About King & Bear

A Celebration of Golf 

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the ancient city of St. Augustine, Florida, lies one of Northeast Florida's most stunning courses – The King & Bear. Designed through the combined vision of two icons of the sport, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus teamed up to produce a course that is both beautiful and demanding, seamlessly blending their legendary playing styles and design philosophies. This course is more than a place to play – it's a celebration of golf itself, where every swing and every hole pays homage to the game's rich traditions and the champions who shaped it.

About the Designers  

The King & Bear golf course gets its name from both designers. Palmer earned the nickname "The King" during his playing career, while Nicklaus adopted the "Golden Bear" moniker. The two World Golf Hall of Fame members, both inducted in the inaugural class in 1974, put the spotlight on their decades-old friendship, rather than their storied rivalry, to create this co-design. King & Bear stands as a representation of their shared love of golf course design.

Arnold Palmer Design has created more than 230 golf courses worldwide, and Nicklaus Design has more than 400. These two legends put their heads together and the resulting golf course is beautiful, challenging, and remarkable. Measuring 7,279 yards from the back tees and 5,119 yards from the forward tees, the course is sure to challenge avid golfers while providing player-friendly conditions for beginners.

A Harmonious Blend of Design Genius

Palmer and Nicklause combined their distinctive styles to create a course that is both visually stunning and challenging. Their shared passion for golf course design shines through in every detail, from the meticulously manicured fairways to the strategically placed hazards. Its layout puts a premium on driving, which should come as no surprise as both Palmer and Nicklaus were known for their power at the height of their playing careers. 

The front nine has its quintessential Florida golf surrounded by towering pines, ancient oaks, coquina rock, and shimmering water hazards. The back nine provides a nice open, links-style feel as a nod to the historic St. Augustine area's roots. When legends like Arnie and Jack dream up a layout, you know it's going to be good. But they didn't just create a solid track here, they crafted an absolute masterpiece by blending their two distinct design styles.

A Course for the Ages

Offering challenges to push even top professionals while welcoming beginners with vistas too beautiful to hurry through, no other course so perfectly merges the talents and trademarks of these golfing greats.  Golfers young and old alike come seeking the chance to walk where legends consulted, where imagination and expertise intersected to shape fairways now traversed by golfers of all ages. 

Reopened and Renewed

Following a recent $2.5 million restoration, the King & Bear has been rejuvenated. The project included resurfacing all 18 greens with TifEagle Bermuda grass, improving the practice areas, and upgrading the irrigation and drainage systems. These enhancements ensure a smoother, more consistent playing experience for golfers of all abilities.

A Must-Play Destination

Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting out, the King & Bear offers a truly exceptional experience. Its combination of challenging gameplay, natural beauty, and rich golfing history makes it a must-play destination for anyone visiting St. Augustine. Come experience the magic of the King & Bear and create memories that will last a lifetime. 

Recent Highlights

Golfweek's Best of 2024 Top public-access golf courses in Florida
Boardroom Magazine 2023 - Distinguished Golf Destination
Golden Fork Award Best New Amenity 2021 - AJ's Kitchen & Cocktails
Top Ranked Club and Resort Culinary Experiences - World Golf Village Resort
Top Ranked Patios - AJ's Kitchen & Cocktails
Top Ranked Private Club and Resort Pro Shops
Korn Ferry Tour's King & Bear Classic June 2020