That evening we decided not to venture too far, the concierge suggested a number of fine restaurants in downtown St. Augustine, 14 miles away, but since we were headed there for the next two nights right after golf the next morning, we simply decided to stay put and have dinner once again in the 500 South Restaurant, in our hotel, and can happily report that we were not disappointed.

"Kings March", the beautiful 426 yard, par 4 opening hole on the King and Bear.  Photo: courtesy of World Golf Village

The next morning we headed over to play The King and Bear course which is about 3 miles from the hotel.  The hotel provides bus service to and from the course but we decided to drive ourselves over.  When we arrived, we got some coffee in the clubhouse, hit a few range balls, and teed off about 7:45am.  Less than 4 hours later we were back in the clubhouse after another terrific round of golf.


This facility is the first and only time that Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus have paired to create a golf course.  Working together, these two golfing Hall of Fame legends have collaborated on a wonderful, visually appealing facility that can prove to be quite enjoyable.  The course opened in 2000.

"Hidden Lake", the picturesque green on the 412 yard, par 4, 12th hole on the King and Bear.  Photo: courtesy of World Golf Village

It features characteristics of both designers, a links-style front nine with open meadows (wide, generous fairways) and sweeping doglegs, while the back nine is tree-lined with majestic live oaks and tall pines as well as numerous water features.  The back nine is a bit more challenging, requiring more of your shot-making skills. 

Palmer and Nicklaus also incorporated the indigenous coquina rock into waste bunkers, cart paths and as bulkheads for the many lakes on the course, which come into play on 16 of the 18 holes. Measuring 7,279 yards from the back tees and 5,119 from the forward tees, this course can provide a nice challenge for the skilled golfer while providing player-friendly conditions for the novice.

The short par 4, 15th hole, "Stone Reflection".  One of Arnie's favorites.  Photo: Golf Guides USA

Arnold Palmer has selected hole #15 as one of his "Dream 18" in an issue of Sports Illustrated. This picturesque 360 yard, dogleg right, par 4 (see photo) has water running along the entire right side of the fairway and the penninsula green that is noted for the majestic stone wall that surrounds it.  Driver is best left in the bag as accuracy, not length, is required off the tee.

The course hosted the 2001 and 2002 Legends of Golf, a champions TOUR event; a Shell's Wonderful World of Golf match between Palmer and Nicklaus in May 2000; the second stage of the 2003 PGA TOUR Qualifying School; and the 2004 Champions TOUR Qualifying School Finals.

Like the Slammer and Squire, it too is meticulously kept, very picturesque and eminently playable. We thoroughly enjoyed our round and recommend it to any golfer who finds himself or herself in this area.  We felt that the King and Bear was the more challenging of the two layouts, however, we preferred the Slammer and Squire because of its playability and it just struck us both as being a bit more pictuesque.  Two terrific golf courses, you won't go wrong playing either one...our recommendation is to play them both and let us know which one you preferred.