The Origins Golf Course, Panama City

Back before time began, at least as far as the game of golf is concerned, golf was a game played in only a couple of hours, ofttimes less. The game itself was important, but the overall enjoyment and strengthening of relationships was even more so.

In Scotland, back in the early 1800s, six, nine and 12-hole courses were commonplace. Cases in point abound. The storied Prestwick Golf Club, home of the first 12 British Opens, was originally a 12-hole layout considered one of the finest tests of golf in the world. The Shiskine Golf Club, located on the Isle of Arran (near Prestwick) was founded in 1883 as a nine-hole course and remains only a 12-hole layout to this day.

The Origins Course at WaterSound – a six-hole regulation course that alternatively plays as a nine-hole executive course and a ten-hole par 3 layout through the use of alternate tee boxes and auxiliary greens – was designed and built with the “short course” concept at its core. The mission: make golf more fun, accessible and attractive to families, beginners and casual golfers. Via its non-penal design and manageable distance (approximately 1,800 yards) The Origins Course appeals and caters to novices. Yet its regulation-length holes and traditionally wrought green complexes provide enough challenge and strategy to retain the interest of avid and experienced players.

The course was designed by Love Golf Design, founded by PGA Tour player and PGA Champion Davis Love III in the late 90s. Known for designing traditional golf courses with classical elements, Love Design and St. Joe share a commitment to creating golf experiences that are interesting, enjoyable and challenging.

Said Love III about The Origins Course:

“Our company strives to stay connected to the roots of the game. The very origin of the game of golf revolved around a community recreational activity that could be enjoyed by everyone. At WaterSound we have the opportunity to re-create that atmosphere in a way that will hopefully provide enjoyment for all who call this community home.”

In keeping with St. Joe’s commitment to environmental sensitivity and preservation, The Origins Course is turfed with “SeaIsle Supreme Paspalum,” developed at the University of Georgia. Paspalum came from Africa on ships to America, specifically South Carolina, where the grass was dumped into the harbor and along the shores. It started to grow on the shore banks and over time adapted to the salt water and became salt tolerant. Key benefits of Paspalum are it requires fewer chemicals for weed and pest control, making it one of the world’s most environmentally friendly turfs.

The Origins Course is available for play by the general public, Camp Creek Golf Club members, their guests and guests of the WaterColor Inn and WaterColor and WaterSound luxury vacation rentals. The golf shop will be located in the nearby Village Commons. For more information, visit JOE.com, keyword: WaterSound.

Contact info:

Phone: 850-942-GOLF (4653) Fax:850-671-6162 St. Joe Golf Website