
The World Golf Village is a golf resort in St. Johns County, Florida, United States. It is located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine and was created by the PGA Tour. The 6,300-acre parcel was approved in the 1990s as a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) and features residential and commercial developments. The World Golf Village developer financed a new interchange on Interstate 95, making the development extremely attractive to commuters. The foremost attraction at the resort is the World Golf Hall of Fame, which superseded the PGA of America facility at Pinehurst, North Carolina, in May 1998. The development of the World Golf Village started in the 1980s when Jim Davidson, President of Davidson Development, envisioned a golf community in St. Johns County.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | St. Johns County, Florida, United States |
| Nearby Cities | Jacksonville and St. Augustine |
| Year of Construction | 1990s |
| Developer | Jim Davidson, President of Davidson Development |
| Area | 6,300 acres |
| Population | 22,117 as per the 2020 census |
| Attractions | World Golf Hall of Fame, IMAX Theatre, Renaissance Resort, King & Bear Golf Course, Slammer & Squire Golf Course, Walk of Champions, Murray Brothers Caddyshack Restaurant, etc. |
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What You'll Learn

Developer Jim Davidson's vision
Davidson's persistence and dedication were key to bringing his vision to life. He worked tirelessly, coordinating with land planners, engineers, attorneys, and an environmental team to ensure his grand plan came together. He faced scepticism along the way, but his belief in the project never wavered. Davidson's pivotal move was securing the PGA TOUR's involvement, which led to the creation of the World Golf Hall of Fame. This attracted further partners for the golf courses, hotel, and retail stores, transforming the village into a desirable destination.
Davidson's vision extended beyond golf. He saw the World Golf Village as a place where people would live, work, and enjoy leisure activities. He wanted to create a community where residents could walk their dogs, push their children in strollers, and enjoy the surrounding nature. To that end, he envisioned a mix of residential neighbourhoods and preserved lands, with easy access to nearby cities. Davidson's persistence paid off, and the World Golf Village became a sought-after location for commuters, with its convenient access to Interstate 95.
The World Golf Village has grown into a vibrant destination, offering championship golf courses, renowned resorts like the Renaissance Resort, and unique attractions. It has become a premier golf resort, providing an exceptional experience for enthusiasts of the sport and attracting over a million visitors annually. The village has also contributed to the growth of St. Johns County, with new schools, businesses, and residential developments springing up in the area.
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The World Golf Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame is housed in a large building on the west side of the village, alongside a theatre, cafe, and 110-foot shrine tower. The development of the World Golf Hall of Fame was a key step in the creation of the World Golf Village. The PGA Tour and other golf organisations were brought on board by Jim Davidson, who was persistent in bringing the village to life.
The World Golf Village is a golf resort located in St. Johns County, Florida, United States, between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. It was approved in the 1990s as a "Development of Regional Impact" and features residential and commercial developments. The village includes two championship golf courses, the King & Bear and the Slammer & Squire, as well as the Renaissance Resort, offering unique accommodations and attractions.
The village has grown significantly since its inception, with a population of 22,117 people as of the 2020 census, an increase from 12,310 in 2010. The development has faced some challenges, including the relocation of the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2023, but it continues to be a popular destination for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a suburban lifestyle.
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The Renaissance Resort
The World Golf Village is a golf resort in St. Johns County, Florida, situated between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. It was created by the PGA Tour and features the World Golf Hall of Fame, residential and commercial developments, and two championship golf courses. The development of the village began in the 1980s when Jim Davidson of Davidson Development envisioned a golf community in this area. Overcoming various challenges, he brought together partners for the golf courses, hotel, and retail stores. The village was approved in the 1990s as a "Development of Regional Impact" under Florida Statutes, and an interchange on Interstate 95 was constructed to provide direct access.
One of the prominent accommodations within the World Golf Village is the Renaissance Resort, the largest hotel in the area. The resort is known for its comfortable and well-appointed rooms, offering a luxurious retreat for guests seeking a premier golf experience. It features restaurants such as Villagio Bar and Grill, Starbucks, and the Fairways Café, providing a variety of dining options for its patrons. The resort also includes the IMAX Theater, showcasing the latest movies and documentaries on a massive six-story-high screen.
In addition to the golf courses, the Renaissance Resort offers a range of attractions and activities. Guests can explore the World Golf Hall of Fame, which showcases biographical information about inductees, the history of golf, equipment, attire, and interactive exhibits. The Trophy Tower displays major and minor tournament trophies, contributing to the golf enthusiast's dream experience. The resort's convenient location also provides easy access to nearby historical sites and the pristine beaches of northeast Florida.
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Residential and commercial developments
The World Golf Village (WGV) is a golf resort in St. Johns County, Florida, United States, located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. It was created by the PGA Tour and includes the World Golf Hall of Fame, two championship golf courses, and residential and commercial developments.
The 6,300-acre parcel of land was approved in the 1990s as a "Development of Regional Impact" (DRI) and was expected to eventually house 18,000 residents. The development includes a mix of residential neighbourhoods, with single-family homes, villas, and vacation rentals. As of 2013, 3,800 residences had been built, with permits for 7,200 in total.
The World Golf Village also features commercial developments, including the “Shops of World Golf Village”, the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, restaurants, and a movie theatre. The development has attracted businesses such as Starbucks, a Publix supermarket, and schools.
The World Golf Village is a popular tourist destination, with four hotels/motels constructed to accommodate visitors. The largest is the Renaissance Resort, followed by the Laterra Resort & Spa, and The Grande Villas. The development has also invested in an IMAX Theatre, which shows movies and documentaries on a large screen.
The World Golf Village continues to evolve, with the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recently approving the purchase of additional assets and planning future developments to enhance the area for residents and visitors.
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The Walk of Champions
The World Golf Village is a golf resort in St. Johns County, Florida, United States, located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. It was created in the 1990s by the PGA Tour and features the World Golf Hall of Fame, residential and commercial developments, and two championship golf courses.
- The Murray Brothers Caddyshack restaurant, owned by actor Bill Murray and his five brothers. The restaurant offers a casual dining experience with a full menu that includes hand-patted hamburgers, steaks, appetizers, salads, and their signature "sloppy sundae." The restaurant also features a generous bar area with large screen televisions showing sports events.
- The PGA Tour Stop, which was the largest golf store in Florida before it closed.
- The IMAX Theater, which showcases the latest movies and documentaries on a large screen with a unique sound experience.
- The Villagio Bar and Grill, a dining establishment located within the Renaissance Resort that offers traditional Italian cuisine, including pastas, flatbreads, paninis, steaks, and salads.
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Frequently asked questions
The World Golf Village was approved in the 1990s as a "Development of Regional Impact" (DRI) under Section 380.06 of the Florida Statutes.
The World Golf Village (WGV) is a golf resort in St. Johns County, Florida, United States. It was created by the PGA Tour and features the World Golf Hall of Fame, residential and commercial developments, and two 18-hole championship golf courses.
In addition to the golf courses, the World Golf Village offers a variety of attractions, including the IMAX Theater, the Walk of Champions, the Murray Brothers Caddyshack restaurant, and the Renaissance Resort.









































