Weekend golf itinerary on Florida’s First Coast of Golf: St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra

Day One: Friday

Arrival & Check-In: Unload your clubs and settle into your accommodations as you begin your golf getaway weekend in St. Augustine. For those looking to live in the lap of luxury for the weekend, book a room at the Renaissance St. Augustine Resort right in the heart of the World Golf Village. If you’re looking for lodging that tells a centuries-old story, check-out The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens, an iconic hotel in St. Augustine’s historic district — think rustic charm meets high end amenities. For a place to bring the whole family together, book one of Overmoon’s high-end vacation homes, a great option for large groups. Once you’ve settled in, unwind and soak in the resort amenities.

Afternoon: If you’re not already there, make your way to the World Golf Village and spend the afternoon exploring. Take a stroll around the perimeter of the lake as you spot the names of golf legends commemorated along the 1.2-mile brick Walk of Champions.

Afterward, prepare for the golf weekend ahead and visit the PGA Tour Golf Academy. Work with a certified instructor to improve your swing and master techniques with customized instruction that can be modified for all skill levels.

Evening: Cap your Friday off with dinner at Murray Bros. Caddyshack. Grab a hearty meal in a lively atmosphere at this restaurant inspired by the classic golf movie.

Day Two: Saturday

Morning: Grab brunch or a to-go-meal at the Renaissance Resort’s restaurant before a day on the green.

Then, start your day early at Slammer & Squire or King & Bear, two northeast Florida courses designed by golf’s greatest legends. Better yet, have your clubs shipped ahead of time with Ship Sticks. By taking advantage of this hassle-free door-to-door shipping service, you can arrange a pickup from any location in the world, with delivery straight to the courses at World Golf Village. Your clubs and luggage will be safely stored until you arrive.

Slammer & Squire: Designed by golf legends Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen, alongside renowned architect Bobby Weed, this player-friendly 18-hole course stretches across 6,939 yards, offering the perfect blend of challenge and enjoyment amidst a scenic landscape.

King & Bear: A masterpiece collaboration between golf legends Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, this 18-hole course weaves through northeast Florida’s scenic landscape of lakes, pines, and oaks, offering a challenging yet serene golfing experience. (Note: King & Bear will be closed for renovation May 20th -October 3rd, 2024)

Afternoon: When you’re finished conquering the courses, grab lunch at The Legends Grille, located in The Slammer & Squire clubhouse. With floor to ceiling windows, Legends offers picturesque golf course views while you enjoy a delicious meal.

After lunch, explore the nation’s oldest city. Take a trolley tour of St. Augustine’s historic landmarks, including Castillo de San Marcos and the Colonial Quarter.

Evening: Take in the breathtaking views of the city and the iconic Bridge of Lions with a sunset sail along the Matanzas Bay. Following your relaxing cruise, wind down at The Ice Plant, a local favorite located in a historic building that dates back to 1927. Enjoy a farm-to-table meal featuring grass-fed beef, local seafood, and craft cocktails made with local ingredients.

For a nightcap and one of St. Augustine’s best signature cocktails, head to The Well Bar at The Collector’s Inn. Pro-tip? Order a Honey Rosemary Old Fashioned and strike up a conversation with the bartender.

Day Three: Sunday

Morning: Beat the heat and fuel up for your final golf excursion with breakfast at Mary’s Harbor View Café.

Pro-tip: Try the Big Bubba breakfast – big portions to keep you satiated throughout the day.

Then get your game on. Choose from a plethora of courses in the area including:

St. Johns Golf & Country Club – Carved from a pine forest, this Clyde Johnston-designed course offers a diverse challenge with five sets of tees, catering to golfers of all levels.

Golf Club at South Hampton – With 16 lakes, contoured bunkers, and tree-lined fairways that can pose challenges, put your skills to the test at this renowned golf course designed by Mark McCumber.

Royal St. Augustine Golf Club – Just a short drive from World Golf Village, try Royal St. Augustine Golf Club, where every shot is a calculated risk amidst moguled fairways, sandy waste areas, and strategically placed bunkers.

Julington Creek Golf Club – Spend the day at Julington Creek, formerly known as Champions Club and refine your short game skills on the recently renovated practice chipping green.

St. Johns Golf Club – Opened in 1989, and renovated in 2022, the Erik Larsen-designed St. Johns Golf Club is an 18-hole public golf course created to use the stunning natural beauty of Florida.

Afternoon: After a weekend of challenging fairways, follow in the footsteps of Ponce de Leon and discover the alluring beaches that first beckoned him to St. Augustine over 500 years ago. Unwind on the same pristine shores that marked the beginning of Florida’s European history and enjoy a tranquil afternoon soaking in the sun and surf.

Check-out and Departure: Once you’ve gotten your fill of sand and swings, bid farewell to Florida’s Historic Coast, leaving with cherished memories of your golfing adventure.

Beyond the Greens

This itinerary is just a glimpse into the treasures St. Augustine offers. Consider adding these experiences:

If time permits, explore other attractions in the area, such as the St. Augustine Lighthouse &Maritime Museum or the Alligator Farm Zoological Park.

Old Town Trolley Tours conductors share the history of America’s oldest city on a 90-minute tour. The 23 stops cover more than 100 points of interest.

Explore Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry Fort in the United States and the only standing 17th century military construction. Built in 1672 and completed in 1695, the fort sits on a 20.5 acre national park where tourists can step inside the walls of the fort, hear cannons fly and attend live reenactments.

St. Augustine Distillery offers award-winning spirits crafted with locally-farmed ingredients in its copper stills. Watch them make their bourbon, vodka, gin and rum as you tour this historic building and enjoy a free tasting along the way.

Book Your Dream Getaway

Contact Florida’s First Coast of Golf to craft your ideal St. Augustine Golf Getaway. Choose from various packages to suit your budget and preferences, including courses based on your desired challenge level.