Jacksonville, Florida
Deerwood Country Club is a venerable, tree-lined championship layout that once hosted the PGA Tour’s Greater Jacksonville Open. While it’s not a modern marquee destination, its private-club atmosphere, classic pedigree, and history-packed fairways deliver a strong member experience with a clear sense of tradition.
Take a close look at the unique shared double green serving both 12 and 14—a rare feature that sets Deerwood apart in North Florida.
Deerwood’s design DNA reflects its roots as a championship member’s club. George Cobb’s original 1960 routing prioritized challenging yet fair parkland holes that tested every club in the bag, while Brian Silva’s 2004 renovation modernized playing surfaces and bunker styling. With an ambitious 2026 redesign from Erik Larsen, the course is set to unveil a blend of classic strategic play, shared-green intrigue, and contemporary infrastructure. Wide corridors, matured tree lines, and a mix of demanding par 4s and risk-reward par 5s define its experience, while the upcoming short course points to a future embracing playability and variety.
George Cobb’s original design and Brian Silva’s respected 2004 remake merge traditional club ethos with modern playability, while Erik Larsen’s impending renovation looks to inject new strategic wrinkles and a short course experience.
Deerwood’s opener is a true tone-setter—a lengthy, gentle-dogleg par 5 sweeping past tree lines and placing a premium on position right off the bat. Bombers might eye the green in two, but wise play often dictates a thoughtfully positioned lay-up.
Choose a target that opens the angle, then weigh risk-reward on the second shot with room to bail out short or left.
Aggressive lines bring trees and tricky lay-up angles into play; miss right and recovery can be dicey.
Consistently firm Bermuda fairways and true Bermuda greens; expect high private-club maintenance standards, especially post-renovation.
Member-play pace—expect a steady, unhurried flow; rarely crowded but not rushed.
Classic, understated private club with deep local roots and a welcoming but reserved member culture.
Standard private club attire: collared shirts, tailored shorts or pants, no denim or cargo wear.
Several par 3s and long par 4s demand precise long-iron or hybrid shots into subtly contoured greens—bring your best trajectory game.
Practice working the ball both ways to navigate Deerwood’s classic doglegs and tight landing zones.
The double green at 12 and 14, plus upgraded surrounds, will test your chipping and putting variety—spend time on recovery shots.
Tight lies and fast greens reward crisp, shallow strikes and disciplined putting.
Deerwood Country Club opens, designed by George Cobb
Presidents Ford and Sadat meet at Deerwood for diplomatic summit
Brian Silva completes a full-course makeover
Erik Larsen’s comprehensive redesign set to begin; new short course planned
From the late 1960s through the mid-1970s, Deerwood was the epicenter of pro golf in Jacksonville, hosting the Greater Jacksonville Open that would ultimately become THE PLAYERS Championship. Names like Miller Barber and Gary Player conquered its fairways.
In November 1975, President Gerald Ford and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat made headlines by meeting at Deerwood, underscoring its unique place as both a sporting and diplomatic venue.
With a sweeping redesign by Erik Larsen on the horizon, Deerwood is preparing to blend historic championship DNA with new shared-green concepts and a six-hole short course called The Approach.
Deerwood is one of Jacksonville’s oldest and most storied private courses.
The club’s history includes a rare double-green—an architectural quirk shared by just a few top courses worldwide.
THE PLAYERS Championship, now one of golf’s premier events, traces its roots directly to Deerwood’s stint as Greater Jacksonville Open host.
A major presidential summit took place here in 1975, blending sport and world politics on the property.
The coming 2026–27 renovation will add a six-hole short course alongside the championship routing.
Experience the iconic 17th island green and walk in THE PLAYERS’ footsteps—bucket-list public round.
Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus collaboration, open to public/guests.
Playable and scenic resort option with unique design touches.
Flexible new design with 9, 12, or 18-hole options—modern, approachable vibe.
Another highly regarded North Florida private club, if you can snag an invite.
Ponte Vedra Beach or Jacksonville’s southside/Butler corridor for best access to both private and resort golf.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: If Deerwood Country Club is your kind of course, Stanford Golf Course is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Pinehurst Resort (No. 7 Course) a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Deerwood Country Club.
Why it matches: If Deerwood Country Club is your kind of course, Bellevue Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?