“Golf with nature” is the marketing theme for Trident Lakes Golf Club, an Arthur Hills-designed course that just recently opened to the public. Located on Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base just a few minutes from Downtown St. Marys, Trident Lakes was previously reserved for the military and their guests only, often hosting rounds for some of the Navy’s highest ranking officers and visiting dignitaries. Arthur Hills’ renown for designing environmentally-sensitive courses that are certified by Audubon International is showcased throughout the 18-hole layout. Clearly, Trident Lakes was birthed from a master, and to that point in fact, Hills was the first architect to have two courses in the same year receive Golf Digest’s “Best New Course” awards.

This is a beautiful course, but a course like the one Ben Crenshaw might have had in mind when he said, “Golf is the hardest game in the world. There is no way you can ever get it. Just when you think you do, the game jumps up and puts you in your place.”

Trident Lakes sets itself apart from other area golf courses in that there are no homes built on the course. Your round will only be witnessed by your playing partners and the resident wildlife—snowy egrets, great blue herons, and from time to time, armadillos, deer and wild boar. The undulating greens are a beautiful canvas on which to paint a satisfying day of golf. Wide open vistas are banked by pine islands, young oaks and swaying cattails.

There’s plenty of challenge all along the way—water on nine holes, actually. Hole twelve might be titled “bridge over troubled water.” And the long par 3 hole thirteen teases with water left and right. A great finishing hole, number eighteen wraps up your game with a beautiful finale as the fairways hug water all the way to the green.

In his role as Pro at Trident Lakes, PGA golf professional Kevin Doetch sees players return again and again to experience a course that is “seamless with nature,” and “the prices don’t hurt either.” Green fees are a mere $18-$24 for civilians, an undeniable bargain and great excuse to play daily.

For tee times and directions to Trident Lakes Golf Club, call 912-573-8475.