Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

The Golf Club of Amelia Island

Fernandina Beach, Florida

FL #90

Architect

Mark McCumber & Gene Littler

Access

Private - Resort Guest Access

Par

Par 72

Length

5,153 – 6,696 yds

The verdict

Amelia Island’s Premier Resort Club

This is a club-style coastal track designed for memorable resort and member play, offering a polished experience within the Amelia Island luxury scene. The routing mixes challenge and playability, rewarding accuracy on tree-lined fairways and thoughtful approach work on a pair of distinct nines. A round here delivers the best of resort-club relaxation with real shot values and serious scenery.

Course DNA

Difficulty

Scenery

Conditioning

Shot Variety

Walkability

Green Complexity

Wow Factor

Design Quality

Don't miss

Be sure to linger for the panoramic Atlantic Ocean views from the clubhouse patio after your round—it’s one of the area’s most relaxing hidden gems for a post-golf wind-down.

At a glance

Quick facts

Access

Resort guests & members only

Setting

Coastal barrier island

Designer

Mark McCumber & Gene Littler

Distinct Nine Layouts

Two contrasting nines

Longest Hole

No. 2, 572-yard par 5

Event Hosting

Regular tournament and charity venue

Practice Facility

Full driving range and short-game area

Club Atmosphere

Private club within luxury resort

The design

The architecture

Blending private-club polish with relaxed resort playability, The Golf Club of Amelia Island presents a championship layout designed by Mark McCumber and Gene Littler. Its routing is defined by two distinct nines: the front weaves through tree-lined corridors demanding accurate tee shots, while the back nine opens to marshland vistas and a more wind-exposed feel. Strategic-yet-inviting, the course features clever bunkering, subtly contoured greens, and a thoughtful mix of hole lengths that rewards precise play without intimidating less experienced golfers. The design is expert at mixing playability with moments of signature lowcountry challenge—letting the landscape and the shot values do the talking along a luxurious Atlantic coastline.

McCumber and Littler drew on both championship experience and resort sensibility to create an engaging, classy destination.

Defining features

Two distinct nines for varied challenge
Tree-lined corridors and marshland views
Strategic bunkering throughout
Subtle, resort-speed green complexes
Balanced mix of short and long holes
Polished private-club maintenance

Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 2

The Three-Shot Temptation

PAR

YARDAGE

572

This lengthy par 5 demands a focused tee shot with corridor framing off the box, then an angled layup decision that sets up a precise wedge approach to a guarded green. Longer hitters may be tempted to chase in two, but placement is everything to avoid hidden trouble.

Play it smart

Keep your drive in play and favor the left side for the optimal angle on your layup—avoid fairway bunkers that narrow the landing zone for your second.

Where it bites

Miss left or right off the tee and thick trees or native scrub punish bold lines; the layup must steer clear of cross bunkering that sits in prime second-shot territory.

Course management

Shots to think about

Tree-lined tee shots on the front nine

Club down for consistency and favor fairway position over distance.

Windy par 3s

Assess direction before selecting club and shape your shot to ride or cut through the breeze.

Approaching guarded resort greens

Aim for the center and avoid short-siding yourself on tricky pin placements.

Tempting but risky par 5s

Unless your tee ball is ideal, lay up for a full wedge—don't risk the cross bunkers.

Aggressive bunker carry on short par 4s

Check landing area width and play a reliable shot shape instead of attacking directly.

Back-nine marshland holes

Play conservatively and keep your ball flight low to counter coastal winds.

Fast putting surfaces after a dry spell

Plan extra break into downhill putts and play to safe sections if in doubt.

On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Excellent turf and greens, groomed to polished resort-club standards.

Pace

Typical resort-club tempo—unhurried but organized, rarely rushed.

Vibe

Refined, upscale, and quietly sociable; a relaxed luxury profile that pairs member polish with resort hospitality.

Dress code

Collared shirts, tailored shorts or slacks, and traditional golf attire are required.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

Book Resort Access Early

Tee sheet preference is given to resort guests—secure your time via the Ritz-Carlton or the club concierge.

Practice Tight Drives

The front nine values control and shape, so tune up with fairway woods or hybrids before your round.

Pack Wind-Ready Gear

A light windbreaker and a broad-brimmed hat will serve you well when the coastal breeze kicks up.

Work On Short-Game Touch

Several up-and-downs come with tricky recovery angles—practice chips from tight lies and bunkers.

The lore

How it came to be

1991
Course debuts as the premier golf experience on Amelia Island.
1991
Design collaboration between Mark McCumber and Gene Littler completed.
1992
Becomes the signature golf amenity for Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island resort.

Stories & legends

What makes it special

layout

Two Distinct Nines

The routing offers a front and back nine with unique character—one framed by corridors of live oaks and the other opening up toward marsh views and exposed elements. Savvy local resort guests know which nine best fits their game.

events

Resort Charity Classics

The club is a sought-after site for local charity tournaments, bringing communities together for spirited competition and memorable fundraising events. Golf here doubles as both a refined sporting test and a social anchor for regional good.

experience

Championship Resort Experience

Regularly named the choice destination for onsite golf at the Ritz-Carlton, the club’s blend of challenging play, signature hospitality, and superb maintenance is a highlight of any luxury Amelia Island stay. Many first-timers are surprised by the high-level polish throughout the round.

For the group chat

Fun facts

The club is an official amenity for guests of the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, one of the region’s top-ranked luxury resorts.

A number of charity tournaments and community events are hosted each year, making the club a social hub for the island.

The course is part of a rare design collaboration between Mark McCumber, a PGA Tour winner, and Hall of Famer Gene Littler.

Numerous holes are framed by centuries-old live oaks, tying the golf to the island’s natural, historic scenery.

Build the trip

If You’re Making a North Florida Golf Trip

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip

Omni Amelia Island Resort – Oak Marsh

Resort

Dye-designed with renovated greens, saltmarsh vistas, and a strong architectural contrast.

Amelia River Club

Public

Fun, playable, and praised for consistent conditioning—a favorite among visiting players.

Fernandina Beach Golf Club

Municipal

Value-driven muni rounds and a friendly local scene.

North Hampton Golf Club

Semi-Private

Unique Arnold Palmer design with dramatic shaping and a bold risk-reward profile.

Omni Amelia Island Resort – Little Sandy Short Course

Resort

Ideal for a warm-up loop or group fun after a full round.

Stay in Fernandina Beach to be near The Golf Club of Amelia Island and enjoy easy access to the island’s best golf, top dining, and charming downtown.

Course DNA

If You Like The Golf Club of Amelia Island

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

Strong DNA Match7.5

Oakridge Country Club

Farmington, Utah

Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Oakridge Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to The Golf Club of Amelia Island.

Strong DNA Match7.9

Silverado Resort North Course

Napa, California

Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Silverado Resort North Course a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to The Golf Club of Amelia Island.

Strong DNA Match8.8

Newport Country Club

Newport, Rhode Island

Why it matches: If The Golf Club of Amelia Island is your kind of course, Newport Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.

The architect's other work

Community Sentiment

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