For golfers considering a move to Northeast Florida, St. Johns County and Ponte Vedra Beach offer something genuinely rare: world-class golf woven directly into the fabric of daily life.

    This isn't a region where the good courses are tucked behind gates an hour from your front door. Here, the fairways are part of the community — and whether you're a competitive golfer or someone who enjoys a relaxed Saturday morning round, the options are extraordinary at every price point.

As a relocation specialist working with buyers moving to St. Johns County from across the country, golf access is one of the most common lifestyle questions I receive. Here's the honest guide — what's available, what it costs, and how to find a home that puts you close to the courses you want to play.

TPC Sawgrass — The Crown Jewel

There's no better place to start. TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach is one of the most recognized golf venues on the planet — and for St. Johns County residents, it's practically a backyard amenity.

The facility runs two courses, each with a completely different personality.

The Stadium Course

Designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1980, the Stadium Course is where THE PLAYERS Championship is held every March. It's open to the public year-round — and yes, you can play that island green at the par-3 17th.

Green fees run on dynamic pricing: approximately $550 during slower summer months, rising to $750–$840 during peak season (September through May). Resort guests at the Sawgrass Marriott often see preferred rates. Weekend morning tee times — especially in spring and fall — fill quickly, so book ahead.

Dye's Valley Course

Often considered the more player-friendly of the two, Dye's Valley is a demanding but fair layout that hosted the Web.com Tour Championship for years. Many locals actually prefer it for everyday play.

Green fees are more accessible: typically $250–$450 depending on the season.

For relocating buyers, TPC Sawgrass carries weight beyond the scorecard. Living within range of one of golf's most iconic venues is a lifestyle statement — and the residential communities surrounding it are among the most desirable in the county.

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club — The Refined Classic

If TPC Sawgrass is the bold headline, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is the understated classic. This historic oceanfront resort — established in 1928 — features two beautifully maintained courses in a members-and-guests setting.

The Ocean Course

A par-72 layout at 6,574 yards. The front nine plays through maritime forest; the back nine opens toward the Atlantic. It's a traditional Florida experience with meaningful bunkering and water throughout.

The Lagoon Course

This course plays shorter at 6,022 yards (par 70), but water comes into play on nearly half the holes. Accuracy matters more than distance here — a favorite among members who appreciate shot-making over power.

Green fees for both courses run approximately $175–$300 depending on season, available to resort guests and members. Combination day packages are available for those who want to play both.

Membership at a glance:

Initiation fees: approximately $15,000–$25,000 depending on tier     Annual dues: starting near $7,500 per year. Social and sports memberships are also available for buyers who want beach, dining, tennis, and fitness access without a full golf commitment.

For buyers moving to Ponte Vedra Beach, the Inn & Club is more than a golf destination — it's a social hub. The clubhouse, beach access, and dining make it a genuine gathering place for the community year-round.

Marsh Landing Country Club — Premier Private Golf

Marsh Landing is one of the most prestigious private clubs in Ponte Vedra Beach. Designed by Bobby Weed, the course winds through tidal marshes, beneath mature oaks, and alongside strategic water hazards.

It's a serious golfer's club — but equally serious about its social scene. Regular tournaments, member events, and a strong dining program make it a genuine lifestyle anchor for many Ponte Vedra families.

Membership at a glance:

Initiation fees: reported in the range of $25,000–$100,000+ depending on category and availability     Annual dues: vary by tier, with full golf at the top and social or limited-golf options at more accessible price points

For many buyers relocating to Ponte Vedra, a Marsh Landing membership becomes the centerpiece of their social life — and the fastest way to build deep roots in the community.

St. Johns Golf and Country Club — Best Everyday Value

Not every round needs to come with a four-figure price tag. St. Johns Golf and Country Club consistently surprises first-time visitors with its conditions, challenge, and accessibility — at a fraction of the private club cost.

Daily green fees: typically $59–$119 depending on day and season, with twilight rates offering additional savings. Annual passes: available for St. Johns County residents, offering unlimited play well below the per-round rate.

This is also the ideal starting point for relocation buyers still exploring communities. No membership commitment. Welcoming to newcomers. And you'll meet golfers who know the area well — which makes building your local network easier than you'd expect.

World Golf Village — Slammer & Squire and The King & Bear

Located just west of I-95 near St. Augustine, World Golf Village is home to two semi-private courses with serious pedigree — and the World Golf Hall of Fame sits at the center of it all.

The Slammer & Squire

Designed by Bobby Weed and named for legends Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen — plays 6,927 yards with water in play on 10 holes. It rewards smart course management over power.

The King & Bear

The only course ever co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. At 7,277 yards, it's the longer and more dramatic of the two, with a spectacular closing stretch along the water.

Both courses operate on a semi-private model with daily-fee tee times available. Green fees generally fall in the $100–$200 range depending on season — making WGV one of the best semi-private values in the region.

For buyers considering communities in the World Golf Village area, this is a major lifestyle asset. The surrounding master-planned neighborhoods offer housing from townhomes to custom estates, with the Hall of Fame and both courses minutes from your front door.

More Worth Knowing

The marquee names don't tell the whole story. St. Johns County has a strong supporting cast of courses worth knowing:

  • Palm Valley Golf Club (Ponte Vedra Beach) — two 18-hole semi-private courses with a loyal local following and reasonable green fees.
  • Cimarrone Golf Club (St. Augustine) — a 27-hole public facility by Harry Bowers. Well-maintained, affordably priced, and a consistent local favorite.
  • South Hampton Golf Club (St. Augustine) — a links-inspired public layout, ideal for a relaxed round without the drive to Ponte Vedra.
  • Stillwater Golf & Country Club (St. Augustine) — a newer private club gaining traction among buyers who want a fresh experience outside the Ponte Vedra corridor.
  • St. Johns County Golf Club — municipally operated, with annual resident passes and budget-friendly green fees. Reliable and easy on the wallet.

Golf and the St. Johns County Lifestyle

Here's what makes this area genuinely different from other golf retirement destinations: the courses aren't isolated from daily life — they're embedded in it.

RiverTown residents are minutes from TPC Sawgrass. Del Webb at Nocatee and Del Webb at The Landings sit close to World Golf Village and the St. Augustine courses. Communities throughout the Durbin Park corridor put residents within 20 minutes of multiple options. In Ponte Vedra Beach, the private club scene is practically a neighborhood amenity.

For buyers relocating from markets where a decent round requires a long commute and a $200+ green fee, the combination of convenience, variety, and value here genuinely changes the picture.

Golf is also one of the fastest ways to build a social life in a new community. Men's and women's leagues, weekend groups, and club events create friendships faster than almost anything else — and I've watched many relocating buyers form their closest relationships on the back nine before they'd even fully unpacked.

Finding a Home Near the Fairways

If golf is a priority in your move, the community you choose matters as much as the course you want to play.

I know which neighborhoods offer course views, which communities give you the best access without the private club price tag, and where the right balance of location and value sits in 2026's St. Johns County market.

Let's find your home near the fairways.

Call or text Gail DeMarco: 904-640-8000 St. Johns County Relocation Specialist Serving Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, RiverTown, World Golf Village, Palencia, St. Augustine, and all of St. Johns County, FL

 

Green fees and membership figures are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current pricing directly with the course or club before making decisions. This article is for informational purposes only.