Few places in Florida offer the variety, history, and scenery that golf in St. Augustine offers. With a mix of championship layouts, public courses, and private clubs, the area gives golfers of every skill level a place to play. Whether you’re traveling for a weekend or a full vacation, St. Augustine golf courses promise memorable rounds and stunning views of Florida’s natural beauty.
If you’re planning your next golf trip, it helps to know which courses stand out. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular spots for golf in St. Augustine, FL, from world-famous names to local favorites.
Slammer & Squire Golf Course
Since opening in 1998, the Slammer & Squire has earned its reputation as one of the most iconic courses in Northeast Florida. Designed by architect Bobby Weed and shaped by two golf legends—Sam Snead (the “Slammer”) and Gene Sarazen (the “Squire”)—this 18-hole course blends challenge with beauty.
Stretching across 6,939 yards, the layout winds through native woodlands and wetlands, offering wide fairways, contoured greens, and stunning views of the Florida landscape. The focus here is on precision and short-game finesse, a tribute to Snead and Sarazen’s playing styles.
Water hazards add both visual appeal and strategic depth. By the time you reach the 18th green, you feel as though the legends themselves are watching your final putt. The course has hosted notable events such as the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf and the ANNIKA Invitational USA, making it a must-play for visitors who want to experience a true piece of golf history.
King & Bear Golf Course
Right next door lies another masterpiece—King & Bear, a course born from the collaboration of two of golf’s greatest players, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. It remains the only course in the world they co-designed, blending Palmer’s creative style with Nicklaus’s precision.
King & Bear measures 7,279 yards from the back tees, offering a true test for skilled golfers. The front nine plays more open and links-style, while the back nine features traditional Florida scenery with pine forests, coquina rock, and shimmering lakes.
This course isn’t just about difficulty—it’s a celebration of golf itself. Every hole reflects the designers’ friendship and shared passion for the game. If you want a course that delivers both beauty and challenge, King & Bear deserves a place at the top of your list.
Royal St. Augustine Golf and Country Club
For those seeking a public course that’s both accessible and exciting, Royal St. Augustine Golf and Country Club is an excellent choice. Just minutes from the city’s historic downtown, this 6,529-yard course weaves through wetlands, mogul-lined fairways, and large greens.
The design demands strategic thinking—well-placed bunkers, sandy waste areas, and water hazards make accuracy more important than distance. With four different tee positions, the course caters to players of all abilities.
After your round, unwind in the clubhouse, which offers a full bar, dining options, and plenty of comfortable seating to recap your best shots. Its convenient location near I-95 and U.S. 1 also makes it easy to fit into any golf itinerary.
The Golf Club at South Hampton
The Golf Club at South Hampton strikes an ideal balance between challenge and enjoyment. Its distinctive layout features 16 lakes and over 60 contoured bunkers, requiring players to carefully plan every shot.
Each hole presents a new test, rewarding thoughtful play over raw power. This makes the course a favorite among golfers who enjoy risk-reward decisions and a variety of hole designs. The well-maintained fairways and greens, combined with scenic landscaping, provide a visually appealing and strategically engaging experience from the first tee to the final putt.
St. Augustine Shores Golf Club
If you’re newer to the game—or simply want a relaxed, fun round—St. Augustine Shores Golf Club is a great pick. Located just a few miles from the historic district, this par-70 course plays 5,956 yards from the back tees, making it approachable without feeling too short.
The layout is designed to be playable for everyone. Multiple tee boxes reduce forced carries, while water hazards appear on nine of the 18 holes to keep things interesting. You’ll find drivable par-4s, doglegs that require strategy, and par-5s that reward accurate long irons.
Beyond the course, the facility includes a driving range, short-game area, and a welcoming clubhouse. The friendly atmosphere makes it easy for visitors to feel right at home—something you don’t always find at busier resort courses.
St. Johns Golf & Country Club
Located between St. Augustine and Jacksonville, St. Johns Golf & Country Club offers one of the most distinctive public-course experiences in the area. Its design features clean lines and bold visual contrasts—rectangular bunkers, flat-bottomed traps, and long fairways that guide your eye toward dramatic waterfront greens.
Some of the greens are rectangular, others curve alongside water hazards, and many have challenging slopes that test even experienced players. The overall result is a course that feels different from the typical Florida layout, providing an unforgettable round whether you’re local or visiting for the first time.
Plan Your Stay
Stay at Summerhouse and unwind just minutes from St. Augustine’s top golf courses. Comfort, convenience, and coastal views await after every round.
The Palencia Club
For golfers seeking a private, luxury experience, The Palencia Club represents the pinnacle of golf in St. Augustine, FL. This Arthur Hills-designed championship course stretches 7,071 yards and flows through towering oak trees, marshland, and alongside the scenic Tolomato River.
Recognized as an Audubon Sanctuary, the course integrates beautifully with its natural surroundings while maintaining immaculate playing conditions. The practice facilities are top-notch, featuring a 400-yard double-sided driving range, short-game areas, and a 10,000-square-foot putting green.
Because it’s a private club, access is limited—but if you have the chance to play it, the combination of design, views, and course conditioning makes it one of the finest rounds you can experience in Northeast Florida.
Comparing the Courses
Each of these St. Augustine golf courses brings something unique to the table. King & Bear stands out for its length and prestige, while Slammer & Squire strikes a balance between accessibility and historic charm. Royal St. Augustine and South Hampton provide excellent value and variety for public play.
For a shorter, more relaxed round, St. Augustine Shores is the go-to choice, while St. Johns Golf & Country Club offers a visually distinctive and strategic layout. Finally, the Palencia Club adds an element of exclusivity for those who want to experience private-club luxury.
Book Your St. Augustine Condo Rental with Summerhouse
When planning your golf getaway, your accommodations matter just as much as your tee times. A St. Augustine condo rental with Summerhouse provides the perfect home base between rounds. Our spacious, fully equipped condos let you relax, recharge, and enjoy coastal views after a day on the greens.
Many of our properties are just minutes from the area’s most popular courses, meaning less time driving and more time playing. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or as part of a golf group, condo rentals in St. Augustine, FL, make it easy to combine great golf with beachside comfort.
Book your stay with Summerhouse today and turn your golf vacation into a seamless, memorable experience—complete with comfort, convenience, and proximity to some of Florida’s best courses.
