Golf Courses in St. Augustine: A Newcomer’s Guide to the Best Greens

St. Augustine is home to a variety of golf courses, ranging from world-class championship layouts to local favorites that offer quality play at a reasonable price. Whether you’re a low-handicap golfer looking for a challenge or a beginner searching for a welcoming course, this guide covers the best options in the area.

TPC Sawgrass

110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Home to THE PLAYERS Championship, TPC Sawgrass is one of the most recognizable courses in professional golf. Designed by Pete Dye, it’s known for its demanding layout, featuring deep bunkers, penal rough, and strategically placed water hazards. The most famous hole, the par-3 17th, features an island green that has tested even the best golfers in the world.

Why Play Here?

• One of the most well-known and challenging public courses in the country
• Pristine course conditions and PGA Tour-level difficulty
• A test of precision with narrow fairways and risk-reward shotmaking

Tee times fill quickly, so book well in advance. If the green fee is too steep, consider visiting the TPC Clubhouse, which offers dining and guided tours of the course’s history.

To book a tee time or check rates, visit the official website.

The Slammer & The Squire (World Golf Village)

2 World Golf Place, St. Augustine, FL 32092

Designed by Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen, this course is a balanced mix of playability and challenge. Located next to the World Golf Hall of Fame, it features wide fairways, well-protected greens, and scenic marshland views. The layout rewards strategic play, making it enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.

Why Play Here?

• Ideal for both beginners and experienced players
• Well-maintained fairways with a mix of open and tree-lined holes
• Proximity to the World Golf Hall of Fame makes it a great day-trip destination

This course is more forgiving than some of the tighter layouts in the area, making it a solid choice for those still developing consistency off the tee.

To book a tee time or check rates, visit the official website.

St. Johns Golf & Country Club

205 St. Johns Golf Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32092

This well-kept and affordable course offers a solid test of golf with fast greens and challenging approach shots. It has a reputation for excellent practice facilities, including a large driving range, short-game area, and well-maintained putting green.

Why Play Here?

• Excellent course conditions for the price
• Strong driving range and short-game area for practice
• A fair mix of easier and tougher holes

Look for twilight rates in the afternoon for some of the best deals in the area.

To book a tee time or check rates, visit the official website.

The Ocean Course at Hammock Beach

200 Ocean Crest Dr, Palm Coast, FL 32137

One of Florida’s few true oceanfront courses, the Jack Nicklaus-designed layout features six holes directly along the Atlantic Ocean. With coastal winds and firm, fast fairways, it offers a different playing experience than many inland Florida courses.

Why Play Here?

• Stunning oceanfront views
• A well-maintained, links-style course
• A mix of open fairways and protected greens that require shot control

This is a private resort course, but you can book a tee time if you stay at Hammock Beach Resort.

To book a tee time or check rates, visit the official website.

South Hampton Golf Club

315 South Hampton Club Way, St. Augustine, FL 32092

A solid choice for an affordable round, South Hampton offers a mix of wide fairways and well-placed water hazards. It’s one of the best-value courses in the area, attracting both casual players and competitive golfers.

Why Play Here?

• Fair pricing for a well-maintained course
• Playable for all skill levels
• A relaxed, local feel compared to higher-end courses

Afternoon rates are significantly lower, making it a good option for a budget-friendly round.

To book a tee time or check rates, visit the official website.

Royal St. Augustine Golf & Country Club

301 Royal St. Augustine Pkwy, St. Augustine, FL 32084

A shorter, budget-friendly course that provides a quicker, more casual round. The layout includes narrow fairways, water hazards, and smaller greens, making it a fun but challenging course for those looking to improve accuracy.

Why Play Here?

• Lower cost compared to most courses in the area
• Close to downtown St. Augustine for a quick round
• Good for golfers of all skill levels

The first few holes are tight, so accuracy is more important than distance early in the round.

To book a tee time or check rates, visit the official website.

Which Course is Best for You?

St. Augustine offers a range of golf experiences, from high-end championship courses to local spots with great value.

For a PGA Tour Experience: TPC Sawgrass
For a Balanced Challenge: Slammer & Squire
For Oceanfront Golf: Hammock Beach
For the Best Value: St. Johns Golf & CC or South Hampton
For a Low-Stress Round: Royal St. Augustine

And if you’re looking for a home near a golf course, I can help you find the right fit. Reach out today.