Big changes are coming at Jacksonville Golf and Country Club.
Work is under way on a comprehensive $30 million renovation at the club, including a $14 million overhaul of its 1989 Clyde Johnston-Fuzzy Zoeller-designed golf course by architect Andy Staples. The renovation by Staples Golf Design also includes upgrades in and around the clubhouse.
Staples is noted for creating fun and memorable golf experiences on designs that are both unique and strategic, and Jacksonville G&CC will be no different.
According to the master plan submitted by Staples to club members, the renovation will include:
- Moving some greens, while rebuilding and regrassing all putting surfaces
- Rebuilding and extending teeing areas
- Rebuilding, moving and adding bunkers
- New fairways, including moving and extending some
- New irrigation system
- All new drainage
Staples is known for creating strategic redesigns to enhance shot options, increase playability for all skill levels, and improve pace of play by incorporating classic template holes, inspired by legendary courses from around the world, as well as a focus on creating distinctive character and visual interest across all 18 holes.
"JGCC has some great bones, but the infrastructure is well past its useful life," Staples said in a news release. "This plan not only addresses those critical needs—it gives us a chance to create something timeless. We're blending classically inspired design elements with our own unique spin, and I couldn't be more honored to help bring this vision to life alongside such a passionate membership."
The new design will call upon some of the world's great designs as an influence. To that end, Staples has drawn upon holes at St. Andrews, Augusta National, National Golf Links and others for inspiration during the design process.
Specifically, the green on the par-3 12th hole is patterned after the putting surface on No. 5 at Augusta National. The putting surface on Jacksonville's par-4 13th hole will be rebuilt as a Biarritz-style green with a deep swale between the front and back of the surface. No. 18 will draw upon the finishing hole at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with a lake on the left side along the entire length of the hole.
Staples' work will stretch Jacksonville G&CC from 6,892 to 7,092 yards. Construction is set to begin in September 2027 and be completed in 12 months.
Staples is known for creating strategic redesigns to enhance shot options, increase playability for all skill levels, and improve pace of play by incorporating classic template holes, inspired by legendary courses from around the world, as well as a focus on creating distinctive character and visual interest across all 18 holes.