DJTheoret - 3/1/23
Golfers traveling to the Sunshine State certainly have a lot of choices when it comes to playing golf. But there’s more to it than just selecting a course to play at, you need to choose a destination.

Like most Florida cities, St. Augustine is full of communities, many with golf as an amenity. One such community is St Johns, home to St. Johns Golf & Country Club. Golfers have five sets of tees to choose from with yardages that range from 5,202 (ladies) to 7,183 yards (Gold). I found the White Tees (6,273) presented a good test and still let me leave with a little dignity. The course is meticulously carved from a pine forest and is certified as a Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International. The major variable out here is the wind, which can make the course play anywhere from a lot easier to nearly impossible. Water comes into play on about 14 holes as well, so bring a few extra balls. Regardless of how your game is going, take a minute to look around and take in the natural beauty of the golf course.

St Johns Golf and Country Club has several memorable and challenging holes. On the 2nd, a 493-yard par 5, Johnson does a great job of putting sand in the landing area on the right side which most golfers tend to favor. Just past the bunker, water comes into play, and continues all the way to the green. There’s a lot of mounding on the left side which can lead to some interesting lies. The well-undulated green is protected by sand on the left and a few grass bunkers.

Number 6 is an interesting 365-yard par 4 and is the course’s #1 handicap. There’s water on both sides of the fairway in the landing area and a deep, natural furrow that crosses the fairway just past the tree line. Bunkers dot the right side of the fairway on your approach shot and the green is small and falls off in the back. Don’t be long; getting up and down is tricky from back there.

St. Johns saves one of the best holes for last. Number 18 is a 401-yard par 4 that plays from an island tee box to a split fairway with a trio of bunkers in the middle of the landing area. There are risks to taking either side of the fairway. On the left is water that runs to, and in front of, the green. On the right is a large bunker on the edge of the fairway in the landing area. Playing from the left side of the fairway will require an approach shot over water where the right side will not. A bulkhead runs along the front and left side of the green, which is heavily bunkered. Another hole where par is an accomplishment.

St. Johns has some great practice facilities as well, including a full-length driving range, a short game area, and large practice putting green. Several of the players I spoke with were there just for the practice facilities.

Of course, the most economical way to enjoy all that St. Johns Country Club has to offer is to become a Member. As a Member, you’ll be entitled to unlimited greens fees and preferred guest rates; 50% off on range balls and 20% off on Merchandise, beverages, and alcohol, complimentary clinics, and the ability to book tee times two weeks in advance. Complete details about full, weekday, and Junior golf memberships are available on their website.

If a membership isn’t in the cards, there are several ways to save a few bucks on your next round here. The first is to book it online where you’ll find the lowest rates. Walk-ins and phone-ins pay a little more and it’s a service that’s available to both members and the public.

If you’re a regular player at St. Johns Golf & Country Club you may want to join Troon Rewards. It’s free to join and will give you status at Troon Facilities worldwide and help you start earning free rounds of golf as well as discounts on merchandise and golf fees.

Another way to save money at any Troon-managed facility is The Troon Card; it’s the absolute best way to play Troon’s top courses at the best rates.

  EHarveyIII - 4/24/13
Outstanding course, it's a must play if you are in the area

  Willoughby3rd - 4/15/12
Greens were in great shape. The rest of the course was very very dry. Needs water bad, but they have a new well so it should help.

  RolandGilead - 7/7/11
Nice layout and very well maintained, but not all that memorable to be honest.

  donsmith321 - 5/29/11
We are very dry in Florida at this time but this course was a must play! I will drive up there again very soon to play it again.

  Mrfred93 - 1/21/21

  Allante1989 - 5/4/16

  ERP7785 - 1/4/15

  Glofer57 - 7/21/13

  willitsmk - 6/29/13