Although neighboring St. Johns County grabs plenty of headlines as the home of the renowned TPC Sawgrass and World Golf Village, the city of Jacksonville and Duval County is arguably the bigger draw for discerning golfers and homeowners seeking a place among some of Florida's most exclusive luxury golf communities.

Set among pristine marshes and tranquil lakes, these high-end enclaves combine championship golf with upscale amenities and custom homes. Here's an in-depth look at the top communities redefining golf-centric living in Jacksonville.

A long-established gated golf community located on Jacksonville's Southside, Deercreek Country Club offers a more relaxed yet still sophisticated, semi-secluded environment with lush landscaping and a convenient location near St. Johns Town Center.

The 18-hole championship course, designed by Robert Miller, is known for its rolling terrain, large greens, and scenic water features. The private club features a welcoming clubhouse with multiple dining options, eight Har-Tru lit tennis courts, three pickleball courts, a junior Olympic-size pool, and an active social scene, as well as junior programs.

Properties range from $600,000 to just under $1.5 million, featuring well-maintained traditional and ranch-style residences, many of which offer golf course views and spacious lots.

A few minutes north of Deercreek sits Deerwood Country Club, one of Jacksonville's first gated golf communities. Deerwood combines timeless elegance with exclusivity. It is home to executives, professionals, and multi-generational residents who value privacy, security, and a refined lifestyle.

The 18-hole championship course had two three-year stints hosting the PGA Tour's Greater Jacksonville Open—the forerunner to The PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass—and is supported by a 25,000 square foot clubhouse, Aquatic Center with junior Olympic pool, 12 court tennis center (with four pickleball courts), fitness facility, fine dining, and extensive social events.

The surrounding neighborhood is a showcase for estate-style residences, with the majority of golf course homes occupying half-acre lots. An abundance of contemporary, ranch, and traditional architecture range in price from $500,000 to more than $2.5 million.

Widely considered the region's preeminent country club experience (including those found in St. Johns County), Glen Kernan Golf and Country Club is one of the most prestigious communities in Jacksonville. Glen Kernan is a private, gated enclave known for its exclusivity, privacy, and timeless estate architecture.

The centerpiece of the community is the club's fully refreshed 18-hole gem. Originally designed by Robert Walker, the course underwent a redesign and reimagining in 2024, led by Jim Furyk. Situated across a 250-acre sanctuary, the members-only course is a serious golfer's dream layout, challenging yet fun in equal measure. Additional amenities include a newly renovated clubhouse, designed to better fulfill each member's unique needs, enhanced dining options, and a redeveloped racquet sports program featuring eight tennis courts and four pickleball courts.

Glen Kernan features extraordinary custom-built estates, starting at $1.5 million and often reaching $3 million. Golf course lots are also available starting at $900,000.

A few minutes northeast of Glen Kernan and a 10-minute drive to Jacksonville Beach, the centrally located and gated Jacksonville Golf and Country Club is known for its championship golf and active social scene. It's also a family-driven club with a fully formed experience that offers something for all members, both young and old. It's no surprise that the club and adjoining community is one of the city's most popular private neighborhoods.

Lauded for its layout, conditioning, and ability to challenge and delight all skill levels, the Clyde Johnston/Fuzzy Zoeller-designed course features wide fairways and fast greens, stretching to nearly 6,900 yards. The club boasts four dining options, a fitness center, 10 lighted Har-Tru courts, a swimming complex, and a robust program for adults, juniors, and families. On the horizon is $30 million in enhancements to the clubhouse and renovation of the golf course.

Residences typically range from $ 700,000 to $1.5 million, with a vast majority of the neighborhood offering golf course frontage beneath a verdant canopy of trees.

For those seeking a waterfront living alongside their country club lifestyle, Queens Harbour Yacht & Country Club delivers on all fronts. This rare fusion of golf and waterfront living offers boating enthusiasts access to the Intracoastal Waterway, a private marina, and an 18-hole golf course, all just minutes from the beaches.

The serpentine, Mark McCumber-designed course is renowned for its scenic water views and challenging layout as it winds its way between opulent homes and along deep-water canals, culminating in a grand finale on a stunning set of closing holes. Fulfilling its yachting promise, members also enjoy access to a 76-slip marina, tennis courts, clubhouse dining, and fulfilling kid- and family-based activities.

Grand residences from $1.2M to $5M grace both the golf course and waterfront lots, offering private docks and spectacular views.

Jacksonville's luxury golf enclaves offer a lifestyle that goes far beyond each club's immaculate tees, fairways, and greens. Whether you're seeking exclusivity, resort-caliber amenities, or a lifestyle tailored to your vision of luxury living, you'll find it among Jacksonville's golf course communities.

Interested in discovering even more of Jacksonville? Contact the KST Group today to start your home-buying or selling journey. Allow our years of experience and expertise to help you navigate Jacksonville's luxury real estate scene and make your residential dreams a reality.