You don't need a membership or a resort stay to play The Amelia River Club on Buccaneer Trail, which sells public tee times alongside its memberships. The course opened in 2000, and the club's scorecard names Tom Jackson as the architect. It's a par 72 that plays to 6,808 yards from the back tees, with TifEagle greens and fairways cut through live oaks, sabal palms, pines and wax myrtles.
The layout has a few clear landmarks. Holes 1, 5 and 13 run along the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport and play wide open, while trees frame most of the rest and punish loose shots. Alligator Creek crosses holes 1, 9, 10 and 18. The signature 17th is a par 3 to an island green, and the 18th finishes at the edge of the Amelia River and its tidal marsh. The club's own course rules warn that alligators and snakes live on the property, so don't go after balls in the water.
Before you go:
- Collared shirts are required. Denim, cargo shorts and athletic shorts aren't allowed.
- Rental sets from TaylorMade and Callaway come in men's and women's, right- and left-handed.
- Cart drivers must be at least 16.
- The Performance Center, which opened in fall 2022, has a TrackMan range you can reserve, plus lessons and club fitting.
The Gallery Bar & Grill serves breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m. and lunch until 4 p.m. For a city-owned alternative, Fernandina Beach Golf Club has 27 holes on Bill Melton Road, and the Omni's Little Sandy short course suits a family warm-up.
The club also works with Ship Sticks for sending clubs ahead. If you ship yours to a second home here, mail and package management can make sure someone's there to receive them.