The Third Golf Course

Davis Love III and his design group are among the most underrated firms today, and their newest course adds to an already strong portfolio, mostly concentrated throughout the South. The Third is broad and graceful, with a wonderful mix of holes characterized by free-form tee areas and big fairways that narrow down to strategic chokepoints thanks to well-placed, eclectic bunkering. The greens are inspired by Golden Age architects without being derivative of their work – mostly open in front, with all manner of knuckles and catch-basins that can be used to move approach shots and putts around. The course has a championship feel, worthy of college or even professional tournament golf in the future. It is mostly a members’ course, but it is accessible to guests of the nearby Camp Creek in, one of the best stay-and-play options to be found in the Florida Panhandle.