After a handshake and a pat on the back, Ocean Hammock then sends you on your way with a boot to the seat of your pants. Manmade lakes and plenty of twists and turns come into play on the par-3 4th, the par-4 5th, the par-5 6th and the treacherously long par-4 7th—all exciting inland holes on which you could use every club in your bag.

The Atlantic makes its introduction on the 185-yard 8th, which often plays into a northeasterly wind. The 468-yard 9th may be the course’s best, most eye-catching and certainly the toughest hole. The back nine is similar to the front side in its variety and dramatic build-up. The interior holes are strategically challenging, particularly the 433-yard 13th.

The final four holes have been dubbed “the Bear’s Claw” for good reason: They can maul a scorecard. No. 15 is a 450-yard par 4 that plays uphill and toward the ocean. The approach shot must be struck through two dune formations to an elevated green, and any missed approach shots face a steep pitch back up to the putting surface. Holes 17 and 18, are a longish par 3 and par 4 that can make or break a round.

Ocean Hammock is the second Nicklaus course at Palm Coast, an appealingly uncongested resort set on 700 acres of ancient oaks and palms, midway between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach.