a tips for planning the perfect autumn escape...

1. Enjoy All the Fall Fun the First Coast Has to Offer!

Florida’s First Coast is at its very best in the fall! Our leaves might not change colors, but there is still plenty of color here in autumn. Here are some ways to add color and a bit of zing to your fall getaway in Northeast Florida.

--What’s brighter and more colorful than juicy-ripe fruits and veggies at a local farmer’s market? The farmer’s market season is in full swing here in the fall, and you can find farmer’s markets in every county in Northeast Florida.

--For many of us, fall would not be fall without college football. If you need a college football fix while you are in town, head to a Jaguar game, such as the annual Florida vs. Georgia showdown.

--Thinking of visiting over Labor Day weekend? Check out this helpful guide to planning the perfect Labor Day weekend getaway in Northeast Florida. The detailed itinerary includes where to stay, eat, drink, play, and much more.

--To learn about the local beverage scene, which we must say is quite happening these days, check out one of these unique tours: the Manifest Distillery tour, the Jacksonville Ale Trail (see the video below), or the Clay County Coffeehouse itinerary.

Discover the Jacksonville Ale Trail

2. Don’t Forget the Kids!

Awesome golf vacations and kids do mix! Especially when you’re spending your trip in North Florida, because this area is particularly kid-friendly. Here are three area resorts that both you and your kids will love.

The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

This resort is one of Florida’s most celebrated golf destinations. But did you know that in addition to world-class golf, it also offers a whole range of family-friendly activities? You and your kids will have access to all of these amenities and more:

Multiple swimming pools, including a kids’ pool
Pristine beaches and the Cabana Beach Club, offering activities such as surf camps and kayak, paddleboard, surfboard, boogie board, and Hobie Cat rentals
The Mighty Oaks Kids Zone, an outdoor venue where parents and kids of all ages can play and spend quality time
Miniature golf and ping pong

The Omni Amelia Island Resort

This spectacular resort on Amelia Island is home to the Oak Marsh golf course, a classic Pete Dye-designed course known for its tight fairways and small greens lined with the signature moss-draped heritage oaks. The resort also offers a variety of activities for children, teens and young adults, including the following:

A gigantic poolscape with a family pool and splash park, perfect for small children
Pristine beach with chair, cabana, boogie board, and beach game rentals
Miniature golf
Camp Amelia, where guests aged 4 to 10 can discover nature and learn about sea life during interactive learning excursions
A state-of-the-art gamer’s lounge
Movie nights
Family bonfires & s’mores

Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa

For a truly unique experience that will thrill all members of the family, head to this beachfront resort set against pristine, natural wetlands. While the parents test their skills on one of the resort's two award-winning golf courses, kids can enjoy fun-filled days as part of Kids Crew, with activities such as scavenger hunts, beach games, pool activities, and more. Morning and evening drop-off times are available.

Kids and adults alike will also love the 91,000 square foot water park featuring a lazy river and water flume, plus the opportunity to explore the area on bikes. One-hour bicycle rentals are included in the resort fee.

Beyond these three resorts, you will find plenty of fun activities for your whole family to enjoy in Northeast Florida. Read about a variety of things to do in our blog!

If you are thinking of visiting with the kids in November (and perhaps you should!), plan to head to Jacksonville. During Kids Free November, kids under 12 will have free access to many of Jacksonville’s most famous attractions, including the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Catty Shack Ranch and Wildlife Sanctuary, museums and historical sites, and more.

3. Golf for Every Age

Don’t forget to include senior family members in your fall vacation! There are plenty of opportunities for them to enjoy North Florida, too. The sheer number and range of golf courses ensures that, whether your senior is an experienced or casual golfer, they will be able to find a golf course to suit their preferences. For senior golfers looking for a fun challenge, the Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches Senior Games are held every fall, this year on September 15-30th, with the golf event scheduled to take place on September 23rd. Anyone over the age of 50 can participate in the games, regardless of skill level. Spectators are also welcome at the event.

Seniors who stay at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa will not only be near the Senior Games venues, they can also enjoy access to the full range of amenities that this world-class resort has to offer.

Senior golfers may particularly enjoy golfing at the famous Palm Harbor Golf Club, where they can bask in the full glory of historic Florida. The club's 18-Hole, 72 par course is conveniently located between Daytona Beach and Historic St. Augustine area and offers a daily play fee. For more information, call Palm Coast Parks and Recreation Department at (386) 986-2522 or visit the Palm Harbor Golf Club website.

4. Perfect Golf Weather

With an average daytime high of over 60 degrees and nearly 1,000 of the best golf holes of the Sunshine State, Northeast Florida is the perfect fall destination.

If the weather happens to fall below 60 degrees—and this occasionally happens in North Florida in autumn— don't be caught unprepared. Bring the right clothing and equipment.

Bring lightweight jackets and long sleeve shirts that still allow your arms the full range of motion when you swing.
Bring warm weather, high-compression golf balls as well as some softer, low-compression balls, which are more effective in cooler weather.
Bring sunscreen AND an umbrella. In changing weather conditions, you might need both items on the same hole

It can rain any time of year in north Florida. Come prepared and you can still enjoy your game! Read about must-have equipment for golfing in the rain here.

Traveling in the area and realize you forgot an essential? Don't worry! The PGA Tour Superstore can supply you with anything you need.

5. Choose a Course to Enhance your Game

Northeast Florida is the perfect place to perfect your game. With a variety of courses to choose from, there's something for every skill level. Looking to play like a pro? Choose TPC Sawgrass and play where the champions play. For a short game, try one of the area's 9-hole courses, a great place to really improve your technique. Practice your chipping at an oceanfront club or strengthen your left-handed swing in the marshlands of Florida.