Palatka

This classic Donald Ross design is located about 45 minutes southwest of the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Florida, and is way off the usual route. It's a pushover from the past, right? It's only 5,862 yards from the tips, with spacious fairways and no forced carry. Wrong. The winner of this year's renowned Florida Azalea Amateur (held at Palatka since 1958) finished three rounds at four under par.

Hilly landing zones, Ross greens that are tiny in size and frequently topped, and steep greenside bunkers all add to the challenge. This is a stop well worth making on the golf road less traveled, as it has been revitalized over the last decade by Florida-based course architect Bobby Weed and his team.

Distance: 5,862 yards

Address: Palatka, Fla.