South at John's Island Club

A Fazio gem. I know it's private, but the pro at your club might be able to get you on and it's well worth the effort. Another way to play (if you're an Indian River local and belong to another local club) is the 'off season'' Invitational pay and plays.

The West course is John's Island jewel. Unlike the North and South courses, which are on the barrier island and wind around the property, there are no homes visible from anywhere on the West Course.

On the main land, on the sand ridge that runs along route US1 and includes Red Stick, Bent Pine, Hawks Nest and Sand Ridge, these courses benefit from more natural undulation and slightly higher elevations which provide more chance of catching ocean breezes.

The West course is gorgeous. Period. Challenging but playable. The course 'works' from all the tees.

Starting with three pretty straight forward par 4's that get you warmed up for the next sequence of four holes that run par 3, par 5, par 3 par 5... A nice sequence to play long holes followed by pretty accuracy tests!

You then settle into the heart of the course, five par 4's. All different, one breaks right, one left, one elevated green and the lovely 11th elevated tee.

(Treat yourself to the view from the top tee box, which is a high point on the course and has a stunning 360 degree view of the area.)

The play on the final 7 holes, goes - par 3, 4, 5, 3, 5, 4.

It's a roller coaster of pretty views. There's water around, but more for aesthetics than to get you in trouble. The trouble comes from the perfectly placed sand; Bunkers and his signature large, but clean waste areas. Stretches of these have mature palms growing straight out of the white sand and so have the exotic look of Egypt.

If you get a chance to play, come early and use the wonderful practice facilities. Try to resist pocketing the Pro V1 practice balls!