The nation’s oldest city is full of charm and history, but St. Augustine also boasts some of the top golf courses in Florida. Our city has established itself as a premier golf destination, in large part due to its sunny weather, but that’s not the only reason. From highly-regarded local clubs to award-winning course designs, the wide range of golf challenges here attracts visitors worldwide. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of playing on a course frequented by the pros or looking for a scenic spot to enjoy a leisurely round, St. Augustine’s golf courses are sure to offer rewarding play.
The Ultimate Proving Grounds
King and Bear
The King and Bear course, a collaboration between Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, offers wide fairways and fast greens, presenting a unique challenge that blends their signature design styles. This par-72 course stretches more than 7,279 yards, providing a challenge to all golfers while offering tee options to cater to different skill levels. The course’s condition is described as well-maintained with an emphasis on the quality of the course’s fairways and greens. Amenities at King & Bear include a pro shop, a driving range with multiple targets, a short game area, and a large practice putting green. Notably, the course has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Women-Friendly Courses by Golf for Women Magazine, highlighting its accessibility and fun for female golfers.
Slammer and Squire
Designed by Bobby Weed, with insights from Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen, the Slammer and Squire course features generous fairways and tricky par-3s. While accessible to novices, the course’s water hazards and undulating greens still challenge experts. Its 6,939 yards are peppered with challenges that emphasize precision and finesse, making the Slammer and Squire the perfect course to fine-tune that short game. The course is accessible year-round, with peak season from mid-February to May. It also boasts modern amenities such as a driving range, a golf school academy, and various practice areas. The course is suitable for players of all skill levels, offering multiple tee boxes that cater to different handicaps and playing styles.
TPC Sawgrass
The Players Stadium Course
The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is renowned worldwide, not just for its impeccable design but for the iconic 17th hole, a par-3 with an island green. This course, built in 1980, is a must-visit for those looking to test their skills against a course that challenges PGA Tour professionals. The Players Stadium Course is celebrated for not favoring any particular player’s style, offering a balanced challenge to test every golfer’s repertoire. While the course poses a challenge, it accommodates players of all abilities by offering a variety of tee boxes to tailor the difficulty level. Known to golfers worldwide, this course is a popular feature on many golf bucket lists and is easily the most iconic course near St. Augustine.
Dye’s Valley Course
The par-72, 6847-yard Dye’s Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass opened in 1987 and was renovated in 2006. The sister course to the Players Stadium Course was designed by Pete Dye, Bobby Weed, and Jerry Pate. The course’s design employs visual tricks, encouraging play towards hazards, creating a challenge at every hole. Though it has large greens, the water hazards, hills, bunkers, and valleys make tough obstacles for players looking to conquer this Korn Ferry Tour course. Golfweek honored Dye’s Valley Course as the 21st best course in Florida in 2017-18, calling it an essential destination for golf enthusiasts. Esteemed for its challenging yet rewarding design, breathtaking scenery, and impeccably maintained fairways and greens, this course stands out for those who value strategic game play.
More Golfing Gems in St. Augustine
Public Courses
Palm Valley Golf Club
The 9-hole, par-29 course at Palm Valley Golf Club is a local favorite, spanning 1,425 yards. The course consists of par-3 and par-4 holes, ideal for quick games. Featuring manicured greens and a moderate amount of hazards, the course is great for beginners but also offers challenges for intermediate players. The Palm Valley Golf Club was built by Jack and Sue Hord in 1989 and now sits in the Nocatee community in Ponte Vedra. The family-friendly club’s accessible golfing and 10,000-square-foot putting green provide plenty of practice opportunities for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
St. Johns Golf Club
Offering a contrast to the tournament-ready courses, the St. Johns Golf Club course provides a picturesque setting and expansive practice facilities designed to be enjoyable for all ages. This par-71, 6,668-yard course was renovated in 2022. This public course’s diverse challenges make it a perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed round or sharpen your skills.
St. Johns Golf & Country Club
The St. Johns Golf & Country Club, designed by Clyde Johnson, features large, fast greens, tree-lined fairways, and challenging bunkers. This pristine course also features two-tiered greens and water hazards. The course’s difficulty varies with the wind and tee choice. The practice facilities include a 10,000 sq ft putting green, chipping green, double-sided driving range, and practice bunkers.
Semi-Private Courses
Cimarrone Golf Club
Dubbed the “Wild One,” the popular par-72 championship course at Cimarrone Golf Club offers 7,001 yards of compelling golf for players of all abilities. Designed by David Postlethwait, the course offers high-risk-reward play with hazards on every hole. The smaller-than-average greens add to the precision required to conquer this course. Beginners will appreciate the manageable fairways, and members will appreciate the 10,000-square-foot clubhouse that features a restaurant and lounge.
Golf Club at South Hampton
Designed by Mark McCumber, the Golf Club at South Hampton is a semi-private, 18-hole course just outside of South Jacksonville. The links-style course offers challenging play with six sets of tees. The course features numerous large lakes and undulating terrain, stretching more than 7,028 yards with a par of 72. The course is also renowned for its mounding and contoured bunkers (more than 60), offering high-risk-reward opportunities for players with a daring spirit.
Julington Creek Golf Club
Julington Creek Golf Club, a semi-private, 18-hole course with a par of 72, stretches more than 6,908 yards. This course, designed and owned by PGA Professional Steve Melnyk, features doglegs and rolling fairways. Golfers can hone their skills at the recently renovated practice facilities, including a chipping green with an adjacent bunker, a practice putting green, and a well-appointed driving range tee. Julington Creek Golf Club promises a playable yet challenging round for all skill levels.
Royal St. Augustine Golf and Country Club
This 18-hole course at Royal St. Augustine Golf and Country Club, with its par-71 and 6,529-yard layout, meanders through St. Augustine’s native foliage and marshlands. Known for its unique moguled fairways, sandy areas, and various bunkers, this course emphasizes the importance of precise club selection and distance control. It offers a beautiful yet demanding golfing experience that will test patience but also reward thoughtful play.
St. Augustine Shores Golf Club
The parkland-style course at St. Augustine Shores Golf Club provides shelter from coastal winds. Only miles from Historic Downtown, this semi-private course offers an 18-hole par of 70, spanning 5,659 yards. It is perfectly suited for both beginners and intermediate players, featuring a full-service driving range and practice area. Despite its modest length, the course presents a challenge with narrow fairways and multiple water hazards. With reachable par-4s and demanding par-5s, this course is designed to test all golfers.
Learn about the St. Augustine Shores community.
Stillwater Golf and Country Club
Built in 2021, by Bobby Reed, the semi-private residential community course at Stillwater Golf and Country Club offers casually elegant golfing on its 18-hole course. The par-72 course features 9,797 yards of relaxing, scenic game play. The club also features a complete practice facility with a driving range, practice bunkers, and putting greens.
Learn about the Stillwater community.
The Yards
The Yards, offers a fresh twist on the conventional country club. This innovative venue is home to a unique 12-hole golf course. The Yards welcomes both members and non-members to enjoy its full range of recreational amenities. Situated next to the prestigious TPC Sawgrass course in the Sawgrass Players Club, this venue caters to golfers of all stripes. Featuring everything from a driving range and a Par-3 Beer Loop to the classic, 3200-yard front 9 with a par of 35, The Yards brings the country club golf experience to every golfer.
Private Courses
Marsh Creek Country Club
This residential community golf club offers its members a private golf experience. Its 18-hole championship golf course was designed by Mark McCumber and stretches more than 6,883 yards with a par of 72. The relatively flat course features lush fairways, strategic bunkers, rolling greens, and water hazards. With six sets of tees, everyone from novices to experienced players can find their match.
Marsh Landing Country Club
Located in Ponte Vedra, the Marsh Landing Country Club boasts a professionally designed golf course and expansive clubhouse. Crafted by Ed Seay, the 18-hole course at Marsh Landing challenges golfers of every skill level. Set against the backdrop of the Intracoastal marshes, this picturesque course offers a par-72 challenge across 6,825 yards of meticulously maintained terrain. The country club also features a driving range and a putting and chipping practice area.
The Palencia Club
With ocean winds coming from the Intracoastal Waterway creating an added challenge, this 7,073-yard private course, with a par of 72, is situated among age-old oaks. Established in 2002, the 18-hole championship course designed by Arthur Hills features stunning views from its signature 16th hole. Practice facilities are available, including 10,000 square feet of putting green, a double-sided driving range, and chipping and bunker areas.
Learn about the Palencia community.
Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach
The Plantation at Ponte Vedra was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay and recently renovated under the guidance of Greg Letsche and PGA Tour professional Billy Horschel. The 18-hole course spans 7,141 yards with a par of 72. This course features more than 50 strategically placed bunkers, plenty of water hazards, open fairways, a variety of doglegs, and a memorable island green on the 15th hole. Aimed at enhancing the golfing experience for players of all levels, the recent renovations created a wider variety of tees and new USGA standard greens.
Learn about the Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach community.
A Golfer’s Retreat
St. Augustine’s diverse golf courses, country clubs, and golf resorts cater to every player, from seasoned professionals to amateur golf enthusiasts. With tough breezy fairways and hard-sloping greens, each course in St. Johns County brings a unique set of challenges and rewarding experiences. Whether you’re eyeing a leisurely golf vacation or contemplating a move to the Oldest City, the golf opportunities here are as diverse as they are impressive.
