Golf Insider

Pairing big-name architects on a single golf course is not an uncommon marketing occurrence. But, too often, those courses are schizophrenic: nine holes of Famous Architect A and nine holes of Famous Architect B.

The King and Bear, by all accounts, was a true collaboration between two of the biggest names in golf, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. These icons really worked together at the home of the World Golf Village, and it shows all through the course.

You see the wide fairways of Nicklaus and the fast greens of Palmer. Both like pot bunkers – a Scottish influence – and you'll see those out here, on the sides and sometimes in the wide, undulating fairways.

The King and Bear is bigger and brawnier than the other course at the World Golf Village, the Slammer and Squire, as befits the two big names. The fairways give golfers more options to reach the greens, though there are some formidable obstacles to keep it interesting. Both courses pick up movement around the green complexes.

Like the two big oaks that guard the No. 3 green, if you're facing an approach shot anywhere close to the left side of the fairway. No. 5 is a cool hole: It challenges you off the tee with bunkers and water. If you carry the bunkers with your drive, you're looking at reaching the par-5 easily in two. If not, trouble lurks.

You'll have a hoot playing a course designed by Palmer and Nicklaus. For more information, call 904-940-6088.