Golf Course Renovation

Historic Deerwood Course Tees Up Massive Renovation Led by Erik Larsin

Original design by George Cobb in 1960, Redesigned by Brian Silva in 2004

In 1960, golf architect George Cobb put Deerwood Country Club on the map by designing a stunning course that would eventually draw the attention of professional golfers, including competitors who came to Deerwood for the Greater Jacksonville Open (now known as THE PLAYERS Championship).

In 2004, Deerwood Country Club’s entire golf facility underwent a comprehensive renovation. During this time, award-winning golf architect Brian Silva developed a brand-new, par-72 course with six sets of tees ranging from 5,228 yards for the reds to 7,261 yards for the championship tees.

Deerwood Country Club will undergo an extensive golf course renovation, scheduled to begin in October 2026 with an anticipated reopening in October 2027. This project represents the final phase of a multimillion-dollar initiative aimed at enhancing the overall member experience at the historic private club, which has been a cornerstone of Jacksonville golf since its founding in 1960. 
Renovation master plans include a series of new signature design elements, most notably a 20,000-square-foot double green shared by holes 12 (par-3) and 14 (par-4); a striking feature that blends playability with visual impact. The 12th hole will also incorporate a Biarritz-style green, featuring a pronounced swale or trough through its center. Renowned architect C.B. Macdonald introduced this classic design concept to American golf more than a century ago. Additional design concepts that will add to the enhanced "wow" factor include the 10th hole, now a risk-reward part-5 that wraps all the way around the existing lake, and the 11th hole, and a short par-5 that will be drivable for some players.

Deerwood has selected one of the premier golf course construction companies in the United States in MacCurrach Golf Construction with the renovation overseen by design company Larsen Golf led by renowned architect Erik Larsen. 

Larsen, based in Ponte Vedra Beach, has designed more than 100 golf courses throughout the world over a 40-year career. Larsen's local contributions include the highly acclaimed redesign of Atlantic Beach Country Club, which received a Best New Course rating from Golf Digest in 2014. He was Arnold Palmer’s project architect at the Arnold Palmer Design Company from 1983-2011.

As part of the renovation, there will be extensive infrastructure work done in the areas of drainage, irrigation, soils, and grasses to achieve premium conditions. Deerwood’s Championship golf course was originally designed by prolific golf architect George Cobb and opened in 1960. In addition to his many designs throughout the southeast, Cobb also served as a consultant for Augusta National Golf Club in the 1950s and 1960s. 

Deerwood Country Club’s history includes playing host to the PGA TOUR’s Greater Jacksonville Open, which later became THE PLAYERS Championship, seven times between 1967 and 1975.

Become A Member

New member applications are being accepted. Find out how you can join Deerwood Country Club today by calling Audrey Reiley, Director of Membership and Marketing at 904.641.6100 ext. 106.

Five men holding framed golf course maps in front of a leaderboard outdoors.

THE SHORT COURSE

In addition to the full 18-hole redesign, a short par-3 course (pictured to the left) will open in 2026 before full renovation. It not only allows golfers to sneak in a few swings when they don't have time to play a full round, but it also appeals to young and old.One of only a handful of such facilities in the region, the short course will offer a fun, fast-paced playing experience designed for golfers of all ages and skill levels, further enhancing the club’s year-round golf offerings.

VIEW SHORT COURSE INFO

Golf course map: aerial view of green, bunkers, and tee boxes.