Deerwood Country Club officials have formally announced 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. This classic design concept was introduced to American golf more than a century ago by renowned architect C.B. Macdonald.
Additionally, a new six-hole short course named “The Approach” presented by the Eiras family will be constructed and open in 2026, prior to the full-course renovation. 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.
In August, Deerwood welcomed a new partnership with acclaimed golf instructor Travis Fulton, further enhancing the club’s highly successful instructional program led by Director of Golf Mike Broderick. Consistently recognized by Golf Digest as one of the nation’s top golf trainers, Fulton brings a wealth of experience and innovation to the Deerwood community. As part of the new partnership, members now enjoy exclusive access to Fulton’s state-of-the-art indoor golf studios located in Ponte Vedra and downtown Jacksonville. These cutting-edge facilities perfectly complement Deerwood’s premier green-grass courses, expanding year-round training and playing opportunities for all members.
The golf course renovation and the addition of the short course are part of the final phase at Deerwood Country Club to elevate the membership experience. Since 2022, the club has introduced a range of enhancements, including a resort-style Aquatic Center, an upgraded fitness and wellness complex, new pickleball courts and extensive improvements throughout the clubhouse. Among the highlights is “1960,” a new family dining room named in honor of the club’s founding year, along with updated locker room facilities and other modern amenities that reflect Deerwood’s commitment to providing a premier private club experience.
“On behalf of the membership, I am thrilled to say it’s a proud day in the history of Deerwood Country Club with today’s announcement regarding the upcoming renovation,” said General Manager C. Thayer Kern. “As we continue to elevate the club in all facets, the redesign will be visually stunning and provide a best-in-class golf experience for the membership and adds to the existing momentum the club is experiencing from a facilities and membership services standpoint. And we have received overwhelming support from the membership to build the short course which will provide a fun alternative to traditional golf. It will be a social focal point for the membership and a great place for everyone to learn the game.
“We are so fortunate to have two of the strongest names in golf design — both based in Jacksonville — bringing our project to life. We have 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 Co. from 1983 to 2011.
“Deerwood Country Club has phenomenal bones as its topography covering more than 180 acres is atypical of Florida golf, and we will bring that feature out to create a premier playing experience for the members and their guests,” said Larson. “We have incorporated a number of visually appealing design enhancements to create a ‘wow’ factor, including the double-green complex as well as the swale on 12 that will be distinct to Deerwood. The finished product will be both challenging at 7,350 yards and pleasing to the eye: dark green lush turf on smooth fairways and large but minimal bunkering, manicured and filled with white sand.”
Larsen noted additional design concepts that will add to the “wow” factor including the 10th hole, now a risk-reward par-5 that wraps all the way around the existing lake, and the 11th hole, a short par-4 that will be drivable for some.
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.
Deerwood Country Club, an equity member-owned, private country club since 1999, is centrally located in the heart of Jacksonville and is renowned for its rich history, exceptional facilities and unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled member experience. With a legacy spanning 65 years, Deerwood continues to set the standard for excellence in golf, recreation and social amenities for members from across the Jacksonville region and beyond.
For further information, membership or a private tour, contact Audrey Reiley, director of membership and marketing at 904-641-6100 ext. 106 or areiley@deerwoodclub.com.
