The Nicklaus Course at Bay Point is the only Jack Nicklaus–designed course in northwest Florida and is the more challenging of the two layouts at Marriott’s Bay Point Golf Resort & Spa. The other course on the property is the Meadows. Originally known as Lagoon Legends, the course was once regarded as one of the state’s most demanding tracks. In 2005, the Nicklaus design team redesigned the course to make it more resort-friendly, and that renovation was a finalist for Crittenden Golf Inc.’s 2005 Renovation of the Year.
Stretching just over 7,000 yards, the Nicklaus Course carries a slope rating of 143 and a course rating of 75.3. Multiple tee boxes accommodate a wide range of skill levels. The routing follows the property’s natural topography, featuring native scrub oaks, Florida pines, white-sand waste areas and saltwater marshes. Strategic bunkering and illusionary traps create frequent risk/reward decisions throughout the round.
Hole 2 (194 yards, par 3)
This short par 3 is guarded by water that runs the length of the hole and sits directly in front of the green. Accuracy off the tee is essential; there’s little room for error. If you miss, favor the right side over the left. The green is tucked to the left, and anything that comes up short risks finding the pond.
Hole 3 (439 yards, par 4)
A dogleg left that requires carrying water from the tee. Favouring the right side of the fairway gives you a cleaner angle into the green with a mid-iron. Trying to bite off too much from the tee can leave you blocked by native pines and force a tricky recovery into the green.
Hole 5 (398 yards, par 4)
Ranked the No. 2 handicap hole, this is a signature hole with sweeping views of Grand Lagoon and St. Andrews Bay. The tee shot can be intimidating; errant drives often find marsh or the penal bunkers. The safest line is a controlled tee shot that sets up an upward approach to a green guarded by water and slopes. Club selection and course management are critical here.
Hole 6 (509 yards, par 5)
This par 5 is defended by extensive waste bunkers along the right; driving left is usually the safer strategy. A strong fairway wood or long iron is needed for the second shot to stay short of a large left-side trap about 60 yards from the green. From there a delicate chip and up-and-down is often the best route, as the green tilts sharply to the back and left.
Hole 12 (522 yards, par 5)
A demanding par 5 that requires a tee shot over water and a second shot carrying multiple bunkers to an elevated, partially blind landing area. The hole doglegs right, and the second shot is crucial to reach a position that leaves a manageable third shot of roughly 90 yards. A massive bunker sits left of the green and extends toward the back, so favor the right side of the landing area when attacking the flag.
Hole 14 (470 yards, par 4)
Often rated the toughest hole on the course, this dogleg right features water along most of the right side and waste bunkers ready to catch errant shots. A conservative play to a safe landing area left of the fairway yields the best angle into the green. Recovery shots from the marsh or sand are common, and precise short-game skills can save par here.
Hole 17 (234 yards, par 3)
A tricky par 3 with a large bunker guarding the right side of the green and water to be carried off the tee. The green sits elevated and appears farther than it plays, and wind can significantly affect club selection. Staying focused on a controlled tee shot and a confident short game around the green is the best path to par.
Hole 18 (408 yards, par 4)
A strong finishing hole that rewards cutting the corner by driving left of a fairway trap, but doing so requires carrying a long pond that runs the left side of the dogleg. The fairway narrows closer to the green with water on both sides, so precision into the green is essential. A conservative strategy can still yield a good finish, while aggression risks trouble in the surrounding water and waste areas.
The Nicklaus Course blends strategic shot-making with the natural beauty of Panama City Beach, presenting visual challenges and rewarding disciplined play. Multiple tees and thoughtful design elements make it enjoyable for a wide range of golfers while preserving the test that has made it notable in the region.
The Nicklaus Course at Bay Point
Bay Point Resort Golf Club & Spa
4701 Bay Point Road
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
tel 850 235 6950