Finish strong on the scenic Oak Marsh golf course at Omni Amelia Island Plantation resort in northeast Florida
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. -- When comparing Oak Marsh to Ocean Links, it's the marsh versus the beach at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation resort.
While the five beach holes of Ocean Links are sensational, the marsh holes on Oak Marsh are almost as good. A young Pete Dye built the 6,500-yard Oak Marsh Course in 1972 just after finishing the famed Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Oak Marsh shows signs of Dye's handiwork. There are 14 holes featuring water or wetland. The largest marsh comes into play on four excellent holes. The par-5 ninth runs along its northern shore. The daunting three finishing holes are across the way. A crosswind makes the par-3 16th hole a brute that requires a 171-yard knockdown shot over the marsh and a deep front bunker.
The most difficult hole of the day comes next, the 441-yard 17th hole with wetland up the entire left side. Risk accompanies the 523-yard, par-5 finishing hole. To reach the green in two, bombers must carry the wetland; one final dramatic encounter with the hazard that defines the whole round.