Streamsong – Oh Yea! Plus, the Florida Finale

 Brrrrr!  That best describes the day we played the last of the 10 ranked courses in the state of Florida.  A very unusual cold spell was enveloping Palm Coast when we arrived to play Hammock Beach Ocean Course (#83 Last Ranked in 2013) .  The temperature was in the low 40’s with a 15 mph wind along the ocean.  This did not sound like good golf weather so we delayed our trip home by a day and stayed to play the next day.  It was still cold but it was in the mid 40’s to mid 50’s, sunny, and there was very little wind which made for a much nicer experience.  We had wanted to play this course last year when in the area, but after being damaged extensively by Hurricane Matthew in the fall of 2016, Nicklaus Design was brought back to do a complete renovation that was completed in November of 2017.  They rebuilt all tees, bunkers and greens and the fairways and rough were re-grassed with salt water tolerant Paspalum  grass.  Friends told us that they were disappointed a few years ago when the played Hammock Beach because even though there are six holes that run along the beach, you could not see the ocean from the course.  The hurricane solved that problem as it lowered the dune and swept away much of the vegetation that blocked the view.  You now have terrific views of the ocean from holes 8 and 9 as well as the four finishing holes.  The condition was very good considering it has only been open for three months although the greens are still a little firm which can be expected on new construction.  There were many holes that I liked, but I thought that there were too many doglegs (six) and five of them had water hazards protecting the corner.  The green complexes were very challenging as most of them had false fronts and side roll offs that would send your ball into a bunker or a closely mowed area.  This design technique make the greens much smaller than they appear.  All the staff including those at the bag drop, the pro shop, the restaurant and the starter were very helpful and friendly.  Hammock Beach Ocean Course is a stout test and has many quality characteristics but the many homes and condominiums that surround most of the holes, plus the items I mentioned earlier place it on my second 100 but not in the current Top 100.  The green fees are quite steep during this time of the year so I would recommend playing this course in the summer or the shoulder season which makes it a better value.

Now let’s talk Streamsong!  We played Streamsong Red (#17 on Current Ranking) and Streamsong Blue (#22 on Current Ranking) shortly after the resort opened.  We were there in June, 2014 which gives you a much better rate than the winter season but it is normally very hot and humid plus you have to expect afternoon thundershowers in the summer as well.  Other than the lower green fee you receive in the summer, you can also take a riding cart, along with a forecaddie, which makes the trek around these two courses much easier during the summer.  During the prime season (winter), all the courses at Streamsong are walking only.  Unless it is very hot, I would recommend walking with a caddie any month that you are there as it is a much better way to experience the courses at this resort.  We returned to Streamsong this January to play their third course offering, the Gil Hanse designed Streamsong Black.  This course just opened a few months ago and is not yet rated but there is no doubt in my mind that it will crack everyone’s Top 100 when the new rankings are released in the months ahead. All three courses are terrific but I have a feeling that Black will debut a little higher than the already highly ranked Red And Blue.  That may be because it is the newest but it is too close to call between these three great layouts.  We went to play the Black, but our friends, the Riley’s, wanted to come in a day early to also play the Red and we could not turn down that suggestion.

We nearly had a drowning on the way to the first tee when playing the Black.  As we walked over a bridge to the first tee, we heard our caddie utter “Oh No!”.  When we looked back, we saw that one of Marilyn’s monkey head covers had fallen off into the pond.  It was quite entertaining watching the two caddies trying to fish “Gabby” the monkey out of the water.  The fishing expedition was successful and after wringing out the head cover and letting it dry by hanging from a bush while we played our round, all was well again.  Hanse built a massive golf course with LARGE greens and wide fairways that is significantly different than its sister courses.  That is one of the characteristics that make this resort so special, three top courses by three top architects, but three courses that are unique in their own right.  As you know from reading some of my previous posts, I do not like to rank courses in a definite order so I will not place the three courses at Streamsong in a particular order.  Three different golfers would probably give you three different answers.  Enjoy them all as they are all great.

Streamsong Black is probably best characterized by its wide fairways, massive greens, large bunkers and wonderful variety.  Its elevation is flowing and there are many sand ridges which give you some breathtaking views of this property including its stunning low profile glass clubhouse.  Streamsong Red which is a Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw design, can be characterized by holes that wind thru and around lakes, sand dunes and natural grassy areas.  The bunkering is a visual highlight but given their size, you do not want to spend much time digging your way out of them.  Coore and Crenshaw give you adequate room off the tee and fairly large greens but the greens are quite rolling which makes for an enjoyable challenge.  The Red has a few more forced carries than either of the other two courses.  The Tom Doak designed Streamsong Blue is a lot of fun to play.  It has nice elevation changes, wide fairways and large greens.  This course is more subtle than the others as the greens and fairways blend together which allow you to putt from well off the greens if you choose.  Do not let the width of the fairways fool you into driving without thought as the angle from which you approach the green can greatly enhance your chance at birdie or par.  Be sure to make use of your caddie on the teeing areas for the proper lines until you become familiar with this course.  This resort needs to be on your golf bucket list.  Play all three courses, use a caddie or forecaddie and take note of the strategy of each hole.  When done, you will have your favorite, but I am sure you will greatly enjoy all three.