Golf Courses & Shops in Hilliard, FL

How to choose a golf in Hilliard

1. Decide between a membership and paying per round

   If you will play more than about 60 rounds a year, a semi-private or private membership in St. Johns County usually pays for itself and gets you tee times in season. Casual golfers do better with public courses, twilight rates, and booking apps. Many neighborhoods on courses do not include golf in HOA dues, so ask before assuming.

2. Look at the season and the time of day

   Peak season from January through April means high rates and tee sheets booked a week out. Summer mornings before 10 are pleasant and cheap, and twilight rates after 2 or 3 p.m. can cut the price in half, but afternoon storms are frequent. Fall and late spring are the local sweet spot.

3. Match the course to your game

   The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is famous and difficult, with a green fee to match. World Golf Village courses, the public tracks around St. Augustine, and executive and par-3 layouts are better for most weekend players and beginners. Ask about tee options, pace of play, and whether walking is allowed.

4. Pick a lesson pro by certification and approach

   PGA of America and LPGA certified professionals teach at most area clubs and ranges. Ask whether they use a launch monitor or video, how they structure a series of lessons, and whether they teach juniors if that is the goal. A single lesson is a good trial before buying a package.

5. Get fitted before buying new clubs

   Several shops and clubs in Ponte Vedra, World Golf Village, and St. Augustine offer launch monitor fittings. A fitting costs 75 to 200 dollars and is often credited toward a purchase. It matters more than the brand. For used clubs, local shops and the big secondhand retailers off CR 210 and in Jacksonville are solid options.