Off the southern coast of Georgia lies a series of barrier islands that long have attracted snowbirds from the Northeast. One of the oldest and most famous of them is Jekyll Island, which became the winter retreat for the aristocrats of New York society.

In 1886, the Jekyll Island Club was founded as a private retreat for America’s wealthiest families, including the Morgans, the Rockefellers, the Pulitzers and the Vanderbilts. The Club is a National Historic Monument and has been open as a resort hotel since the 1980s. Jekyll Island is quiet and offers an abundance of activities, including tennis, horseback riding, boating, fishing, miles of beaches and bike paths — and 63 holes of golf.

 

The Golf

Three courses — Pine Lakes, Indian Mound and Oleander — start at the Jekyll Island Golf Clubhouse, which is about 2 miles from the Hotel. The oldest course on the Island is Great Dunes, a nine-holer that dates back to 1898. Although it was remodeled by Walter Travis in the 1920s, several of the holes are originals. I was impressed with the layout, which is not all that easy.

Courses of that era usually feature small,  undulating greens where you pay a price for short-siding the hole. Such was the case at Great Dunes. The fifth hole was a memorable par-5 measuring 507 yards. This dogleg right is shaped by the native forest and winds its way toward the ocean. The green is set up on a knoll and framed by heavy vegetation. Usually, into the wind it is not reachable in two by mere mortals; even the third shot approach, which is partially blind, offers a severe challenge. The sixth is a medium hole of 164 yards. This slightly uphill par-3 offers a nice view of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. The green is elevated and a deep bunker protects the small green.

Pine Lakes is the most popular of the Jekyll Island courses and features a set of family tees, which allow junior golfers of varying ability to enjoy the course. The U. S. Kids Championship is held here each February.

 

Pine Lakes was originally designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee. In 2002 it was updated by Clyde Johnson. It is a traditional design similar to many Florida Courses and winds its way through the islands trees and lakes. Wildlife is abundant, and we saw many deer, egrets, cranes and pelicans. The 18th hole is a great finishing par-4 of 432 yards. This slight dogleg right features water all the way down the right side of the hole. Strategically located bunkers guard the left side. Par is a very rewarding score here. Pine Lakes plays 6,760 yards from the back tees. The US Kids Tees can be played from 1,786 yards, 3,516 yards, or 5,020 yards. I think this is a wonderful idea which will soon be copied by many resorts.

 

Best Shrimp in the World

The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is located on Jekyll Creek, part of the Intracoastal waterway. The hotel also has a beach pavilion about two miles away on the Atlantic side of the island. Across from the hotel is the original pier where the wealthy pulled up in their steamers. The Latitude 31 restaurant sits on the end of the pier and offers a taste of some of the best shellfish I have ever had.

We dined on the peeled white shrimp that had been caught only hours before. They were so good that we went back every day for more. This area is known for having the best-tasting shrimp in the world.

Latitiude 31 also offers a variety of other seafood items, all very fresh. The restaurant looks out on Jekyll Creek, and the Jekyll Island Club Hotel is in plain view. Off in the distance — and quite striking — is the Sydney Lanier Bridge, which connects the Island to the nearby town of Brunswick. The span towers into the sky and can be seen from miles around.

At the pier and nearby marina there are a variety of boating options available. We chose the Dolphin Tour, operated by Captain Fendig and crew. The tour departs from the Jekyll Island pier and lasts 90 minutes. There are lots of dolphins in the area, and we saw many of them up close. Despite popular perceptions, most dolphin do not make noises like the television character Flipper — and they are not that friendly in the wild.

 

The Lodging

The Jekyll Island Club Hotel offers a wide choice in lodging. The main hotel, called the Clubhouse, The Annex, and the Sans Souci, offer standard rooms and suites. Historic district Crane Cottage and Cherokee Cottage offer upgraded rooms and suites set among lush gardens. The circular driveway surrounding the croquet lawns is a throwback to the luxury of the club’s origin.

The Grand Dining Room, recreated as it was 100 years ago, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as Sunday Brunch. The Courtyard at Crane Cottage offers Northern California wine country cuisine. Near the lobby, the Café offers a more casual dining option, especially for families, and is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The Club offers the best kids’ programs that we have ever experienced. The friendly staff take the children on nature tours and go to a nearby water park daily.

For more information visit www.jekyllclub.com or call (912) 635-2600.