Whether you’re planning a golf getaway, sneaking in an early morning round before hitting the beach, or you’re a serious player looking for championship-level golf, St. Augustine offers one of the best collections of courses in Florida. From world-famous layouts designed by legends of the game to affordable local favorites where locals play every weekend, there’s truly a course for every golfer.
Championship & Bucket List Courses
King & Bear Golf Course
Best For: Serious golfers, golf trips, bucket-list rounds, couples golf weekends
The only golf course in the world co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, King & Bear is arguably St. Augustine’s signature golf experience. Wide fairways, towering pines, marsh views, and immaculate conditioning make this a must-play course for visiting golfers.
Website: King & Bear Golf Course
Slammer & Squire Golf Course
Best For: Resort golfers, couples, vacationers, intermediate players
Located at World Golf Village, this beautiful layout was inspired by golf legends Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen. The course is slightly more forgiving than King & Bear and offers stunning views of the former World Golf Hall of Fame.
Website: Slammer & Squire Golf Course
Best Public Golf Courses
St. Johns Golf Club
Best For: Value-conscious golfers, locals, beginners, practice
This county-owned hidden gem is where many locals regularly play. Excellent practice facilities, affordable greens fees, and forgiving fairways make this one of the best values in Northeast Florida.
If you’re visiting and want a fun round without spending resort-course prices, this is your spot.
Website: St. Johns Golf Club
St. Augustine Shores Golf Club
Best For: Beginners, casual golfers, families, quick rounds
A favorite among local residents and snowbirds, this course is approachable, affordable, and enjoyable for players still developing their game. The course plays quickly and doesn’t punish mistakes quite as severely as some of the championship layouts nearby.
Website: St. Augustine Shores Golf
Royal St Augustine Golf and Country Club
Best For: Mid-handicap players looking for a challenge
Royal St. Augustine is known for waste areas, bunkers, wetlands, and strategic shot placement. It can be forgiving off the tee but still requires thoughtful course management around the greens.
Website: Royal St. Augustine Golf Club
St. Johns Golf & Country Club
Best For: Golf trips, mixed skill groups, couples
Located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, this course provides enough challenge for experienced players while remaining enjoyable for newer golfers. Local golfers frequently recommend it as one of the area’s best all-around experiences.
Website: St. Johns Golf & Country Club
Private Country Club Golf
Marsh Creek Country Club
Best For: Private club members, luxury lifestyle golfers, residents
Located on Anastasia Island just minutes from the beach, Marsh Creek combines marsh views with a championship layout designed by former PGA Tour professional Mark McCumber. It is one of St. Augustine’s premier private clubs.
Website: Marsh Creek Country Club
Palencia Club
Best For: Luxury golf, private club members, executives
Palencia is one of the most beautiful private golf communities in Northeast Florida. Rolling fairways, elevated greens, and incredible marsh scenery make it one of the region’s most desirable memberships.
Website: Palencia Club
Worth The Short Drive
TPC at Sawgrass Stadium Course
Best For: Bucket list golf experiences
Home of the famous island green on the 17th hole and host of The Players Championship, this is one of the most famous golf courses in the world and sits only about 35 minutes north of St. Augustine.
Website: TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course
TPC Sawgrass – Dye’s Valley Course
Best For: Serious golfers seeking championship golf without Stadium Course pricing
Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Dye’s Valley offers incredible value and championship conditions.
Website: Dye’s Valley Course
DWA Golf
Best For: Intermediate golfers and locals north of town
The South Hampton area has become increasingly popular with local golfers thanks to its enjoyable layout and excellent practice facilities.
Website: Golf Club at South Hampton
A Local Golfer’s Ranking
- King & Bear
- TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course
- Slammer & Squire
- St. Johns Golf & Country Club
- Marsh Creek Country Club
- St. Johns Golf Club
- South Hampton Golf Club
- Royal St. Augustine
- St. Augustine Shores
Local’s Tips
- Playing in summer? Book your tee time before 9:00 AM. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from June through September.
- Visiting in winter? January through March offers some of the best golf weather in America.
- Traveling with a non-golfer? Courses at World Golf Village pair perfectly with shopping, dining, and spa experiences.
- Beginners should start at: St. Augustine Shores or St. Johns Golf Club.
- If you only play one course: Make it King & Bear.
St. Augustine may be known for history and beaches, but local golfers know it quietly rivals many of Florida’s larger golf destinations. Whether you’re chasing birdies or simply enjoying a morning round under swaying palms, there’s a course here with your name on it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf in St. Augustine
Is St. Augustine a good golf destination?
Absolutely. St. Augustine is one of Florida’s hidden gems for golf vacations. Visitors have access to championship resort courses, affordable public courses, private country clubs, and world-famous golf destinations such as the World Golf Village and the nearby TPC Sawgrass.
What is the best golf course in St. Augustine?
Most local golfers consider King & Bear Golf Course to be the premier golf experience in St. Augustine. It is the only course ever co-designed by both Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus and offers a true championship experience.
What is the most affordable golf course in St. Augustine?
St. Augustine Shores Golf Club and St. Johns Golf Club typically offer some of the best value for golfers looking for affordable greens fees without sacrificing course quality.
Which St. Augustine golf course is best for beginners?
New golfers will likely enjoy St. Augustine Shores Golf Club thanks to its forgiving layout and welcoming atmosphere. St. Johns Golf Club is another excellent option with large practice facilities and beginner-friendly holes.
Which golf course should I play if I only have time for one round?
If you’re only playing one round during your trip, locals would almost universally recommend King & Bear Golf Course. For a bucket-list experience within driving distance, consider making the trip to TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course.
Are there golf courses near downtown St. Augustine?
Yes. Royal St. Augustine Golf and Country Club is only minutes from the Historic District, while St. Augustine Shores Golf Club is a short drive south of downtown.
Can visitors play at World Golf Village courses?
Yes. Both King & Bear Golf Course and Slammer & Squire Golf Course are public courses that welcome visitors and vacationers.
What is the best time of year to play golf in St. Augustine?
The most comfortable golf weather typically occurs between October and May, when temperatures are cooler and humidity is lower. Winter golf in St. Augustine is particularly popular with visitors escaping colder northern climates.
Are there golf courses near St. Augustine beaches?
Yes. Marsh Creek Country Club sits just minutes from St. Augustine Beach, making it a great option for visitors combining golf with a beach vacation.
Does St. Augustine offer golf instruction or lessons?
Many local courses offer lessons, clinics, and practice facilities. St. Johns Golf Club is particularly well known for its practice areas and instructional programs.
Are golf vacation packages available in St. Augustine?
Yes. Many visitors combine golf with historic tours, beaches, fishing charters, and fine dining to create a complete vacation experience. Working with a local travel specialist can help coordinate tee times, accommodations, and activities into a customized itinerary.
How far is TPC Sawgrass from St. Augustine?
TPC Sawgrass is approximately 35 to 40 minutes north of downtown St. Augustine depending on traffic, making it an easy day trip for golfers visiting the area.
Can I rent golf clubs in St. Augustine?
Most major golf courses in the area offer rental clubs for visitors traveling without their equipment. It’s always a good idea to reserve rentals when booking your tee time, especially during peak season.
Is St. Augustine better for golf trips, couples trips, or family vacations?
One of St. Augustine’s strengths is that it does all three exceptionally well. Golfers can enjoy championship courses in the morning while their spouses or families explore beaches, shopping, history, and attractions nearby, making it an ideal destination for mixed-interest vacations.
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