5 Golf Courses You’ll Love in Jacksonville

If you love golf, Jacksonville is the place to be. The variety here is unreal, with beachside public courses, championship resorts, and private clubs that never get old.

If I’m not working or with friends, I’m probably on a golf course, and Jacksonville makes that easy with so many great options. This isn’t a ‘best of’ list, just my go-to spots with the right mix of vibe, layout, and accessibility. Here are my top five favorites, plus a couple of extras that always deliver a great round.

Top 5. Jax Beach Golf Club. Not long ago, this place was in rough shape. But about four or five years back, the City of Jacksonville Beach invested heavily in it, and the difference is night and day. It’s now one of the best public options in the area. The range is solid, the course is fun and walkable, and it won’t break the bank. Weekend tee times run about $75 to $80. Plus, it’s one of the few public beachside courses with easy access.

Top 4. The Conservatory Course at Ocean Hammock in Palm Coast. It’s a bit of a drive from Jacksonville, but it’s worth it. The layout is one of my favorites, long, with dunes and elevation changes you don’t often find in Florida. From the tips, it stretches to nearly 8,000 yards. Big greens and challenging shots keep it interesting, and the resort vibe makes it a memorable round. Florida residents can score discounted rates, and if you want variety, the nearby Ocean Course has four holes right along the water.

Top 3. Eagle Landing in Fleming Island/Orange Park. I grew up playing here, and it’s always been a blast. The course mixes things up with doglegs, drivable par-4s, and some unique par-5s featuring church-pew bunkers. Weekend play runs about $80, which includes two beers and a sandwich, a pretty great deal. Conditions are usually strong, and it’s just a fun course to put in the rotation.

Top 2. King & Bear at World Golf Village. Located just south of Jacksonville near the World Golf Hall of Fame, this course delivers resort-level conditions with public access. There are two courses at the property, King & Bear and Slammer & Squire, but King & Bear is my favorite. With its challenging water features and consistently well-maintained layout, it’s always a great experience. Resident rates also make it more accessible.

Top 1. Deerwood Country Club. Full disclosure, I’m a member here, so I’m a little biased. But for me, Deerwood offers the best layout in Jacksonville. I could play it every day and never grow tired of it. It’s got forced carries, elevated greens, strategic doglegs, and wind conditions that make the course play differently all the time. If you haven’t played it and want to, reach out; I might be able to help you get on.

Here are my honorable mentions:

• TPC Sawgrass is a world-class course and home to the Players Championship, but it’s expensive, around $500 to $600, and not always accessible due to tournaments and renovations. That said, both the Stadium Course and Dye’s Valley are incredible.
• San Jose Country Club also deserves recognition. It’s somewhat of a rival to Deerwood, but I’ve got to respect it. Designed by Donald Ross, it’s a classic layout, and those are rare in Florida.

So there you have it, my personal top five golf courses in Jacksonville, with a few extras for good measure. Maybe you agree, maybe you don’t. Either way, let’s keep the conversation going.

If you think I left one out or you’re feeling competitive about your favorite course, we can always settle it out on the fairway. And just like finding the right golf course, finding the right home, or the right buyer, comes down to knowing the best options and what fits your style.

If you need help buying or selling in Jacksonville, reach out to (904) 650-3890 or email me at Matty@PursuitRealEstate.com. I’d love to be your guide.