St. Augustine Ponte Vedra 2008 Travel Planner - (Page 18) Education Center overlooks undeveloped salt marsh, wetlands, lagoons and oyster bars. Families and history buffs alike will enjoy the unspoiled view of Florida’s natural coastline and the interactive exhibits and amphitheater. Local artists regularly visit and paint the landscapes from the picnic area that faces Guana Lake. Cabana Club at Ponte Vedra Beach MOTIVATIONAL COURSES A vacation in Ponte Vedra is not complete without at least one round of golf. World-renowned course designers have made their mark here starting with the Inn & Club in the 1920s. Today, the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass is home to the PGA TOUR Headquarters and the PGA TOUR’S THE PLAYERS Championship. Its Players Stadium Course, with its new clubhouse, boasts the famous 17th island green that can make players like Vijay Singh and Tiger Woods wince or pump their arms in glory. Guests of the Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa are invited to schedule tee times and other visitors can purchase associate memberships to play the course. Banners touting the names of past winners of THE PLAYERS, from 2007’s Phil Mickelson to the original champion Jerry Pate in 1982, line the wooded road to the storied clubhouse. From the pro shop, challengers can look out over the multi-leveled greens and inches-thick fairway turf that combine to earn Golf Magazine’s ranking of America’s No. 5 Course – ever. The morning sun is still somewhat low, highlighting the green hills that defy Florida’s natural topography when we begin our round. The undulating layout of both the TPC’s courses, the PLAYERS Stadium and the Valley, were created by architect Pete Dye. He designed the PLAYERS Stadium in a style similar to football arenas to invite larger crowds to watch their favorite pros play in tournaments. Mom and I pair up with two gentlemen who are experienced with the course and quick to offer insider tips on making it through the deceptively straight-looking A 18 IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A GOLFER Adding to St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches’ golf prestige is the fact that the area is home to The World Golf Hall of Fame at World Golf Village, conveniently located off I-95 exit 323. The Hall of Fame’s 194-foot tower is a beacon to golf enthusiasts worldwide. An elevator ride to the top of the tower offers stunning views of the resort and Slammer & Squire golf course as well as the glimmering tournament trophies from events such as the U.S. Open. Markers in the center of the tower’s floor are inscribed with the Hall of Fame inductees’ names and a crystal chandelier is suspended in the air above the markers to create the outline of the perfect golf swing – something every golfer covets. The lower two stories of the building trace the history of the game and boast an elaborate collection of memorabilia like Greg Norman’s handwritten notes from past tournaments and Payne Stewart’s Ryder Cup golf bag. Admission to the Hall of Fame also includes an IMAX movie and an 18-hole putting course.
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