King & Bear Golf Course
King & Bear Golf Course offers an engaging 18-hole layout where Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer’s combined design philosophy creates a course that balances strategy with playability. Set amidst Florida’s distinctive natural landscape, it features challenging water hazards and lush fairways ideal for golfers seeking a resort-style round with memorable views.
Course Overview
King & Bear Golf Course stands as a distinctive presence in the St. Augustine golf scene, offering an 18-hole, resort-style experience that blends natural Florida terrain with thoughtful design. As the only course co-designed by legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, it invites players to engage with a layout that balances challenge with accessible playability. The course stretches just over 7,300 yards from the championship tees, featuring a par of 73 that demands precise shot-making but remains approachable for golfers of varied skill levels.
The layout flows through gently rolling fairways lined with native pines and palmettos, interspersed by sparkling lakes that come into play on several holes. While the course is known for hosting heavy foot traffic, its broad corridors accommodate both strategic drives and recovery shots, rewarding patience and course management. Bunkers frame greens that can be firm and fast, testing putting touch and approach accuracy as the winds typical to this coastal area influence ball flight and decision-making.
Players will find the setting engaging throughout the round, with sights of natural woodlands and water features creating a lively environment without detracting from the challenge. The King & Bear’s signature hole reflects its co-designer heritage—a par-5 that combines risk-reward water carry and wide landing areas, encouraging bold plays and thoughtful risk assessment.
For guests, amenities include a full-service clubhouse with dining options and a pro shop well-stocked with equipment and apparel. Practice facilities provide range and short-game areas that help sharpen skills before teeing off. While walking the course is an option, many prefer carts given the course’s expanse and occasional elevation changes.
Maintaining top conditions can vary seasonally, so guests are advised to check current course status before booking. The course is part of World Golf Village and operates with a resort access model, welcoming visitors who seek a golf experience shaped by two of the sport’s greatest figures without overwhelming difficulty. King & Bear remains a compelling choice for players wanting to connect with Florida’s golf heritage amid a lively, natural setting.
Course Highlights
Co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, King & Bear combines signature strategic elements such as wide landing zones and water hazards that influence risk-reward decisions. Several holes feature lakes integral to the challenge, and the course is recognized for its natural Florida environment with native trees and shaping that integrate elevation changes uncommon in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
David Woo
Perhaps Slammer and Squire has better management, but this course was not up to par for the price and prestige. Barring the freshly aerated course, which was disclaimed on the booking site, I could not find any positives to note here. There were NO Beverage Carts (not one) on a Sunday AM, zero briefing from the Starter, no courtesy bag shuttling, no coffee at 8AM, ultimately, at nearly 200 dollars, it was not a great experience. Coming here with my friends to play golf, Slammer and Squire absolutely met expectation, King and Bear absolutely fell short. We will not visit this course again.
Greg Thibault
David Woo
Perhaps Slammer and Squire has better management, but this course was not up to par for the price and prestige. Barring the freshly aerated course, which was disclaimed on the booking site, I could not find any positives to note here. There were NO Beverage Carts (not one) on a Sunday AM, zero briefing from the Starter, no courtesy bag shuttling, no coffee at 8AM, ultimately, at nearly 200 dollars, it was not a great experience. Coming here with my friends to play golf, Slammer and Squire absolutely met expectation, King and Bear absolutely fell short. We will not visit this course again.
Grant McDonald
Planned a birthday round with a few friends. I was very underwhelmed with the conditions and 6 hour pace of play. The greens are hard as rock and look terrible. The fairways are decent and the areas around bunkers aren’t very suitable for play. Bunkers were in good shape. Probably wouldn’t recommend either WGV course right now as every staff member said that king and bear is way nicer than slammer. $200 a round should have grass on the entire green.
Tim Krothe
This is a bucket list golf course. Outside staff are courteous and professional.
Jesse Herrera
Great course with fast greens, I can't wait to come back.
Mike Crum
I didn't get to golf here but it's definitely on my list if I make it back to St Augustine. What a great facility. The pro shop was awesome. I would highly recommend this place. Close to Costco and Bucees.
Brent Adamson
Beautifully manicured golf course with the all-out club experience worth every penny
Kurt Wiese
The King & Bear is a beautiful course that I was fortunate to play while on a Florida vacation a number of years ago. Excellent conditions and fun to play!
Sam Zhong
$50 day pass available to use its practice areas. Friendly staffs , well-maintained facility!
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Course Details
Access & Location
1 King and Bear Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32092, USA
World Golf Village Clubhouse offering dining and pro shop services
Walking is permitted though carts are common; course terrain is moderately hilly, so suitable footwear is advised.
Reservations recommended, especially during peak season; walk-up play possible subject to availability
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