Jekyll Island has been a golf destination since 1898, when members of the Jekyll Island Club constructed the first course on the Island near what is the present-day airport. Since then, some of the nation’s most acclaimed golf course designers- such as Donald Ross, Walter Travis, Dick Wilson and Joe Lee- have used the Island’s natural landscape to create masterful course designs emphasized by spectacular scenery. On Jekyll Island, golfers can immerse themselves in nature, and focus on shots while free of distractions—except, of course, the occasional disruption from deer, alligator, osprey and native wildlife. As Georgia’s largest public golf resort, Jekyll Island offers 63 holes on four golf courses, each providing players with diverse backdrops and welcomed challenges. From the historic design on Walter Travis’ Great Dunes and the family-friendly Pine Lakes, to the competition-ready Oleander and the challenges of Indian Mound, the Jekyll Island links are ready for golfers of any skill and experience level.
Pine Lakes Course
Originally built in 1968 and renovated in 2002, Pine Lakes is the Island’s longest golf course, meandering through ocean forests and undistributed marsh hammocks. Golfers and naturalists alike will find solace in this tranquil outdoor venue. Known as the Island’s family-oriented course, Pine Lakes was developed by designer Clyde Johnson to incorporate family-friendly tee boxes, making it one of the only courses in the nation that provides even playing ground for both adults and younger players.
Oleander Course
Generally thought of as the most difficult course on Jekyll Island, Oleander also has the honor of being the oldest Island link, serving as the host course for the Georgia Open during its four-year Jekyll run. Designed by one of the most respected course architects in the game, Dick Wilson, Oleander is known as the most distinct of the Island’s three 18-hole courses. Though from its fairway the course is not particularly a difficult layout, it is considered tightly designed, with ocean breezes and short grasses providing a challenge to golfers of all skills levels.
Indian Mound Course
Constructed in 1975, Indian Mound is a masterpiece from course designer Joe Lee. Known for displaying Lee’s signature fairway bunkers in precarious locations, this natural course displays the Island’s pristine beauty and woodlands. Though it is the shortest of Jekyll’s three 18-hole courses, Indian Mound offers plenty of challenges. Its par 5’s are more difficult than the modest yardage might suggest, and only one of the par 3 holes can be thought of as a soft touch. The course’s par 4 holes provide several scoring opportunities for golfers able to take advantage of the short shots into the greens.
