The next great golf adventure for GolfGurls is happening now. A trip for 16 “Golfing Gals” to Amelia Island Plantation Golf. You know you really love golf when you are willing to get up at 3 a.m. to catch an early flight heading south to the state of Florida. But that’s part of the madness of golf. It becomes a bit of an addiction, and you are happy to make such a sacrifice.

We are staying at the Amelia Island Plantation Villas, resting and relaxing. Today was the first day of golf. Tee time at 9:21. A few of us headed out early to the practice area just to warm up before our round. Met some fellow golfers, men from New Jersey who asked us to take their picture together. The TV reality show, “Big Break” is being filmed at the Plantation this week, and the producers had erected the large granite boulder facade just to the left of the driving range. How cool. We all took turns having our pics taken. We discovered the contestants of the show were still out on the course just ahead of us. Never did see them but just knowing they were nearby gave the day a bit of a shine.

We played the Oak Marsh Course, which is not easy. Lots of hazards and marshes as the name implies. Only lost one ball in the muck, so for me, it was a successful round.

Here is some information on the course from the Plantation’s website: Oak Marsh Golf Course

The Oak Marsh Golf Course is one of the truly classic Pete Dye-designed golf courses in the world. The course, built in 1972 shortly after the completion of the Harbour Town Golf Links at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is noted for its tight fairways and small greens, meandering along serpentine salt marsh creeks and through the moss draped heritage oaks for which Amelia Island is famous.

At par 72, this 6,500-yard course has 14 holes with water hazards and numerous bulkheaded greens. A variety of bunkers are placed throughout the course to add to the challenge and a natural approach has been maintained as well with the use of coquina shell cart paths, native plant life and preserved habitats for the local wildlife. Walking is allowed after 4:00 p.m.

Oak Marsh played host to the 1991 PGA Section Championship and 1992 Society of Seniors Championship. In addition, numerous resort tournaments are played here. Oak Marsh has been included in Golf Digest’s prestigious list of the “Top 75 Resort Courses in the U.S.” Oak Marsh also was selected by Travel & Leisure golf as one of “Florida’s 50 Finest Courses.”

Have you ever played at Amelia Island? Add your comments below.