Royal St Augustine Golf and Country Club
Royal St Augustine Golf and Country Club offers a demanding 18-hole layout framed by Florida wetlands and mature trees. Known for its water hazards and tight fairways, this private club presents a thoughtful challenge against a backdrop shaped by evolving course conditions and genuine hospitality.
Course Overview
Royal St Augustine Golf and Country Club presents a traditional yet evolving 18-hole golf experience located just off Royal St Augustine Parkway in historic St. Augustine, Florida. This private club is framed by natural wetlands and forested areas typical of northeastern Florida’s coastal environment, offering an intriguing blend of challenge and charm. The course layout stretches over 6,500 yards and plays to a par of 72, requiring thoughtful shot placement amid water hazards and dense foliage.
Despite its age, Royal St Augustine carries a quaint appeal, with holes that bend around swathes of swamp and occasional patches of mature trees. The course has earned a reputation for its tight fairways and water on at least one side of many holes, demanding accuracy over power. Golfers with a moderate handicap will find the course approachable, though the ever-present wetland elements and occasional uneven terrain can test more seasoned players’ strategic skills.
The playing surface reflects the course’s ongoing maintenance efforts, with certain tee boxes and greens periodically undergoing renovation to combat Florida’s challenging climate and environmental wear. Temporary greens and tee placements have occasionally been utilized for upkeep, reminding visitors of the club’s commitment to long-term quality rather than short-term perfection. Players should prepare accordingly, especially during transitional seasons when some areas might display softer turf or altered yardages.
Royal St Augustine’s clubhouse stands as a welcoming hub, featuring a full-service bar and dining options designed to complement an afternoon on the course. The pro shop supports a small, personal driving range without mats, encouraging golfers to warm up in a natural setting. Staff are known for friendly service, enhancing the overall visit with attentive hospitality.
Visitors should note that golf carts are available on request, though walking is encouraged to fully appreciate the landscape’s nuances. The course’s walkability is moderate, with some uneven footing typical of its wetland surroundings. Comfortable footwear and awareness of Florida’s seasonal humidity will improve the experience.
While the course faces unique environmental challenges, Royal St Augustine Golf and Country Club remains a distinctive choice for players seeking a private club grounded in its landscape, with a blend of classic Florida golf and ongoing care that rewards patience and precision.
Course Highlights
The course’s integration with surrounding wetlands creates natural water hazards that flank many fairways, requiring precise shot control. Several holes feature a narrow corridor between swamp and water, making wind and accuracy key factors. The pro shop’s intimate driving range without mats adds an authentic warm-up experience. Clubhouse amenities include a lively bar and casual dining that complement the course’s relaxed yet competitive atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Jaxon Penrod
The entire front 9 had greens and tee boxes that looked like this. The back 9 wasn’t as bad from what we could tell. However, we only played the first 3 holes of the back and left because it had taken us an hour and a half to play those 3 holes. They were so insanely backed up that there was no way we were gonna wait and take that long to play the rest of the course. The only reason I gave an extra star is because when we went into the pro-shop to complain, they did give us a rain check that doesn’t expire for another 2 years. So hopefully they have the golf course in better shape by then!
Dan Griffith
We play this course about once a year on vacation. This was the worst year yet. About 6 holes had temporary green but that wasn't posted anywhere. Other green were in bad shape. Maybe it's just early, but the course is going downhill. On the plus sode, people were nice and it is very convenient.
kyung min chang
Payton B
Unplayable Course- This course was unplayable. Every tee box was just a sandy mess with no grass on it. Half the greens were closed down and temporary "greens" were made in the fairway that was covered in weeds and sand. The temp "greens" if you can even call them that were 75-120 yards short of the marked yardage and made the course difficult to play with inaccurate yardage. The bunkers on the course were more like swamps with water 3-4" deep. The sand that wasnt underwater in the bunker was hard and compact damaging one of my clubs. The staff were rude and made me feel unwelcome from the start making it very clear that I got the "cheap price" by repeating it over and over. I think $25 is expensive for the condition this course is in. Hole 6 was completly shut down and we were never told this at any point. Will not be coming back and niether should you in my opinion.
Sean Donovan
For sure will be back. This is a challenging course if you aren't hitting straight. One side is water the other side is typically swamp and/or forest. The staff is very friendly and you should always tip the bartender extra since she works extra hard to ensure your beer is nice and cold for your next nine or post 18. The driving range was small and personal and no mats. Full bar and full menu. My first time but not my last. Most of the greens were good or were on their way to good.
Eric Berenblit
Absolutely the worst course I have been to. A large bucket of range balls is $15 and the range is Irons only, and you hit off of dirt on the range. Imagine charging $15 for balls to not hit off grass. Then the course is in absolutely terrible shape. I would not recommend playing here, pay the extra $10 and play at a course where the greens arnt dirt and the course isn’t so bad.
Austin Brown
Imagine booking two separate tee times and expected to play the time limit of one by the starter. Half the greens been under construction for a year and you play regular price. Starter was respectful though.
Dan Griffith
We play this course about once a year on vacation. This was the worst year yet. About 6 holes had temporary green but that wasn't posted anywhere. Other green were in bad shape. Maybe it's just early, but the course is going downhill. On the plus sode, people were nice and it is very convenient.
Dan Wilding
We had a great time this morning. The course is under repair in a few places. The service is fabulous though.
Gary Wolenter
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Course Details
Access & Location
301 Royal St Augustine Pkwy, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Main clubhouse with full-service bar and dining facilities
Walking encouraged and feasible throughout; terrain includes wetlands and forest floor—comfortable, supportive shoes recommended.
Member invitation required; guest play allowed when accompanied by members
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