Construction begins on new Georgia residential golf course

Construction has commenced at national homebuilder Taylor Morrison’s new resort lifestyle community, Esplanade at St. Marys, located on the Georgia Coast, just north of Jacksonville, Florida.

Esplanade at St Marys is incorporating numerous amenities into the project, including an 18-hole championship golf course. The resort-lifestyle community will also bring more than 1,300 single-family homes with a wide variety of floor plans and lot sizes to the area.

Chris Wilczynski, ASGCA, of C.W. Golf Architecture was appointed by Taylor Morrison to develop the master plan for the golf course and practice facilities. This marks the sixth project Wilczynski has been hired for by the homebuilder since the debut of Esplanade Golf and Country Club at Lakewood Ranch, Florida, in 2013.

“I’m honored to be working with Taylor Morrison again on the evolution of their next Esplanade golf community,” Wilczynski said. “Working as a team for over 10 years to develop new golf courses and help grow the game of golf has been a real source of inspiration for me,” he added.

The St. Marys course will range from 3,805 to 7,069 yards with five sets of tees that will provide ample playing options for golfers. TifEagle Bermudagrass greens will vary in size from 5,100 to 8,300 square feet, and pronounced grass-faced bunkers will be strategically positioned along fairways and at greensides on most holes.

“The Low Country site at St. Marys is replete with beautifully wooded wetlands and exposure to the St. Marys River which defines the border between Florida and Georgia,” Wilczynski said. “Several of the holes rest adjacent to the wetland areas and existing pine trees which will frame the holes and create a private enclave and sanctuary for golfers to enjoy.”

Wilczynski has worked closely with engineering firm Atwell, landscape planners RVi, and irrigation consultant Aqua Turf International during the planning of the project and will oversee the construction that will be executed by golf course construction contractor Ryangolf. 

“I’ve been designing golf courses for 30-plus years now and beauty, playability and thoughtful design elements and risk-reward holes for golfers of all ages and skill levels is always top of mind,” Wilczynski said. “The goal is to make every Esplanade course feel authentic, like a natural extension of its environment so every project has a distinct sense of place. Those characteristics will start to flourish in this next phase.”

 “From an unmatched focus on hospitality to our concierge services and unique resort amenities, our Esplanade communities make it feel like you’re on vacation every day,” added Cammie Longenecker, Taylor Morrison’s President of Resort Lifestyle. “We’re thrilled to introduce the full Esplanade experience to our greater Jacksonville market and to work again with Chris on offering residents a beautiful championship golf course. We’re confident that this new development will establish the Georgia Coast as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts.”