World Golf Village’s King & Bear reopening after restoration

After undergoing a comprehensive agronomic restoration, the King & Bear Golf Course at World Golf Village in St, Augustine, Florida, will officially reopen October 4, welcoming members and public guests to experience enhanced playing conditions and revitalized turf across the course.

The five-month, $2.5 million restoration, led by MacCurrach Golf of Jacksonville, Florida, focused on improving the course’s playability while preserving its original character. A key highlight of the project involved resurfacing all 18 greens — as well as the putting and chipping areas — with TifEagle Bermudagrass, selected to provide smoother, more consistent putting surfaces. The practice areas were also upgraded with new Bermudagrass.

Other improvements included significant upgrades to the irrigation and drainage systems to promote water conservation, enhance turf health, and provide optimal playing conditions throughout the year. All bunkers were refreshed with new liners and sand, with eight receiving full renovations to improve drainage and consistency.

Steve LaFrance is the director of agronomy at World Golf Village. Ken Ausley is the course superintendent for King & Bear.

“Our goal with this restoration was to elevate the playing experience while maintaining the integrity of the course’s original design,” said Lon Grundy, COO of World Golf Village’s King & Bear and Slammer & Squire courses. “We’re excited to welcome golfers back to enjoy these improvements and experience a course that is both visually stunning and exceptionally playable.”

King & Bear is renowned for its scenic beauty, with fairways framed by pristine lakes, towering loblolly pines and majestic oak trees. The course is the only design collaboration between two of golf’s greatest legends — Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Since opening in November 2000, King & Bear has served as a cornerstone of World Golf Village, and this restoration underscores its ongoing commitment to delivering a world-class golf experience.