Best Golf Courses in Jacksonville, Florida

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

If you haven’t experienced golf in Jacksonville, Florida, you’re missing out.  Even though there are lots of other destinations for great golf that are more well known in Florida, Jacksonville shouldn’t be overlooked.

I’ve played a little golf here and so have a lot of our readers.  It’s with their help that we’ve come up with a list of the best public courses you can play.

Every year, the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course plays host to golf’s fifth major, the Players Championship.  Millions of people tune during the tournament to watch as the drama unfolds on the last three holes.  The island green 17^th might be the most famous par three in golf.

What a lot of people don’t know though, is that there’s another great course on this property.  Dye’s Valley Course is every bit as challenging and fun to play. 

In typical Dye fashion, there are plenty of forced carries, mounds, and tiny pot bunkers.  You have to be on your game to score well. 

If it’s your first time playing this track, I recommend playing up a set of tees.  You’ll have more fun, I promise.

A great track that’s often overlooked, don’t forget about Dye’s Valley Course.

 

If you’re looking for a golfing experience that combines the exclusivity of a private club with the accessibility of a public course, Eagle Landing Golf Club is your ideal destination. Located south of Jacksonville, this club offers a country club feel without the hefty price tag.

The course, designed by Clyde Johnston, is renowned for delivering a private club experience at a great value. The attention to detail in service and playing conditions makes it a standout choice in the surrounding area.

Eagle Landing Golf Club doesn’t disappoint regarding the actual course either. Classic design features like Redan and Eden greens provide a challenging yet enjoyable round for golfers of all levels. The resort-like atmosphere and well-maintained landing areas make it a top choice for those seeking a high-quality golfing experience.

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Amidst the pine forest on Fleming Island, Eagle Harbor Golf Club offers a scenic and natural setting for an exceptional golfing experience. The course is renowned for its challenging layout, featuring pure Bermuda greens, water hazards on nearly every hole, and ample landing areas that come with costly misses.

It’s a strategic and demanding course, catering to players of all levels with six sets of tees to suit different skill levels and playing preferences. The club’s commitment to detail shines through in the impeccable service and playing conditions, ensuring a top-notch experience for all golfers.

Moreover, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere makes it an inviting destination for golf enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, Eagle Harbor Golf Club promises an unforgettable round in a stunning natural setting.

If you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to tee off at this gem on Fleming Island, just a short drive from the Omni Amelia Island, the World Golf Village, Ponte Vedra Beach, and the famous TPC Sawgrass, where golfing legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer have left their mark.

 

   

Just a short drive away from the renowned Eagle Harbor Golf Club, you’ll find the exceptional St. Johns Golf and Country Club, known for its outstanding course conditions and beautiful setting. This course, located between St. Augustine and Jacksonville, offers a wide range of yardages from 2,400 to over 7,200 yards, catering to various playing preferences. The club’s design by Clyde Johnston features challenging holes and an undulating lawn, making it suitable for players of all levels. It’s tailored for target golf with five sets of tees, accommodating different skill levels. St. Johns Golf and Country Club provides a memorable golfing experience, set against a beautiful backdrop.

The club’s location between St. Augustine and Jacksonville provides a charming setting for a round of golf. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a great game while taking in the stunning surroundings. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, the club’s design and course conditions ensure a world-class golfing experience. St. Johns Golf and Country Club is a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional golfing experience in the Jacksonville area.

Amelia River Golf Club offers golfers a challenging and well-maintained course, known for its Bermuda greens with less grain and demanding pin positions that require sound course management. The course is always in tremendous shape, making it one of the best public facilities in the Jacksonville area. If you want to elevate your game, this is the place to be.

Here’s what you can expect at Amelia River Golf Club:

• Impeccably maintained Bermuda greens that test your putting skills.
• Challenging pin positions that demand strategic course management.
• A stunning course design that provides a delightful challenge for golfers of all levels.

Amelia River Golf Club is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts who want to experience the best courses in the Jacksonville golf scene. With renowned golfers like Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen leaving their mark on the course, it’s no wonder that this club is a gem in the Golf Hall of Fame. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this course stands out among resort courses, offering an unforgettable golfing experience.

If you’re ready to explore another top-notch golfing experience in Jacksonville, head over to The Golf Club at South Hampton, where players of all levels can enjoy a comfortable course. This course offers forgiveness for beginners with wide fairways, making it a great place to hone your skills. It’s not just about ease though, as the course still demands good shots, providing a satisfying challenge for all players. With large lakes and over 60 bunkers, you’ll find yourself strategizing every stroke.

The six sets of tees cater to various skill levels, ensuring that everyone can find their perfect fit. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned golfer, The Golf Club at South Hampton has something to offer.

Not far from the Jacksonville area, The Golf Club at South Hampton is a gem of North Florida. This course provides a confidence-building experience while still requiring precision, making it enjoyable for everyone. So, if you’re looking for a course that offers both fun and challenge, The Golf Club at South Hampton is the place to be.

 

Hidden Hills Golf Club was designed by my all-time favorite, Arnold Palmer. 

Unlike most courses in the Jacksonville area, you’ll actually encounter some elevation change here. 

Even though Hidden Hills is less than 7,000 yards from the back tees, it’s a solid test from tee to green.  The fairways are narrow, water comes into play, and the greens are well protected.  The epitome of target golf, you’ll need to strike it well to score. 

When you’re finished playing, stick around for a bite and a beer at the Hills Grill.  The pours are generous and the food scrumptious.

At Magnolia Point, it’s all about golf.  Well, there’s tennis also but we’re mainly concerned with chasing whitey. 

A breath of fresh air in the Jacksonville area, you won’t find homes and swimming pools lining this course.  Rather, mature oaks, magnolias, and pines frame the holes at Magnolia Point. 

Another feature that sets this course apart is that no two fairways are parallel.  This affords a setting that’s both tranquil and quiet. 

Even though this course is in the middle of an urban area, you feel like you’re far removed.

Another Arnold Palmer design, don’t miss a chance to play Blue Sky Golf Club.

Located in the heart of Jacksonville, this track is unique in that it offers routings for three, six, nine, and 18 holes.  Only have an hour to kill?  The three-hole option sounds like a pretty good deal to me. 

Blue Sky is well kept and offers a wide variety of tee options players of all abilities. 

The practice facility is one of the most modern you’ll find anywhere too.  Day or night, take advantage of Top Tracer Technology to dial in all your clubs.

 

Brentwood golf course is said to be one of the best nine-hole courses in Florida. 

This is a feel-good layout where everyone is welcome.  If you’re a good player, you can make some birdies.  If you’re new to the game however, and don’t feel like spending the whole day on the course, Brentwood is a friendly option where you won’t feel intimidated. 

Friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere, and a great value make Brentwood a good option for anyone.

Conclusion

There’s no shortage of destinations for great golf in Florida.  One of the most underrated is Jacksonville and the surrounding area.  Not only are there plenty of courses to choose from, they’re almost all in great shape, and affordable. 

I have fond memories of my time spent here and it’s apparent our readers do as well.  I hope to make it back again soon.

Thanks to everyone that helped make this guide possible.  If you have more to add, shoot us a note in the comments below.