News Summary
Deerwood Country Club in Jacksonville is set to undergo its most extensive renovation in 65 years, spearheaded by Erik Larsen. The renovation will focus on the back nine holes, enhancing playability and aesthetics while introducing a short course for all skill levels. Scheduled to begin in fall 2026, these updates promise to revitalize the historic course and create a social hub for golf enthusiasts.
Big Changes Ahead for Deerwood Country Club in Jacksonville!
Get ready, golf lovers of Jacksonville! Exciting news is on the horizon as the iconic Deerwood Country Club is preparing to undergo its most extensive renovation in 65 years! That’s right, after hosting its last PGA Tour event a whopping 50 years ago, it’s time to bring things up to date and inject some fresh energy into this historic course.
A Visionary at the Helm
The renovation project will be spearheaded by none other than Erik Larsen, who previously worked as a project architect for the legendary Arnold Palmer. With a rich history of enhancing golf courses, including prestigious spots like Sawgrass Country Club, Marsh Landing, and the Plantation at Ponte Vedra, Larsen brings a wealth of experience to the table. He’s also known for transforming Selva Marina Country Club into Atlantic Beach Country Club. Clearly, he’s the right man for the job!
What’s in Store for the Course?
The overhaul is all set to kick off in the fall of 2026 and is expected to wrap up by the late summer of 2027. That gives everyone plenty of time to dream about the exciting changes to come! A major focus will be on the back nine of the course, which will undergo extensive redesigning to enhance playability and aesthetics. We’re talking about a complete overhaul of its infrastructure, including irrigation, drainage, routing, and bunkering.
A Fresh New Look
While the front nine will mostly stay the same—starting with one of the best par-5s in the region—the back nine is practically getting a makeover! The par-4 10th hole will be stretched out to become a par-5, taking inspiration from the sixth hole at the famous Bay Hill in Orlando. The par-4 11th hole will maintain its drivable charm, but will feature an expanded pond on the left to spice things up a bit.
A Challenge for All
What about the par-3 12th hole? It’s set for a complete transformation into a “Biarritz” green, known for its multiple tiers which will serve both the 12th and the par-4 14th holes. As for the 13th hole, it is transitioning from a par-5 to a par-4, while the uphill par-3 15th hole will see a slight shortening with the green moving closer to a pond. The final three holes, 16th, 17th, and 18th, will remain relatively unchanged, keeping that sense of tradition intact.
Fun for All Skill Levels
In addition to the golf course renovations, Deerwood is also adding a short course called The Approach near the current driving range. This course will be designed for everyone—beginners, juniors, and seasoned players alike—and will feature three greens and six bunkers for some creative short-game practice. Aimed at enhancing skills, The Approach will align with the PGA of America’s Operation 36 program, allowing newbies to improve their golf game.
A Social Hub Awaits
Not just a place for hitting balls, the short course and driving range area will transform into a social hub, perfect for enjoying food and beverages while engaging in skills challenges. It’s all about making golf a more inclusive experience!
Ongoing Improvements
Deerwood Country Club hasn’t been shy about making changes. Since April 2024, the club has been on a mission as part of a $20 million master plan, focusing on rebuilding the pool, improving the fitness center, adding new tennis courts, and renovating the clubhouse. For those eager to get a taste of Deerwood, the club is also offering up to 500 executive business memberships for non-residents!
A Rich History Continues
Spanning over 180 acres, the course designed by George Cobb has seen renovations in the past, including a notable upgrade in 2004. Let’s not forget that Deerwood hosted the Greater Jacksonville Open not once, but seven times between 1967 and 1975, before the tournament evolved into what we now know as The Players Championship!
During the renovation period, members can enjoy reciprocal playing privileges at various golf courses in the Jacksonville area, ensuring they won’t have to miss out on their favorite pastime while waiting for the course to reopen.
All in all, this is a thrilling time for Deerwood Country Club and its community. With major renovations on the way, the future looks bright, so keep your clubs ready for when the course reopens!
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Big Changes Ahead for Deerwood Country Club
- Ponte Vedra Recorder: Deerwood Country Club Course Renovation
- Jax Daily Record: Deerwood Country Club to Redesign Golf Course
- GolfPass: Deerwood Club
- Jacksonville.com: Erik Larsen Renovates St. Johns Golf Club
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Deerwood Country Club
- Google Scholar: Erik Larsen Golf Course Design
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Deerwood Country Club Renovation
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
