Renowned for its stunning beauty, World Golf Village’s King & Bear Golf Course reopened on October 4, 2024 after an extensive 5-month restoration. The $2.5 million project was managed by MacCurrach Golf Construction of Jacksonville, Florida – known for their efficiency and preservation of history and character. A key component in the course’s rejuvenation was to resurface all 18 greens with TifEagle Bermuda grass, an excellent choice for southern golf greens that was developed to be healthy year-round and drought and disease resistant. The smooth and durable grass was installed in the putting and chipping areas as well. Bunkers feature new sand, and irrigation and drainage systems have been upgraded to help with water conservation. All improvements promise to enhance the playing experience, whether you’re a scratch golfer or new to the game.

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Sep
 
30

World Golf Village 411

Posted by: Sherry Davidson in News
 

World Golf Village has become one of the most sought-after communities in Northeast Florida, and for good reason. Its neighborhoods marry the amenities of a premier vacation resort with the comfort of a high-quality home. World Golf Village has 47 neighborhoods, each with its own personality. With so many residential options available, prospective homeowners can choose from a grand estate, resort condominium, townhome, coach or patio home.

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Aug
 
14

Dining in World Golf Village

Posted by: Sherry Davidson in Restaurant Reviews
 

Even after you find your perfect house with your dream kitchen, there are days when cooking is the absolute last thing on your to-do list. Luckily for residents of World Golf Village, the culinary scene has exploded, with a variety of choices to keep any gourmand satisfied.

St. Mary’s Seafood & More Restaurant & Bar

A staple in the World Golf Village food scene, St. Mary’s Seafood & More Restaurant & Bar serves up fresh oysters, clams, shrimp, crab and fish, as well as steaks, pasta, chicken and a salad bar. This family-friendly joint offers more than just chicken tenders for kids. It also hosts special events, such as trivia, live music, and more.

The Legends Grille

This picturesque eatery offers panoramic views of the world-famous Slammer & Squire golf course. The indoor dining area has floor-to-ceiling windows, while the outdoor patio is open year-round. Open for lunch and dinner, their menu features clubhouse favorites like chicken salad and burgers and specialties like loaded Birra nachos and fresh Swordfish sandwiches.

AJ’s Kitchen & Cocktails

Inspired by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus’s legacy and tucked within The King & Bear Clubhouse, this space boasts a casual coastal atmosphere. The diverse menu offers chef-curated meals, salads, locally influenced comfort foods and an extensive list of specialty drinks, signature cocktails and flights.

Murray Bros. Caddyshack

Eat, drink and be Murray with a restaurant that evokes the famous Murray brothers’ love of golf and film. Building on the popularity of Brian Doyle Murray’s classic film Caddyshack, the six Murray brothers have created a menu of American classics, including burgers, dogs, hoagies, chef-created entrees and local favorites like golf balls – fried nuggets of garlic mashed potatoes.

Simone’s Wood-Fired Craft Kitchen

This local family-owned restaurant features scratch-made pizza dough, bread and pasta, plus paninis, steaks, seafood and chops, made fresh in their specialty Neapolitan wood-burning ovens and wood grill. Their extensive wine and craft beer list pairs perfectly with their curated menu. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert!

Villagio Grille

Farm-fresh with an Italian flair, The Villagio Grille is housed in the World Golf Village Renaissance Hotel and specializes in American farm-to-fork fare. Dishes feature scratch techniques, fresh local fish and produce grown at the restaurant’s hydroponic farm just one mile away. Dishes are made with cutting-edge techniques, but the atmosphere is perfect for families. The Villagio Grille serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Café Cairano

Good food and good people come together at Café Cairano! This local hot spot has homemade favorites for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Breakfast favorites include omelets, pancakes, waffles, avocado toast and benedicts, while lunch is about the classics – melts, salads, BLTs, soups, burgers and thick deli sandwiches.

2 Creeks Bar & Grill

If you can’t find something at 2 Creeks Bar & Grill, you’re not trying hard enough. Its extensive menu has a host of breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites. Garlic Cheese Curds, Datil Seafood Chowder, the Closed on Sunday Sandwich, Southern Chicken Pot Pie and Apple Cobbler are just a few examples of the unique, soul-warming comfort dishes they offer.

 
 
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Jun
 
12

The Loop Brings Italy To World Golf Village

Posted by: Sherry Davidson in News
 

There’s no doubt World Golf Village is a mecca for Northeast Florida’s golf community, with its picturesque views of the Sunshine State’s nature preserves and a limitless list of activities, amenities and sights. However, over the past 20 years, the area has become an amazing place for families, young professionals and active adults. From shopping and events to sports and restaurants, the World Golf Village offers a little of something for everyone.

Speaking of restaurants, pizza lovers, rejoice! The Loop opened its World Golf Village location just last month, making it the tenth location in the Greater Jacksonville area. Inspired by the increasing demand for family-friendly spaces, owner Maurilio Gonzalez says, “We designed this location with a larger patio and slightly more intimate interior. This allows for a similar capacity of our other locations, but with the opportunity to enjoy the coastal breeze while dining outside.” Gonzalez added that The Loop would be responding to the increased requests for to-go and catering, offering options for guests who prefer not to dine in.

The opening comes just in time for summer fun and get-togethers with a catering menu that will impress any guest. It touts a selection of salads, wraps and sandwiches that can feed up to 15 people and 12-inch to 16-inch Specialty or Build-Your-Own pizzas. The in-house menu includes a wide range of specialty pizzas and pinsa (pizza made from a lighter, airier crust), like the Spicy Chicken Cilantro pizza loaded with sweet red peppers, grilled onions, jalapeños, roasted garlic, grape tomatoes and basil pesto; or a classic Margherita topped with fresh mozzarella, multi-tomato sauce and fresh basil. If you’re into handhelds, you’re in luck. The Loop offers a trifecta of wraps, burgers and sandwiches. Go for a tried-and-true Great American Cheeseburger stacked with melty American cheese or opt for an adventure with the Asian Chicken Wrap drizzled with a peanut honey-lime vinaigrette. Both the BBQ Bacon Chicken & Cheddar and Grilled Salmon sandwiches are enough to satisfy any craving. Did we mention they had soups and salads? The Sunflower Kale salad is a summer staple piled high with walnuts, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, carrots, red onions, napa cabbage and croutons served with a golden nutritional yeast dressing. The Loop’s menu also includes vegan and gluten-free options for guests with specialized diets. Pair your food with one of The Loop’s famous Hand Dipped and Spun Shakes in a classic flavor like vanilla or chocolate or your favorite local craft beer. Once you’re done with your main course, top it all off with a freshly baked brownie or cookie.

You can stop by The Loop – World Golf Village located at 150 Village Commons Drive, Suite 105 in the Publix shopping center all week long from 11am to 9pm. Check out the full menu and more here. Be sure to visit The Journal to keep up with all the new and exciting things happening in the World Golf Village community.

 
 
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May
 
13
 

The World Golf Village community has earned a reputation for being one of the best places in Northeast Florida to raise a family—and for good reason! The area offers grade-A schools and an endless list of things to do, including arts, play and sports. One of the organizations in World Golf Village that is actively working to improve the lives of kids on the First Coast is First Tee of North Florida.

First Tee is more than just a youth development organization. It’s a community that empowers kids to build the strength of character that lasts a lifetime. Their experienced instructors use golf to create an active learning experience, where golf skills are more than just a game. Children build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that translates to their everyday lives. Each year, First Tee reaches 2.2 million youth through its programs. And with over 45 million Americans enjoying golf, it’s a great way to bridge the generational gap through a shared interest.

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Apr
 
15

WGV IMAX Theater

Posted by: Sherry Davidson in News
 

When families are shopping for their forever home, the community is often just as, if not more important, than the house itself. The perfect house may not be so perfect if there aren’t convenient and fun quality amenities and a thriving community to support your economic and social goals. The World Golf Village, one of St. Augustine’s most popular enclaves, is preserving one of those amenities housed within its borders.

The World Golf Village Hall of Fame IMAX Theater is home to North Florida’s largest movie screen – 80 feet wide and 50 feet high. It’s crystal-clear images and powerful digital soundscape create a movie experience that is undeniably cool. The theater caters to a wide crowd, featuring new releases, past blockbusters, popular throwbacks and captivating educational documentaries. It has long been a place where friends and families can gather for a fun and unique movie-going experience unlike any other around.

With the World Golf Hall of Fame Foundation relocating and ownership of the building moving to a new party, rumors began to swirl that the IMAX Theater was closing its doors. St. Johns County government listened to resident concerns and publicly declared their support and dedication to keeping the amenity open for all residents to enjoy. Through social listening, resident surveys and community engagement, St. Johns County learned that residents were passionate about seeing the theater remain open. Officials were able to allay fears and have begun working with the theater’s management to explore options for the long-term management of the facility.

County Administrator Joy Andrews confirmed: “We want to reassure residents that there are no plans to close the IMAX Theater. We are actively engaged in ongoing discussions with the Foundation and are exploring all possibilities to ensure the continued enjoyment of the IMAX Theater for everyone. Despite rumors circulating about a potential closure date, St. Johns County remains committed to transparency and communication with the public regarding the future of the IMAX Theater.”

For now, the World Golf Hall of Fame Foundation has graciously continued the theater’s operations. The county’s next step is working with a professional planning consultant who will evaluate resident responses to a sweeping survey measuring public opinion on the future of the property. These experts will explore a number of pathways forward for not only the theater but also all of the World Golf Village properties, including the World Golf Hall of Fame multi-purpose facility, PGA Tour Productions building and S. Legacy Trail.

To find current showtimes, visit the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater here. To keep up with County activities regarding the IMAX, visit the St. Johns County website at sjcfl.us.

 
 
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It’s not every day that you get to dine with Bill Murray, or one of his brothers. But at Murray Bros. Caddyshack in World Golf Village, you just might. Established in 2001 in St. Augustine, Florida, right in the home of the World Golf Hall of Fame, the Murray brothers opened their first restaurant – Murray Bros. Caddyshack – inspired by and named after the movie Caddyshack. Caddyshack, the movie, was written by Brian Doyle Murray, and became a classic comedy film about golf. He was inspired by he and his brothers’ upbringing in Wilmette, Illinois, where as teenagers, the six Murray brothers would work as caddies at the local private country club. The movie includes many of the brothers, and went on to inspire brother and chef Andy Murry to open a restaurant by the same name. The theme is an “extension of our living room,” says Andy, and he aimed at setting the restaurant’s mood as lively but relaxed, taking its guests to the movie set and the Murray family’s home. All six brothers are a part of the restaurant, and they take the food and service seriously, knowing that in order to have a good time, excellent eats and superb service are a must. 

The menu is, of course, golf themed as well. The Tee Box, appetizers, boasts of crispy potato golf balls, loaded with cheddar cheese and bacon; the Noonan’s Nachos, which are piled high with beans and cheese and all the traditional accouterments; lightly fried Brussel sprouts; cucumbers with buffalo sauce and blue cheese; hummus; quesadillas; and beef and chicken sliders. The Greens, which I’m sure you can guess, is a menu of salads, including an Asian salad tossed in a sesame ginger dressing with veggies and crispy wonton strips; a cranberry pecan spinach salad with goat cheese; the fiesta; wedge; and Shack Caesar. The Grips, aka sandwiches, include a classic Chicago dog, a 100% Vienna beef hot dog served on a poppy seed roll with sweet relish, yellow mustard, red onion, tomato, sport peppers, pickle spear, and a sprinkle of celery salt; an “Ode to Home,” an Italian beef sandwich with giardiniera peppers and sport peppers; a Reuben; chicken BLT; and clubhouse turkey. Of course the menu includes burgers, with a variety of toppings and sides to choose from. Get a Classic Caddy with your choice of cheese, lettuce, and tomato; a mushroom Swiss; Chicago blues, with melted blue cheese on pumpernickel bread; or a bacon-guac deluxe. Sides include crinkle cut fries, garlic mashed potatoes, chipotle quinoa, black beans, and more. The Fairway dishes include a Caddy Cantina Bowl, Mexi-inspired and topped with crispy tortilla strips and avocado ranch sauce; the 300 Yard Poke Bowl, serving up sesame ginger coated sushi-grade ahi tuna on a bed of white rice with edamame, seaweed salad, and cucumber drizzled with gochujang aioli; chicken and waffles; beer battered fish and chips; shack shrimp; jambalaya; and baked ziti. The Approach serves up more deliciousness with “old city” crab cakes; bang bang chicken; beer brats; and a fresh catch of the day. And The Finishing Hole serves up sweets like a house-made key lime pie; gopher holes, which are warm donuts tossed in cinnamon and sugar; and so much more.

At Murray Bros. Caddyshack, relish in the fun of the Murray Brothers and their love of golf and film. Enjoy live sporting events, televised on flat screens throughout the restaurant, and meals made from scratch, with the finest ingredients that are the best in quality. Immerse yourself in the sport of golf and the fun of Murray at the Murray Bros. Caddyshack. Located at 455 S Legacy Trl, # E106, in St. Augustine, Florida, the Shack is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:30 AM – 9 PM, Thursday through Saturday from 11:30 AM – 10 PM, and Sunday 11:30 AM – 9 PM (closed on Mondays). You can make a reservation by calling (904) 940-FORE (3673).

 
 
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This burger + brew joint is the perfect pit stop just outside of World Golf Village

The famous one-of-a-kind service station-inspired Ford’s Garage St. Augustine serves up mouthwatering burgers, all-American favorite dishes, 1920s vintage vibes and craft beers. Named after the classic Ford vehicles, the dining room features nostalgic memorabilia and is an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company. The original Ford’s was opened in 2012 in Fort Myers, less than one mile from Henry Ford’s winter home. One of their newest locations is right here in St. Augustine, conveniently located next door to the Bozard Ford Lincoln dealership, near the St. Augustine Premium Outlets, at 550 Outlet Mall Boulevard, Suite 200, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Just a pit stop away from World Golf Village!

Ford’s menu boasts all the American comfort classics with a modern flair: chicken wings in a buffalo, bourbon or Nashville Hot sauce, crispy hand-breaded fried pickles in a panko crust served with a cucumber wasabi dipping sauce, lightly battered shrimp in a spicy “boom boom” sauce, nachos, salads and of course, their Burgers of Fame. Their BBQ Brisket Burger includes expertly-smoked hickory brisket and applewood bacon, topped with Tillamook sharp cheddar cheese, bourbon BBQ sauce, red onions and crispy onion straws on a freshly baked brioche bun. The American Standard burger has all the quintessential accouterments, including American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato and red onion, and pickle planks on a brioche bun. Or maybe you’re in the mood for something a little more upscale, like the Estate Burger, with smoked gouda cheese, sweet red onion marmalade, arugula, tomato and fried onion straws with a white truffle bacon aioli on a brioche bun. And the burgers don’t stop there, they have patty melts, mushroom Swiss burgers, black-n-bleu, bison bacon burgers and Green and Clean veggie burgers — all served with Ford’s fries and Heinz ketchup. They also offer soups, sandwiches and new takes on classic comfort foods — with four different mac n’ cheeses (like buffalo blackened chicken and pulled pork), beer battered fish n’ chips, a whole rack of BBQ pork ribs, homemade meatloaf and hand-battered chicken tenders. The menu, of course, serves sweet treat desserts like old-fashioned milkshakes, key lime pie and molten lava cake. Brunch is also served, as well as a kids menu.

Need something to wash it all down? Ford’s Garage offers the best in craft cocktails, beer and wine. Ford Fusion cocktails present new twists on classics, like the Motor-Jito, a refreshing take on a mojito with coconut rum, cane syrup, lime juice and mint leaves. They offer a menu of Mules, from the classic Kentucky mule with Woodford Reserve Bourbon to a Rewired Hot Engine, with Camarena Silver Tequila — a mule with a kick indeed! Coming in with a group? Try the BYOM: Build Your Own Mimosa, with a bottle of prosecco and fresh orange juice. Or try their Shareable Pitchers for a party of four. The wine list is extensive, but really, you should see the beer list! Updated daily, the draft list includes 36 beers on tap, and over 50 different bottles and cans are available. They also offer growler fills, to take your favorite brews home to enjoy.

Open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 11pm, and Sunday from 9am to 10pm. You can make a reservation online or by calling 904-560-3673. Order take out to pick up or order online for delivery via DoorDash or Uber Eats. Ford’s Garage is where great food meets vintage vibes and the perfect pit stop when venturing from the tranquil resort neighborhood of World Golf Village.

 
 
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Jan
 
17

Fancy Sushi Now Serving World Golf Village

Posted by: Sherry Davidson in News
 

The specialty Japanese sushi joint is the newest restaurant to open on Twincourt Trail

Fresh sashimi, specialty sushi rolls, tempura, hibachi, ramen, poke bowls, curries, katsu, udon and teriyaki. . . . It’s all on the menu at Fancy Sushi, the new Japanese restaurant in World Golf Village. Hailing from St. Simons Island in Georgia, this is the sister restaurant to Q Sushi Bar and Grill. The low-key, neighborhood sushi spot already has a 5-star rating on Google, and diners rave about the friendly staff, plentiful portions and reasonable prices. The restaurant boasts chic comfort, with a sushi bar, dining tables and chairs, black leather booths and covered outdoor seating. Their fresh seafood makes for perfect sashimi and hand rolls that are artfully decorated on the plate. Order the local specialty Jax Roll, with shrimp tempura and spicy tuna on top; or the Austin Powers Roll, with krab tempura, crawfish salad, cucumber, tuna and eel, topped with avocado and eel sauce. Yea baby! Their Super Poke Bowls are superb indeed. Choose your own protein and up to five fresh vegetables with a base of sushi rice or mixed salad. The satiating and comforting ramen menu has six options to choose from: Tonkotsu, with a pork and chicken broth; a classic Miso; Steak Kimchi; Seafood with jumbo shrimp, krab meat, mussels, seasoned octopus and fish cakes; chicken and a veggie.

Fancy Sushi is one of the newest restaurants to join the newly-built plaza at 630 E Twincourt Trail. The 22,000 square feet hosts Parlor Doughnuts, Queen Nails, Kumon Math and Reading Center, Soaring Bungee Fitness Studio and Anejo Cocina Mexicana – and will soon host more as space is available to rent. This area of World Golf Village is exploding, with a new Costco only a mile away, as well as the world-famous country convenient store Buc-ee’s, known for its cute Beaver-themed knick-knacks and snacks.

Don’t miss out on the fanciest of sushi at Fancy Sushi. Offering lunch specials, fast delivery service, online ordering and an extensive menu, Fancy Sushi has it all. They’re open Tuesday through Thursday 11am to 9:30pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 12 to 9:30pm (closed on Mondays). Check out Fancy Sushi at 630 E Twincourt Trail, Suite 113, in World Golf Village in St. Augustine.

 
 
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Pets show us humans an unconditional love like no other. Having a furry friend can even decrease stress, improve heart health and help humans live longer, happier and healthier lives. At Pet Paradise St. Johns at World Golf Village (WGV), your pet is treated to the paradise retreat they deserve, with five-star pampering and exceptional care.

From dog and cat boarding to on-site veterinary care, day camp to a full-service grooming spa, the services at Pet Paradise WGV are paws-itively superb. Your pet will be wagging the moment they arrive, and you too can take respite in knowing your best friend is being cared for by attentive, personable and professional staff in the utmost safest environment. Plus, they’ll have a ton of fun! Outdoor bone-shaped swimming pool? Check! Peaceful and private cat condos? You bet! There is ample space to romp, swim and socialize, covered porches and trees provide shade, and misting stations keep your furry companions cool — plus, if your pup needs individualized attention, one-on-one care is available.

“It’s their second home,” Matt Davidson shares, pet parent to two standard wirehaired dachshunds, Gemma and Hattie, and Technology Director at Davidson Realty. His two pups are regulars at Pet Paradise WGV. “They’re excited every time I drop them off, and even insist on saying goodbye to every staff member before we leave.” Matt has been sending “his girls,” as he calls them, to Pet Paradise WGV for almost three years, and has never had any issues. “I never have to worry because I know how much the staff loves the animals. You can see it in the way they interact with them and how excited they get to see your dogs. I highly recommend them to anyone.” Matt and his girls have used every service offered, including day camp, boarding, grooming and veterinary care, and it’s all been excellent. “They also have little art projects your dogs can participate in for a small fee, and it’s always adorable,” he grins.

Open Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm, your pets will indeed be basking in paradise at Pet Paradise St. Johns at WGV. Located at 291 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, FL 32095, call them today at 904-544-8570 or visit them online to learn more about their paw-some services. 

 
 
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