Guide to World Golf Village

The World Golf Village is a spectacular 6,300 acre resort created by the PGA Tour in 1998 to celebrate the sport of golf and showcase the World Golf Hall of Fame.

World Golf Village Location in Northeast Florida

The village is located amidst natural wetlands and woodlands in Northeast Florida, just off 1-95, approximately 30 miles south of Jacksonville. It is a few miles northwest of downtown St. Augustine and only about 10 miles from the beach.

3 Stunning World Golf Village Properties

The resort features a number of luxury vacation properties. Each property boasts its own unique features and amenities, catering to a wide variety of traveler preferences.

1. Renaissance Resort

This recently remodeled AAA Four-Diamond hotel is located next to the World Golf Hall of Fame with beautiful views of the lovely Kelly Lake. It has 301 Colonial Asian-style, luxurious guest rooms.

2. The Residences

This is a condominium complex with 78 3- and 4-bedroom beautifully appointed units along the fairways and wooded areas of the Slammer & Squire, with views of the Hall of Fame Tower. There is also a newly remodeled pool and spa, a clubhouse and fitness center, meeting rooms, and a game room.

3. Holiday Inn WGV

This lakefront hotel is conveniently located off the main highway, several miles from the World Golf Village. It features 162 guest rooms, both standard and suite options, equipped with microwaves and refrigerators. The hotel has its own restaurant and bar along with a pool and business center.

4 Spectacular Golf Amenities at the WGV

The resort is a magnificent and multi-faceted celebration of the game of golf. At the center of the village is a small lake encircled by the 1.2-mile brick Walk of Champions. Along this brick path, each Hall of Fame member is represented by a large flagstone with their name and signature etched into the granite. On the west side of the lake are the Hall of Fame, a theater, a cafe, and a 110-foot shrine. North of the lake are the World Golf Village shops; the Renaissance Hotel and convention center are to the south. In addition, the village’s two championship golf courses, the King & Bear and the Slammer & Squire, are both rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by Golf Digest.

1. The World Golf Village Hall of Fame

This museum — the veritable centerpiece of the resort — showcases biographical information about all individuals who were ever inducted into the Hall of Fame, plus other exhibits related to the history of golf, some of which are interactive to provide visitors with a “hands-on” experience. The Trophy Tower houses all the major tournament trophies.

2. King & Bear Course

This is the only course in the world that was co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. It features a mix of styles, the front 9 being an open links-style layout while the back 9 are more typical of traditional Florida golf, with loblolly pines, old oak trees, indigenous coquina rock, and water features. This course is more of a “drivers’ course,” playing to Palmer’s and Nicklaus’ strengths as golfers.

3. Slammer & Squire Course

Hall of Fame members Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen helped design this course, whose tee off is under the striking tower of the World Golf Hall of Fame. It is set among the area’s natural woodlands and wetlands in an open layout with contoured greens and a few water hazards.

4. PGA Tour Academy

The PGA Tour Academy at the World Golf Villages was the first of its kind when it opened in 2000 and has become a highly respected institution, well known throughout the country. Instructors are PGA and LPGA professionals. The Academy provides golf instruction to golfers of all ages and abilities, including to youths through the Junior Golf Programs.

5 WGV Cafes & Restaurants

1. Villagio Italian Grill and Bar at the Renaissance Resort

This restaurant features authentic pasta dishes and flatbreads in a casual, candlelit environment. There is also a large hot breakfast buffet. The well-stocked bar features classic drinks and local specialties. Midweek, the bar hosts Wine Wednesdays.

2. Murray Bros. Caddyshack Restaurant

“Eat, Drink, and be Murray” at this come-as-you-are restaurant founded by Bill Murray and his five brothers. The restaurant, located on the Walk of Champions, features a full menu of both light and robust dishes: fresh salads and appetizers along with juicy hamburgers and succulent steaks. Top off your meal with their famous “sloppy sundae.”

3. AJ’s Kitchen and Cocktails

This restaurant, named after Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, features comfort dishes with a southern coastal twist. On their outdoor patio, which boasts large fire pits, you can enjoy a meal or drink with a view of the King & Bear golf course.

4. Legends Grill

This pub-like restaurant overlooking the 9th green of the Slammer & Squire serves breakfast and lunch and has a fully stocked bar.

5. Starbucks

In the resort shop of the Renaissance, the convenience of Starbucks is right at your feet.

Nearby Attractions

Why limit yourself to golf while vacationing in Northeast Florida? Check out these other activities just a few putts away from the World Golf Village.

  • The beautiful white sands of Northeast Florida's beaches are only a short drive from the World Golf Village.
  • Castillo de San Marcos National Monument: Visit the oldest masonry fortification in the United States.
  • St. Augustine Distillery: This is the most popular craft distillery tour in the US. Take a free tour of the distillery to learn about different bourbons and how to make four signature cocktails.
  • St. Augustine Alligator Farm: See a variety of alligators, birds, and primates at this celebrated zoological park.
  • Lightner Museum: Are you an art lover? This iconic building in the heart of America’s oldest city houses an extraordinary art collection.

If you want a fantastic vacation whose central theme is golf, the World Golf Village awaits you.

For information on how to book a golf vacation at World Golf Village, please click here.

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