For local golfers accustomed to the pristine fairways and dramatic elevation changes right here at Blackhawk Country Club, a golf trip often means seeking out courses that offer a refreshing change of scenery and a rich sense of history. If your travels ever take you to Northeast Florida, one destination that deserves a spot on your itinerary is the Slammer & Squire course at the World Golf Village
in St. Augustine. Opened in 1998 and designed by acclaimed architect Bobby Weed in close collaboration with golf legends Sam “The Slammer” Snead and Gene “The Squire” Sarazen, this course delivers a masterclass in playable, strategic design.
A Tale of Two Nines
Coming from our home courses in the East Bay, where precision is paramount, you will immediately appreciate the generous fairways and welcoming playability of the Slammer & Squire. Measuring roughly 400 yards shorter than its nearby sister course, the King & Bear, the Slammer & Squire trades brute length for thoughtful strategy and aesthetic charm.
The routing is neatly divided into two distinct personalities.
The front nine plays like a traditional links-style layout, weaving quietly through dense native forests and Florida swamplands. Unencumbered by nearby housing developments, it offers a peaceful, secluded round. In contrast, the back nine opens significantly, providing sweeping views and a different rhythm to your round. Strategic Design and Classic Details
While the course is exceptionally fun and accessible, it still demands respect. Diagonal water hazards create enticing risk-and-reward decisions off the tee. For instance, the par-5 fourth hole measures 486 yards, inviting daring players to bite off as much of the hazard as they dare on the right side to set up a potential eagle or birdie look. Visually, the course is a stunner, particularly during the winter overseeding season. The vibrant green ryegrass on the fairways and greens contrasts sharply against the dormant golden-brown Bermuda rough and the brilliant blue of Florida’s
water hazards. The bunkering is generally forgiving—shallow with short lips surrounding large, receptive greens—though clever optical illusions, like the distant bunkers on the par-
3 13th, will playfully mess with your depth perception. And, of course, no visit to the Slammer & Squire is complete without experiencing one of its most famous hospitality touches: barrels of fresh, ice-cold apples waiting for you on both the first and tenth tees.
Whether you are pairing it with a round at the more demanding King & Bear or simply looking for an enjoyable, historic Florida escape, the Slammer & Squire proves that golf doesn’t have to beat you up to be deeply rewarding.
By Chuck Fox, Owner, Quintessential Golf, Resident since 2012