Practice Your Swing at These 6 Golf Courses Near Jacksonville, FL

With temperatures cooling off, many more golfers will be hitting the courses. If you live near Jacksonville, you’ve got plenty of places to learn or play golf. Whether you’re looking for great golf course dining or lessons, there are plenty of excellent courses and clubhouses in the area. Check out these six golf courses to learn more about where to go to practice your swing.

TPC Sawgrass

TPC Sawgrass is one of the biggest names in Jacksonville golf, and it’s for a good reason. The club is just 12 miles outside Jacksonville and has won several awards for its excellent courses. The clubhouse provides hospitality to members and the public and features several restaurants and a golf shop. This golf club offers two stellar courses you can play.

The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is the most popular option. Since 1982, when the course opened, it’s helped players show off their skills in the most balanced way possible. The holes vary in length, but the most popular is the 17th hole, a par-3 with an island.

Dye’s Valley is another TPC Sawgrass course worth trying. It has a reputation for being easier than the Players Stadium Course, but it’s still got plenty of water hazards. Plus, Golfweek Magazine recognized the Dye’s Valley Course as one of the best golf courses in Florida in one of its issues.

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Ponte Vedra Beach’s Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is not just a golf course. In fact, many people come to Ponte Vedra Inn & Club to enjoy the spa, tennis courts, and shopping opportunities. Dining options include a gourmet experience at the Seahorse Grille. The Sea View Grille also offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s Ocean Course is well-known. It’s not only scenic but is also a tough course featuring 101 sand bunkers. At the ninth hole, you’ll find the first island green built on a golf course. The par-71 course offers large fairways in addition to tricky lagoons and plants. A variety of grasses also make this course a difficult (but fun) challenge. Other courses at the club include the Lagoon Course, which consists of 6,022 yards at par-70. Robert Trent Jones and Joe Lee designed this course.

World Golf Village

World Golf Village is one of the most popular golf clubs in the area for a reason. It has something for everybody. Whether you’re interested in exploring the Hall of Fame or you’d like to participate in a PGA Tour Golf Academy, World Golf Village makes it possible. The club offers junior programs, private instruction, and luxury accommodations. Several restaurants and shops are available on-site as well.

Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus designed the King & Bear course, which bears their nicknames. This course is beautifully landscaped, complete with lakes and rock formations, and has two parts. The first nine holes pay homage to St. Augustine’s heritage, but the final nine holes are all about sticking to Florida’s golf traditions.

Bobby Weed, Sam Snead, and Gene Sarazen designed the Slammer & Squire, which is another beautiful course. It honors natural beauty, using unspoiled wooded areas and wetlands. Water hazards can make this course a challenge.

St. John’s Golf & Country Club

St. Johns Golf & Country Club is one of the most picturesque golf clubs in Florida. Situated just 20 miles away from Jacksonville, this country club offers a variety of events in addition to golf, including adult trivia and Halloween parties. If you don’t quite know how to golf just yet, there’s the opportunity to learn here. The Golf Academy at St. Johns offers professional teachers who can show you how to swing.

If you already know how to play, you can explore the course. St. Johns has five sets of tees in addition to a family tee. You can play a 2,400-yard course or a 7,250-yard course, depending on your tee choice. You can book a tee time online and reserve your spot ahead of time too.

The Golf Club at North Hampton

The Golf Club at North Hampton is another great Jacksonville destination. Not only is the golf course one of the most well-regarded in the state, but it’s also a lovely wedding destination in addition to a great spot to dine. The accommodations on-site are also superb, offering all the comforts of any beautiful resort.

One of the biggest reasons to visit this club is that the legendary Arnold Palmer designed the course. Described as a “classic risk-reward” golf course, three sets of tees make this course enjoyable for all types of guests, and there are over 7,100 yards to explore. If you love to strategize, this is a great course to play. You’ll get generous fairways in addition to water challenges. You might even catch a glimpse of some wildlife, such as gators, cranes, and eagles, as you play.

The Palencia Club

The Palencia Club opened in 2002. Since then, it’s developed a reputation as one of the best social, dining, and golf locales in Florida. Today, the club boasts a championship golf course in addition to an expansive clubhouse with modern facilities. You’ll also enjoy the golf practice facility on-site, which includes a putting green, 400-yard range, chipping greens, and bunkers. When you’re tired of golfing, you can come into the clubhouse and choose from three different dining experiences. The Palencia Grille is a family-friendly restaurant with a casual atmosphere, whereas the Members’ Bistro offers a more elegant atmosphere.

The golf course encompasses 105 acres and six sets of tees. Arthur Hills designed the course, and it contains generously situated wood buffers throughout. As you golf, you’ll also enjoy beautiful views of the marsh and river.

Some of these golf courses are relatively far apart, so you might need a new ride to get to each one. A new car provides the perfect opportunity to explore Jacksonville and the surrounding area. Check out the new vehicles at Keith Pierson Toyota to see how you can explore Florida in style.

Image by Allan Nygren is licensed with Unsplash License

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