If you're looking for the best golf courses near Jacksonville, FL, five standout options include TPC Sawgrass, King & Bear, Bent Creek, Windsor Parke, and Cimarrone.
Each offers a different mix of layout, difficulty, and scenery to match a wide range of playing styles—keep reading for a closer look at what makes each course worth your time.
TPC Sawgrass – THE PLAYERS Stadium Course (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)
TPC Sawgrass is widely known not just as a golf course, but as a landmark in the sport.
Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, just southeast of Jacksonville, it’s been the permanent host of THE PLAYERS Championship since 1982, and its fame continues to grow for good reason.
A Course Built for the Spotlight
THE PLAYERS Stadium Course was designed from the start to test the world's best under tournament pressure.
Pete and Alice Dye were commissioned to create something strategic and spectator-friendly—and what they delivered is a course that demands precision, patience, and smart shot selection.
One of the most unique aspects of the layout is that no two consecutive holes play in the same direction. This isn’t accidental.
The idea was to make players constantly adjust to shifting wind and angles, preventing any sort of rhythm from developing too comfortably.
The bunkering is classic Dye—deep, angular, and deliberately placed to disrupt a safe approach.
Water hazards come into play often, forcing you to weigh risk and reward throughout the round.
If you’re a shot-shaper or someone who thrives on course management, this layout will challenge every part of your game.
The 17th Hole: The Infamous Island Green
Even if you've never played here, you probably know the 17th.
The par-3 Island Green is only 137 yards from the tips, but don’t let the number fool you—it’s one of the most nerve-wracking tee shots in golf.
Surrounded entirely by water except for a narrow walkway from the tee box, this hole has seen even seasoned pros come undone.
While it's visually striking, what makes it so tricky is the wind, which tends to swirl unpredictably around the green.
Club selection becomes a guessing game, and any mis-hit shot almost always ends up wet.
For casual players, surviving the 17th with a dry ball is often the day's highlight.
For more competitive golfers, it’s a legitimate scoring threat that demands a perfectly executed short iron.
Booking Your Round
Tee times at TPC Sawgrass can be booked directly through the official website.
Because it hosts one of the most-watched events in professional golf, availability can be limited—especially around tournament season.
Rates vary based on the time of year and day of the week, but expect a premium experience.
There’s also the option to pair your round with a stay at the nearby Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, which can sometimes include package deals.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a casual walk-on course—advance reservations are strongly recommended, and a forecaddie is often required.
That said, it’s a chance to play on the same turf as the pros, with the exact layout and conditions seen on TV.
Why It’s Worth the Experience
What sets TPC Sawgrass apart is its intentional design and the way it blends strategy with spectacle.
Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list round or measuring your game against championship conditions, this course delivers an experience that’s equal parts challenge and thrill.
It's not just about the 17th hole—it's about navigating a layout that asks you to think two or three shots ahead, every step of the way.
King & Bear at World Golf Village (St. Augustine, FL)
The King & Bear course at World Golf Village offers more than just a round of golf—it’s a rare chance to play on the only course ever co-designed by two legends of the game, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
Located in St. Augustine, it brings together iconic design elements from both players, set in a scenic and thoughtfully preserved natural environment.
A Collaboration Between Golf Icons
What makes King & Bear instantly stand out is its origin.
It's the only golf course that bears both the design signatures of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
The result is a well-balanced blend of Palmer’s love for playability and Nicklaus’s focus on precision.
You'll find generous fairways and open approaches that invite aggressive play on some holes, while others require tighter lines and carefully calculated shots.
The duo’s combined philosophy gives the course a rhythm that rewards smart choices without punishing less experienced players unfairly.
It’s not overly penal, but it’s far from easy.
Playability for All Skill Levels
The course stretches to 7,279 yards from the back tees, but thanks to five tee boxes and blended tee options, it can be scaled down to suit a wide range of players.
Whether you’re a low-handicap golfer looking for a test or a weekend player aiming for a relaxing round, the layout can be tailored to your comfort zone without sacrificing the integrity of the course.
This makes King & Bear especially well-suited for mixed-skill groups, families, or anyone looking for an enjoyable yet respectable challenge.
Natural Setting and Visual Appeal
Set among loblolly pines, stately oaks, and pristine lakes, the course offers a peaceful playing environment that feels miles away from busy urban life.
The layout makes smart use of elevation changes and water features, creating a flow that feels both immersive and intentional.
There’s also an emphasis on conservation, with much of the surrounding landscape left untouched to preserve the area’s natural character.
You won’t find gimmicky holes here—just solid, straightforward golf made more interesting by the variety of visuals and shot demands.
Added Value of the World Golf Village Location
Beyond the course itself, its setting within World Golf Village adds an extra layer of appeal.
You’re just steps from the World Golf Hall of Fame, excellent dining, and other attractions that make the area a golf-lover’s destination.
Whether you’re planning a full weekend or just looking for a single memorable round, the location offers plenty to see and do off the course.
For groups or events, the larger resort infrastructure provides convenience, from lodging to banquet facilities, making it a good option for golf trips or corporate outings.
Booking Your Round
Tee times and rate details are available on the official World Golf Village website.
It’s best to book ahead, especially during peak travel seasons or around local tournaments.
The site also lists special packages and promotions, including options to pair your round with a visit to the Hall of Fame or stay-and-play bundles at nearby hotels.
For a course rooted in legacy, set in one of Florida’s most historic cities, King & Bear offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines pedigree, playability, and scenery in a way that’s hard to match.
Bent Creek Golf Course (Jacksonville, FL)
Bent Creek Golf Course is one of Jacksonville’s most approachable and value-packed public golf options.
Designed to blend competitive layout with natural surroundings, it offers a relaxed yet challenging experience that suits players at every level.
A Course Rooted in Nature
One of Bent Creek’s defining features is its setting.
The course winds through a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, which means the natural environment isn’t just scenic—it’s protected and intentionally preserved.
As you play through 6,420 yards of pine-lined fairways and gentle creeks, you’ll likely spot native birds and wildlife, adding to the calm and immersive feel.
It’s a quiet escape from city life without requiring a long drive out of town.
This focus on natural integration doesn’t compromise the layout.
The course remains well-structured, rewarding good positioning and smart course management.
Thoughtful Design with Competitive Influence
Bent Creek was designed by Bobby Weed, with consultation from PGA Tour pro Mark McCumber.
That collaboration brought a balance between playability and strategic challenge.
Weed’s influence is seen in the clean sightlines and risk-reward decisions, while McCumber’s perspective ensures that players of varying skill levels can enjoy the round without feeling overwhelmed.
While the par-71 course isn't overly long, accuracy and control are key.
There are several holes where tight fairways and water hazards can penalize loose drives or aggressive second shots. It’s a course where decision-making often outweighs raw power.
Practice, Instruction, and On-Site Amenities
Bent Creek goes beyond just offering 18 holes.
Its practice facility is one of the better-equipped public options in the area, featuring a lighted driving range that allows you to work on your game into the evening.
The Bent Creek Golf Academy also operates on-site, offering lessons and clinics for players of all levels.
This makes it a great place for beginners looking to learn or for seasoned players needing to fine-tune specific parts of their game.
The facilities are clean, accessible, and well-maintained—ideal for both practice and casual warm-ups.
Affordable Golf with Added Value
Where Bent Creek really shines is in its pricing.
It’s one of the most budget-friendly options in Jacksonville, especially considering the quality of the course and facilities.
Seniors, military members, and first responders all receive discounted rates, making it a top choice for those looking for great golf without the premium price tag.
Tee time rates vary slightly based on time and day, but overall, it remains an excellent value across the board.
Walking and riding options are available, and weekday afternoons often come with additional savings.
How to Book
Tee times can be reserved directly through Bent Creek’s official website, which also includes up-to-date pricing and information about any seasonal specials or events.
Walk-ons are sometimes accepted during slower periods, but booking ahead is a safer bet, especially on weekends.
If you're looking for a welcoming public course with solid design, natural charm, and some of the best rates in the area, Bent Creek offers a balanced, enjoyable round that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Windsor Parke Golf Club (Jacksonville, FL)
Windsor Parke Golf Club strikes a rare balance between being tournament-tested and beginner-friendly.
Situated in the heart of Jacksonville, this semi-private course is known for its solid layout, strong conditioning, and inclusive atmosphere that caters to both experienced and new golfers.
A Tournament-Level Layout You Can Actually Play
Windsor Parke has hosted multiple USGA qualifying events, including qualifiers for the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur.
That kind of tournament pedigree speaks to the quality of the course, especially in how it’s maintained and set up.
From tee to green, the conditions tend to be consistently strong, with fast greens, clean fairways, and a layout that challenges shot placement and course management without becoming overly punitive.
The par-72 course stretches 6,765 yards from the back tees and uses elevation changes and water hazards to shape its character.
Unlike many Florida courses that play flat, Windsor Parke’s subtle slopes create more interesting stances and visuals, making each hole feel distinct.
The design makes use of natural land movement rather than artificial features, which gives the course an organic rhythm and flow.
Designed with Strategy in Mind
Arthur Hills, a respected name in golf course architecture, is the mind behind Windsor Parke.
His approach is on full display here: clear landing areas for tee shots, strategic bunkering around the greens, and holes that reward thoughtful planning over brute force.
It's the kind of design where your club choice off the tee matters just as much as your short game.
The presence of lakes and marshes on several holes introduces risk-reward decisions, especially on par 5s and reachable par 4s.
At the same time, there are safe routes available, allowing players to choose their level of aggression based on confidence and skill.
Welcoming to Newer Golfers
Despite its tournament history, Windsor Parke is also recognized as Jacksonville’s first NGCOA-certified “Beginner Friendly” golf course.
That means players new to the game will find accessible tee boxes, a supportive pace of play policy, and a layout that doesn’t punish every misstep.
It’s a solid choice if you’re newer to golf but still want to play somewhere with structure and credibility.
This dual appeal makes it a great option for mixed-experience groups, couples learning the game, or anyone looking to improve in a low-pressure yet well-maintained setting.
Booking and Playing Logistics
Tee times are available through the Windsor Parke Golf Club website, and booking online is typically the easiest way to check availability and see rate differences throughout the week.
The course often runs promotions and seasonal rates, so it’s worth checking for discounts or packages, especially if you plan to play with a group.
Because it’s semi-private, public access is relatively open, though weekend mornings may fill up fast.
Practice facilities are available on-site, including a range and putting green, allowing you to warm up before the round or spend some extra time fine-tuning your game.
Windsor Parke is one of those rare public-access courses that offers structure, variety, and welcoming vibes all in one place—whether you're chasing a qualifying score or just getting comfortable with your swing.
Cimarrone Golf Club (Jacksonville, FL)
Cimarrone Golf Club offers a versatile and visually engaging round just east of Jacksonville, making it a strong choice for players looking for a course that combines strategy with scenery.
Known for its water-heavy layout and flexible yardage, it suits a wide range of skill levels while still offering a technical test.
Layout That Adapts to Your Game
One of Cimarrone’s biggest strengths is its flexibility.
From the back tees, it plays at a respectable 6,891 yards, but it can also be scaled down to just 4,704 yards, allowing players of all levels to tailor the course to their comfort zone.
Whether you’re a seasoned player trying to sharpen your course management or a beginner working on consistency, the multiple tee options make it easy to find the right level of challenge.
This adaptability makes Cimarrone especially appealing for outings involving mixed ability groups, or for players working on different parts of their game without being overwhelmed.
Water, Angles, and Shot Placement
The defining feature of Cimarrone is its integration of water—17 lakes are woven throughout the course.
These aren’t just for aesthetics; they actively shape how you approach many holes.
Whether you’re teeing off over a lake or trying to carry water to reach a green in regulation, you’ll need to think a few steps ahead.
There’s a strong emphasis on positioning and decision-making.
That doesn’t mean the course is overly penal.
Fairways are generally generous, and landing zones are well-marked, but poorly placed shots—especially overly aggressive ones—can easily find water.
It's a course that rewards restraint and smart play more often than bold risks.
Course Ratings That Back It Up
For those looking at the numbers, Cimarrone has a slope rating of 132 and a course rating of 72.7 from the tips.
These figures reflect a layout that’s moderately difficult and likely to challenge mid-to-low handicappers while remaining manageable for higher-handicap players when played from the appropriate tees.
In practice, that means you can expect a few holes that ask for precision off the tee and others where short-game finesse will make the difference.
There’s enough complexity to keep experienced players engaged without making newer golfers feel out of place.
Amenities That Round Out the Experience
Beyond the course itself, Cimarrone offers a solid lineup of amenities.
A full practice area is available, including a driving range and putting green—ideal for warming up or refining your technique.
The clubhouse is well-kept and offers a comfortable place to relax post-round, while the on-site restaurant provides a casual dining option with course views.
These features make Cimarrone a good pick not just for a casual round, but also for events, group outings, or a full day of golf-focused relaxation.
Booking and Planning Your Round
Tee times can be reserved directly through the Cimarrone Golf Club website.
Availability is generally good during weekdays, but weekends tend to fill quickly, especially in peak seasons.
The site also posts any specials or seasonal promotions, so it's worth checking if you're planning in advance.
For golfers who enjoy a course that requires thinking through each shot and adapting to different hole layouts, Cimarrone offers a strong mix of playability and personality.
Its combination of water features, flexible length, and supportive amenities make it one of the more balanced options in the Jacksonville area.
Conclusion
Whether you're after championship-level intensity or a laid-back round in a natural setting, Jacksonville has a course that fits.
From the iconic TPC Sawgrass to the versatile fairways of Cimarrone, each option brings its own strengths.
Choose based on your playing style, book ahead, and enjoy some of the best golf Florida has to offer.
