
Atlantic Beach Course
Atlantic Beach Country Club




About this course
Atlantic Beach Country Club sits on a barrier island along Florida's northeastern coast, just east of Jacksonville. The course was originally designed by Ernie Smith and later redesigned by Erik Larsen, reflecting the evolution common to many mid-century Florida clubs as they adapted to modern equipment and membership expectations. The routing occupies relatively flat terrain typical of coastal Florida, with play shaped by prevailing ocean breezes that can significantly affect club selection and strategy. The course features the region's characteristic sandy soil and native vegetation, including palms and coastal grasses. Water hazards—both natural and constructed—appear throughout the layout, demanding accurate approach shots and thoughtful course management. Several holes play near or alongside tidal marshes that define the island's interior landscape. The club serves as a traditional private facility for the Atlantic Beach community, offering a mix of golf and social amenities common to established country clubs in northeastern Florida. Its location provides convenient access for Jacksonville-area members while maintaining the quieter, residential character of the barrier island setting. The course reflects the practical design sensibilities of its era, prioritizing playability for a range of skill levels while incorporating enough strategic interest to engage accomplished players.
Quick facts
- Location
- Atlantic Beach, FL, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1966
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- Ernie Smith, Erik Larsen
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,810 yards
- Difficulty
- 77.8/145
- Course Vaults score
- 8.0
Getting there
Atlantic Beach Country Club is most easily reached via Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), situated approximately 30 miles to the south, a straightforward 45-minute drive north along coastal highways that gradually shift from urban sprawl to the quieter, tree-lined streets of the historic Atlantic Beach neighborhood. For those arriving by private aircraft, nearby Herlong Airport and Jacksonville's executive terminals offer discreet alternatives to the commercial hub. The final miles unfold along the Atlantic's edge, where salt-air breezes and glimpses of the Intracoastal Waterway signal arrival at one of Florida's most storied private clubs, its understated elegance emerging from beneath the canopy of live oaks that have sheltered its fairways and membership for generations.

FAQ
Common questions about Atlantic Beach
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Atlantic Beach has a Course Vaults score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 17 logged golfers.
Atlantic Beach was designed by Ernie Smith and Erik Larsen.
Atlantic Beach is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Atlantic Beach is 71.
Atlantic Beach plays 6,810 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Atlantic Beach is 145.



