# Can You Break 90 at One of Florida’s Toughest Golf Courses? Take on St. James Bay.

> Think you can break 90? St. James Bay Golf Course is ready to put your game to the test.

Rated in the top 5% of all courses as one of the most challenging golf courses in Florida, in the U.S., or anywhere in the world, this course will challenge every part of your game.

## The Break 90 Challenge

So, what makes St. James Bay’s course so tough?

The newly rated Black tees stretch an impressive 7,002 yards and carry a 75.1 Course Rating and 145 Slope Rating. Following the natural landscape the course layout tests your game with rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and while picturesque, water hazards that will truly test your skillset.

This course rewards thoughtful and strategic play. You won’t be able to simply overpower each hole. Thinking through each of your shots, careful club selection, and playing to your strengths is key.

And while St. James Bay is nestled along Florida’s beautiful Forgotten Coast, that also means you’ll want to keep an eye on the wind before you tee off. The coastal breeze can have a mind of its own, adding another variable to your round. You’ll want to pay attention to the conditions, adjust your club selection, and be ready to rethink your strategy. After all, if breaking 90 were easy, it wouldn’t be much of a challenge!

## How to Give Yourself a Shot at Breaking 90

You’re ready to take on the challenge. As you step up to the tee, we have a few tips to help you give it your best go.

**Play smart off the tee.** You don't need to pull out the driver on every hole. Positioning matters.

**Know your numbers.** Distance control becomes especially important when the course is challenging.

**Don't chase the pin.** Play for the safe part of the green and avoid turning a good hole into a big number.

**Keep the big numbers off your card.** Breaking 90 isn't about making birdies. It's about limiting mistakes.

**Stay patient.** One bad hole doesn't ruin the round. Keep playing your game!

These tips can help you approach the round with a game plan, but our [**Interactive Course Tour**](https://www.stjamesbay.com/golf/the-course)** **takes you hole by hole with flyover maps, full yardages from every tee, and caddie strategy. Explore all 18 holes and get a better feel for where to aim, when to play it safe, and when it’s time to commit and go for it.

But our best tip? Bring extra balls!

## Play AND Stay

Once you’ve finished the 18th hole, there’s no reason to rush home. St. James Bay makes it easy to turn the Break 90 Challenge into a full Forgotten Coast getaway.

Settle into one of our resort condos or villas and get ready for a relaxing vacation. Play a fun round of pickleball, unwind by the pool, and grab dinner at the Crooked River Grill restaurant. St. James Bay also makes the perfect home base to explore the beautiful Forgotten Coast, enjoying everything the area has to offer from sugar-white beaches and scenic boat rides to charming downtowns. Check out our favorite things to do and places to visit along the Forgotten Coast [**here**](https://www.stjamesbay.com/blog/top-things-to-do-near-st-james-bay-golf-pickleball-resort).

And if you didn’t beat the Break 90 Challenge the first time around? Stay a little longer, enjoy everything St. James Bay and the Forgotten Coast have to offer, and start planning your next shot at it.

Think you have what it takes to Break 90? Pack your clubs and see if your game is up to the challenge. Whether you card an 89 or leave knowing you’ll need another round, you’ll have plenty of reasons to make a return trip!

Book your stay at St. James Bay Golf & Pickleball Resort at [**stjamesbay.com/places-to-stay-in-carrabelle-fl**](https://www.stjamesbay.com/places-to-stay-in-carrabelle-fl)