Best for: Bucket-list experience, serious golfers who want to test themselves on a PGA TOUR course, anyone who has ever watched THE PLAYERS on TV and wanted to stand on that 17th tee

Insider tip: Request a forecaddie even though one is included — they know every pin position and wind pattern. On 17, the hole plays longer than 137 yards because adrenaline and wind play tricks. Club up one. Also, play Dye's Valley the day before the Stadium to calibrate to Pete Dye's visual intimidation style.

Best for: Groups who want the TPC Sawgrass experience at half the price. An excellent course in its own right — not a consolation prize.

Insider tip: The Valley Course was redesigned by Bobby Weed (a Pete Dye protege) and renamed from the original Valley Course. It shares the same conditioning standards as the Stadium Course at a fraction of the cost. Smart groups play the Valley on day one to warm up before the Stadium.

Best for: Groups who want to play a course designed by two legends (Palmer and Nicklaus) at a public-access price point. Strong value play.

Insider tip: The King & Bear is the only course in the world co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Each architect designed alternating holes, and you can feel the style shift. The World Golf Hall of Fame is adjacent — worth a visit for golf history buffs, especially if someone in the group has a rain-delay afternoon.

Best for: Mid-handicappers and groups looking for a fun, playable round at a fair price. Good warm-up course before the TPC tracks.

Insider tip: Named for Sam Snead (The Slammer) and Gene Sarazen (The Squire). The course is designed by Bobby Weed with consultation from both legends. More forgiving than King & Bear with wider fairways and receptive greens. Book afternoon tee times for the best rates.

Best for: Couples trips and upscale groups who want the luxury resort experience with ocean-adjacent golf. The Inn is a Forbes Four-Star property.

Insider tip: The Ocean Course was recently renovated by Bobby Weed and plays as a modern seaside design with expansive fairways and creative green complexes. The inn itself is old Florida elegance — rocking chairs, ocean breezes, cocktails at sunset. If your group includes non-golfers who want a premium beach and spa experience, this is the lodging pick.

Best for: Groups looking for a solid round at a reasonable price without the resort premium. Good for a third or fourth day when the budget tightens.

Insider tip: Marsh Creek is a Mark McCumber design that locals love and visitors overlook. The course winds through salt marshes with tidal views and plenty of wildlife. It is a genuine St. Augustine experience — less polished than TPC but more authentic in its sense of place.