King & Bear Golf Course
In October 2024, the King & Bear Golf Course at World Golf Village reopened its doors to golfers after an extensive five-month, $2.5 million dollar restoration that was led by MacCurrach Golf of Jacksonville, Florida.
This was a renovation that wasn’t focused on completely overhauling the experience for golfers, but more so focused on enhancing the infrastructure of what was already there while also enhancing the course’s playability to cater to more golfers.
The main highlight of the project involved resurfacing all 18 greens, as well as the putting and chipping areas, with TifEagle Bermuda grass. This premium grass was selected to provide smoother, more consistent putting surfaces to enhance the experience of all golfers. To see these latest enhancements in full effect, see our exclusive drone footage of the course that we shot after the recent redesign.
Further improvements included significant upgrades to the irrigation and drainage systems to promote water conservation, enhance turf health, and provide optimal playing conditions throughout the year. All the bunkers were refreshed with new liners and sand, with eight receiving full renovations to improve drainage and consistency. While these may not sound like the most exciting changes, they require a massive investment by the property to ensure every guest has the best experience possible.
“Our goal with this restoration was to elevate the playing experience while maintaining the integrity of the course’s original design,” said Lon Grundy, Chief Operating Officer of World Golf Village’s King & Bear and Slammer & Squire courses. “We’re excited to welcome golfers back to enjoy these improvements and experience a course that is both visually stunning and exceptionally playable.”
This fantastic design is the only design collaboration between two of golf’s greatest legends: Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Since opening in November 2000, the King & Bear has served as a cornerstone of World Golf Village, and this restoration underscores its ongoing commitment to delivering a world-class golf experience.