MARCO ISLAND, Fla. Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort has announced an expansion of its golf amenities with the addition of the 18-hole Hammock Bay Golf Course. The off-site facility, located only 10 minutes from the resort, is available exclusively to members and resort guests. The elite course joins the resort’s current golf offering, The Rookery at Marco, also an 18-hole course. The new addition is a direct result of increased demand for tee times.
At 7,080 yards, the par-72 Hammock Bay golf course, designed by Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy, is recognized as a “Gold Certified Signature Sanctuary” by Audubon International, one of just 25 designated communities in the world. The gold certification is the highest level of the Audubon Signature Programs, recognizing sustainable communities within the natural environment. The Rookery at Marco is also certified with Audubon International, as a Cooperative Sanctuary.
Hammock Bay offers a diverse layout with each hole different than its predecessor. The sea-level course offers dramatic elevation changes with man-made dunes up to 30 feet high and 200 feet long alongside varied but accessible greens. The coastal location between Naples and Marco Island was a major factor into the course’s design, with each of the four par 3s playing in different directions to account for shifting gulf winds. The landscaping of the course mirrors the region with tropical wild flowers and crushed shells among mangrove hammocks.
Moving forward, the intent is for The Rookery at Marco and the Hammock Bay golf courses to alternate between private (members only) and resort private (members and resort guests), every other day of the week. Along with the new golf course, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort will take on the management of the Hammock Bay Clubhouse which features a lagoon pool, three lighted tennis courts and a golf shop. These facilities will be open to resort guests and members daily. A summer 2012 renovation is planned to enhance the food and beverage facilities.
