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Rating Index Rating
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4.5
393 Reviews (393)
5 Stars
255
4 Stars
94
3 Stars
29
2 Stars
13
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.5
Value
3.9
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.7
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.4
84.1%
Recommend this course
366 out of 393 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.7
3 Reviews (3)
5 Stars
2
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.7
Value
3.3
Layout
5.0
Pace
4.0
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.7
66.7%
Recommend this course
2 out of 3 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.8
4 Reviews (4)
5 Stars
3
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.8
Value
3.8
Layout
5.0
Pace
4.3
Amenities
4.7
StaffFriendliness
4.8
75.0%
Recommend this course
3 out of 4 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Par 72
Length 7279 yards
Slope 141
Rating 74.6

The King & Bear Course at World Golf Village is named for its designers, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. It is the first and only collaboration between the two legendary golfers. Combining the contrasting styles of the two designers created a challenging course that incorporates features from both traditional Scottish-links courses and new traditions in American golf. The course is known for the numerous lakes bordered by large coquina rock that come into play throughout. The front nine is dotted with loblolly pines while decades-old oak trees provide shade for the back nine. In addition to King & Bear, World Golf Village also offers another excellent 18-hole course, Slammer & Squire.

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World Golf Village - King & Bear Golf Course
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Course Details

Year Built 2000
Fairways 419 Bermuda Grass
Greens 419 Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round. Peak Season: Mid-February - May
Architect Arnold Palmer (2000) Jack Nicklaus (2000) Ed Seay (2000) MacCurrach Golf (2017) Nicklaus (2017) Bruce Borland Jim Lipe

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fee
Clubs Yes
GPS Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Bunker Yes
Caddies Yes
Golf School Academy Yes
Golf Simulator Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Indoor Practice Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Metal Spikes Allowed No

Food & Beverage

Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Jacuzzi

Available Activities

Swimming, Billiards

Available Sports

Tennis

Accolades

Reviews

4.5
393 Reviews (393)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 37
Brunch 19
Dinner 15
Course Challenges Include:
Water Hazards 74
Bunkers 71
Undulating Greens 47
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 54
A Weekend Splurge 44
A Bucket list/Top 100 Pick 43
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 42
At a Resort 35
Near Local Attractions 35

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

FUN COURSE TO PLAY

EXCELLENT COURSE
GREAT CONDITION
VERY FRIENDLY STAFF

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Friendly staff.

Great course, challenging even from the up tees. Staff was very friendly in and outside the clubhouse.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Great Course

The greens just got punched a week before I played. I did not know this when i reserved. So initially I was not happy. However, the greens were still ok to play. Once I started playing I saw how beautiful the course is. The fact that I'm writing an extremely positive review even with the greens just being punched, indicates how good this course is. I would definitely recommend playing if you are in the St. Augustine area. I also would recommend making the trip to see the Hall of Fame.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Average weather
Used cart

Must play when in St. Augustine, FL

The course was challenging but fair. The greens were in excellent condition. The challenge was to keep it in the fairway. The rough did not look thick but it was, and it was deep. Balls were hard to find in the rough. A mid to low handicapper will enjoy the course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 33
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

good course

played the course after trying out slammer & squire a month ago. great condition, just not as challenging as I thought it would be, but a few greens were small targets. greens and tee boxes in outstanding shape as were the fairways, but pretty straightforward. I booked a hot deal which made the price very good, but I cant see paying the full price of $139 to play it. enjoyable round on a slow day so I almost had the course to myself. the slammer course I found to be much more scenic.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 16
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Thoroughly enjpyed

While surprised about the distance from the WGHOF, my son and I thoroughly enjoyed our round. Staff was very friendly. I'd recommend to anyone.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Like a dream!

This course was fun. Very nice greens, fairways, tee boxes and bunkers. You couldn't find a flaw in the landscaping and the clubhouse was amazing. It was something speacial being a golf fan on that course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 16
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Play King and Bear Over Squire and Slammer, if You Have to Choose

I made the trek to World Golf Village expecting a PGA experience like I experienced at TPC Sawgrass. The hotel does NOT deliver on a golf-resort experience. It was loud, the service was poor, and the hotel was filled with many non-golfer groups. If you can find a way to play the King and Bear without over-paying for the mediocre (2-Star) hotel, I would. This is a fun course to play. The gator on hole 17 made this a real Florida golf experience. The greens were in better condition than the Slammer & Squire. The club house is what you would expect and the food was good.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great Day

Great course. Condition and layout are great. What could be better?

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 48
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Really nice overall course we got a good price on golf now

Everything you expect from a first class golf course good value for the price we paid

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course

Staff from the start was awesome. Very welcoming environment for non-members. Practice area was in great shape. Great open fairways and challenging greens.will definetly be back.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Beautiful Layout in Great Shape

This course is a beautiful, challenging layout with water in play on most of the holes. Course was in immaculate condition and greens were perfect.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 12
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Bear and Grinning

Awesome course. Wish it was a little less money but i do see why they get the rate.
Will be playing in a tourney here in June hope it is as nice then as it was today.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Golf At Its Best

KIng and Bear is awesome. Fairways are lush and the greens are as good as they get. Great service from arrival to departure. Range balls, apples at tee boxes are added bonus. #16 is Mr Palmer's favorite hole and it is beautiful expecially the green surrounded by large rock wall. A must play course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Amazing experience

This is a bucket list course. My barometer as far as top notch courses to compare it to is Harbor Town ,with wider fairways.I actually prefer the King and The Bear.From start to finish the people there cater to you. practice range was great. Fairways were plush and greens were smooth and fast. The clubhouse was quite an experience also.If you have the opportunity to play here,, you wont be disappointed.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Overpriced

I have played it multiple time . I'm hoping this was a transition time between the overseed and Bermuda grass coming in . Fairways where thin and greens where not good! Very disappointed for the price we paid!

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Good Golf Experience

Enjoyed the layout of this golf course. Front nine is different topography then back nine. Front has elevation changes approaching the green - down and up, deep bunkers are a result (one is over your head). Back is playing golf in a flat open parkland.
Bunkers, front & back 9s, have steep, deep lips to them. Sand ok but best to 'really' avoid them. There are 'middle of the fairway' bunkers.
Back tees encounter side water on most holes. Some holes have sandy areas where the carts use in lieu of a cart path.
Fairway grass is green, no weeds. Tee boxes excellent shape. Greens good. Asked about grass collar on Hole #17 (read prior GAdv review - different type of grass & color) but didn't get any answer. Could put thru with no issue.
Putting fast and affected by subtle changes greens. Long rangers can be thru 2 - 3 changes. Putting can add 10 strokes if your not careful.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

A wonderful and hospital place to play golf

A visit to this course was a 'blow out' treat at the end of a holiday that included a trip to The Masters.
The whole experience was excellent from the bag drop to the farewell after a very good value lunch. This is a well-oiled machine manned by delightful people who are well trained and make the experience excellent.
The golf course was in wonderful condition and amongst the best I have played (including the Brabazon at The Belfry and The PGA at Gleneagles). The whole environment was superb and we had such a good day my son encouraged me to go on and play the sister course!
This was the most expensive round of golf I have ever paid for myself but it is a course I shall definitely play again. If you are the area you MUST play this course, if only once as a treat!

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 18
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Fun and Challenging

Pace of play was slow. My group was behind 2 walkers and 1 cart. The whole day. Course has lots of water so every shot is a challenge. Greens are hard to read but very fast and very smooth. Had a good time and would love to play again. Every one there was very nice and did a good job. Every hole was so nice to look at.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 28
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great Experience

It is a great course. It is in excellent condition. The layout is terrific, providing golfers of all levels with a fair test.. It has a good mix of holes that that were both in and out of my comfort zone. If you are visiting the St Augustine area, don't miss the chance to play The King & the Bear. The course, the club house, the pro shop and the staff provide for a great experience.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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Golf Packages

World Golf Village Stay & Play Package

FROM $227 (USD)
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL | Enjoy 2 nights' accommodations at World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort and 2 rounds of golf at Slammer & Squire, and King & Bear at World Golf Village.

St. John’s River Stay & Play Package

FROM $187 (USD)
JACKSONVILLE, FL | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at Residence Inn by Marriott South Jacksonville/Bartram Park and 3 rounds of golf at Cimarrone Golf Club, The Golf Club of South Hampton, and St. John’s Golf & Country Club.

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort Stay & Play Package

FROM $357 (USD)
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of TPC Sawgrass - PLAYERS Stadium Course, TPC Sawgrass – Dye's Valley Course, South Hampton Golf Course, and St. John’s Golf Course.

Jacksonville Golf Around Package

FROM $147 (USD)
JACKSONVILLE, FL | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at the Doubletree Jacksonville Riverfront and 3 rounds of golf at Bent Creek Golf Club, Eagle Landing Golf Club, and Hidden Hills Golf Club.

Hammock Beach Stay & Play Golf Package

FROM $227 (USD)
PALM COAST, FL | Enjoy 2 nights' accommodations at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa and 2 rounds of golf at The Club at Hammock Beach (Troon Privé).
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