St. Augustine: Modern Design on Historic Ground.
Amid Florida’s coastline and rolling inland terrain, the St. Augustine area pairs eco-conscious modern design with the state’s oldest history. Courses here weave through lagoons, pine forests, and native grasses for a strategic, unhurried style of play. At World Golf Village, King & Bear adds a different register entirely through a links-influenced front nine into a tree-lined, water-accented back nine, shaped by two of the game’s biggest names.
Featured Golf Courses
Stillwater Golf & Country Club - St. Johns, FL
Architect: Bobby Weed (2022)
Stillwater winds through cypress-lined lagoons, pine and oak forests, and stretches of native grass for a distinctly Florida feel. Bobby Weed’s design, featuring his signature eco-bunkers, blends sustainability with strategy, offering a premium but approachable round. The layout rewards thoughtful shot-making and showcases a clean, modern aesthetic.
St. Johns Golf & Country Club - St. Augustine, FL
Architect: Clyde Johnston (2001)
Set among rolling pine forests, natural wetlands, and sparkling ponds, this layout combines wide fairways with well-positioned water hazards to create an inviting yet strategic experience. Recently refreshed, the course plays smooth and polished, delivering a balanced round that appeals to golfers of all skill levels.
King & Bear Golf Course at World Golf Village – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Architect: Arnold Palmer & Jack Nicklaus (2000); restored by MacCurrach Golf
Playing King & Bear feels like experiencing two distinct styles in one round: a spacious, wind-influenced front nine with a subtle links feel, followed by a more traditional, water-accented back nine framed by trees. Driving accuracy is emphasized throughout, with strategic carries, coquina bunkers, and thoughtfully contoured greens demanding careful positioning. The routing flows naturally and showcases the combined creativity of Palmer and Nicklaus.
Plan Your Next Trip the Right Way
See how the courses, hotels, and areas sit relative to each other in Jacksonville Beaches.
Insider Notes:
Stillwater’s eco-bunkers can play firmer than traditional sand.
Best Time to Play: Most courses target spring (March–April) or fall (September–October) for aerification. Confirm schedules directly with the course.
Expect premium green fees at World Golf Village
TPC Sawgrass: a short drive away if the group wants to add a round. See here for more details, but book early as tee times move fast and carry premium pricing.
Historic St. Augustine: Cobblestone streets, Spanish architecture, and notable landmarks are worth the detour, and right in the neighborhood.
Wildlife is common across all three layouts; enjoy the setting and stay aware near lagoons.
Airport Access:
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is the closest major airport
Stillwater Golf & Country Club: ~45 minutes
St. Johns Golf & Country Club: ~40 minutes
King & Bear Golf Course at World Golf Village: ~55 minutes
Driving Times:
Savannah, GA: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Orlando, FL: ~2 hours
Charleston, SC: ~4 hours 45 minutes
Tallahassee, FL: ~3 hours 30 minutes
Tampa, FL: ~3 hours 15 minutes
Stillwater Golf & Country Club - St. Johns, FL Reviews
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“This course is amazing. It is a private course and I can understand why. All of the employees here are amazing at what they do and they do it with amazing attitude. The Clubhouse is breathtaking."
-Austin
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"Nice and relaxing. An amazing places to get away and relax. I would recommend this place to all my friends. While you're there you can enjoy a nice drink or snack. I would much rather go here than top golf as an adult."
-Patrick
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"Really enjoyed my round of golf today! Golf course is very playable, yet challenging. Staff was excellent & treated me very nicely. Steven was doing it all, Kayla provided excellent customer service, & Mia made a great cocktail!"
-Andrew
St. Johns Golf & Country Club - St. Augustine, FL Reviews
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"I fell in love with this golf course, the moment I first played the 2nd hole. It's a beautiful par 5 dogleg left that offers great scenery all along the right side of the hole."
-Sean
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"I have played here on a couple of occasions and really enjoy this layout. Not an easy course by any stretch and a lot of water and somehow inevitably I find it. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced golfer, you’re definitely gonna like this golf course and I took quite a few pictures to show you how pretty it is and how good of shape it’s in."
-Steve
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"Great course. New Top Tracer driving range. The Bridge is definitely worth a stop for a drink after a round. Or just stop by for lunch or dinner. Good food.”
-Gary
King & Bear Golf Course at World Golf Village – St. Augustine, FL Reviews
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"King and Bear is by far the best and most beautiful golf course in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD (golf village). World class amenities and service you’ve got to experience and see to believe!”
-Jeff
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"Great hospitality!! The course is lush and in great condition. The fairways, tee boxes, and approach’s are still green. The greens are rolling at about a 9-10 on the stemp meter. Highly recommended!!!”
-Spenser
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"Great course. It was in great shape and the greens were nice and rolled true when we were there in late May. Course can play to all skill levels. There are challenging holes and a couple of gettable holes. Staff is friendly and helpful. Absolutely worth a play while you're in the St. Augustine, FL area!"
-Chris
