The Golf Club at South Hampton

The Golf Club at South Hampton sits in St. Augustine, Florida's oldest city, where the coastal landscape meets the region's characteristic live oak canopies and wetland corridors. Designed by Mark McCumber and opened in the late 1990s, the course reflects the work of a PGA Tour veteran who turned to architecture after a successful playing career that included multiple tour victories. McCumber's design philosophy typically emphasizes strategic options and playability across different skill levels while respecting the natural terrain. The routing at South Hampton works through gently rolling terrain punctuated by stands of mature oaks draped in Spanish moss, creating natural frames and hazards throughout the round. Water features appear on multiple holes, consistent with northeast Florida's abundant wetlands and the practical needs of course irrigation and stormwater management in this low-lying region. The layout incorporates waste areas and native grasses that reduce maintenance while adding visual definition to playing corridors. South Hampton functions as a semi-private facility, offering both member and public access in a market where St. Augustine's historical tourism supports a variety of golf options. The course serves the local community and visiting golfers drawn to the area's combination of colonial history, beaches, and year-round playing conditions. The design provides a straightforward test without extreme length or severe hazards, making it accessible to a broad range of players while still requiring thoughtful course management on approach shots and around the greens.