I live in Ponte Vedra Beach Florida. Home of The Players Championship (at TPC Sawgrass - where we're members). Since you are coming from so far away - and your husband seems to be an avid golfer - no trip to this part of the world would be complete without at least a couple of rounds of golf here at the 2 courses at the TPC - the world famous Stadium Course - with the "Island Green" - and the less famous but equally challenging Valley Course - which is now the home of a Nationwide Tour Event in October.

The TPC Sawgrass is affiliated with the Marriott at Sawgrass - and golf packages are available. Now I'm not going to lie to you - and tell you that the Marriott is a luxury property. It isn't. It is - well - a decent Marriott. Note that there are some villa type accommodations there. They were supposed to have been renovated - but I don't think that has happened. The main building has been renovated. The property is not on the ocean - but it has a beach club with shuttle access. It also has a spa - heated pools - etc. (the ocean is kind of cool for swimming here in the spring).

There are other places to stay here - and play at the TPC at "rack rate" (instead on a golf package). But none is a luxury property. And unless you want a room on the ocean - or good tennis facilities (the Marriott doesn't have any tennis IIRC) - I wouldn't recommend them.

If this is of interest to your husband - you should check about the date when the Stadium Course closes for The Players (it is usually about a month or so before the tournament in May). He should also keep in mind that he will be playing a world class golf course in almost PGA tour condition - and that the course will be cart paths only (cart paths only usually starts around December or so). FWIW - I play this course for fun once in a while. It is WAY over my head - I am a 65 year old female golfer with a 31 handicap and mostly play the Valley Course*. But if your husband is a 15 or so handicap or better - he should have a great (if frustrating) time of it. And if he pars the Island Green - that will be the highlight of his trip .

Also note that there is an excellent teaching facility at the TPC - the Tour Academy - as well as a terrific club house with good (children-friendly) dining options. Also many different golf options/packages to choose from. If at all interested - DM me - and I'll give you some additional information/website links (this is after all the luxury hotel forum - not the luxury golf forum). Robyn

P.S. We spend a night at the RC Amelia Island now and then (it's about 45 minutes north of where we are). The RC is nicer than any hotel here. But you really can't compare the golf options.

*My playing the Valley Course (a Pete Dye course) and saying that it is challenging aren't inconsistent. I can't reach greens in regulation for the most part - and there is almost always an "easy way around" for players like me (who hit short/straight/down the middle). For better golfers/longer hitters - they are dealing with 16 holes of lateral water.