The Dynamic Duo of World Golf Village: King & Bear and Slammer & Squire

Florida is a state renowned for its golf, boasting a mix of highly praised and surprisingly overlooked courses. Among the latter, the King & Bear and Slammer & Squire courses at World Golf Village in St. Augustine stand out as essential additions to any Northeast Florida golf itinerary.

Located less than 30 minutes from historic St. Augustine, these World Golf Village (WGV) gems offer flexible "build-your-own" stay-and-play packages with numerous local hotels and resorts. Options include the WGV Renaissance St. Augustine Resort, conveniently located near Slammer & Squire, Grande Villas at World Golf Village, Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel, and the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa.

The King & Bear, the sole course globally co-designed by golf legends Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, spans 7,279 yards with a par of 72. It showcases the distinct design philosophies of both titans – from Palmer's sweeping doglegs to Nicklaus's strategic approach shots. A 2024 renovation revitalized all greens and chipping areas with TifEagle Bermuda grass and upgraded drainage and irrigation systems. Furthermore, the nines were reversed to enhance player convenience and overall course management.

The Slammer & Squire, a 6,939-yard, par-72 course from the back tees, was designed by Bobby Weed, a protégé of Pete Dye. Opened in 1998, it was named to honor golf legends Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen.

Both courses, managed by Troon, provide a range of tee-box selections, ensuring a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The Slammer & Squire presents a more woodland aesthetic, while the King & Bear, a short drive away, winds beautifully through the upscale residential community that shares its name.

"I believe Slammer & Squire is incredibly underrated," states Matt Hipps, head professional for both courses. "While the slope and rating suggest King & Bear is tougher, Slammer & Squire presents its own set of challenges, along with ample scoring opportunities. There isn't a weak hole on the course."

Combined, the courses host approximately 80,000 rounds annually, a volume carefully managed to preserve course conditions. "We aim to keep play around that number to mitigate wear and tear," Hipps explains. "However, we're currently about 1,700 rounds ahead of last year, and with around 200 events annually, including numerous buddy trips, there's always a lively atmosphere."

These impressive figures are notable, especially considering a past misconception that the courses were directly linked to the now-closed Hall of Fame. St. Johns County owns the Hall of Fame buildings and surrounding land, with future plans for these properties yet to be announced.

In the meantime, the WGV Renaissance St. Augustine Resort, with its 301 guestrooms and adjacent convention center, serves as a popular and comfortable base for golf trips, family vacations, and conventions.

"The Hall of Fame was an excellent partner," says Taylor Fuller, Troon's marketing manager for the WGV courses. "Its closure in 2023 was unfortunate, but it has also provided a fantastic opportunity to rebrand ourselves as a premier golf destination in St. Augustine."