Construction work has begun on a new 18-hole course for the Esplanade at St. Marys resort lifestyle community being developed close to the Florida-Georgia border.

Golf course architect Chris Wilczynski designed the course and practice facilities for real estate developer Taylor Morrison, which plans to build 1,300 homes at the community. This will be Wilczynski’s sixth course for the developer, and follows his work on another Esplanade-branded course at Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota, Florida, which was completed in 2020.

“I’m honoured to be working with Taylor Morrison again on the evolution of their next Esplanade golf community,” he said. “Working as a team for over 10 years to develop new golf courses and help grow the game of golf has been a real source of inspiration for me.”

The course at St. Marys will have five sets of tees, playing from 3,805 to 7,069 yards. It will feature grass-faced bunkers and TifEagle greens varying in size from 5,100 to 8,300 square feet.

“The Lowcountry site at St. Marys is replete with beautifully wooded wetlands and exposure to the St. Marys River, which defines the border between Florida and Georgia,” said Wilczynski. “Several of the holes rest adjacent to the wetland areas and existing pine trees, which will frame the holes and create a private enclave and sanctuary for golfers to enjoy.”

Wilczynski has worked with engineering firm Atwell, landscape planners RVi and irrigation consultant Aqua Turf International to plan the project, and is currently overseeing construction by golf contractor Ryangolf. 

“I’ve been designing golf courses for 30-plus years now and beauty, playability and thoughtful design elements and risk-reward holes for golfers of all ages and skill levels is always top of mind,” said Wilczynski. “The goal is to make every Esplanade course feel authentic, like a natural extension of its environment so every project has a distinct sense of place. Those characteristics will start to flourish in this next phase.”