Our Story

A private club more than 60 years in the making.

In the 1890s — long before Jacksonville’s Southside area was filled with subdivisions, shopping centers and multi-lane highways — a man named Richard Greene Skinner purchased 50,000 pristine acres of North Florida’s finest land. In 1960, Richard’s grandson partnered with his brother and sister to turn 900 acres of that land into an exclusive residential community with stately homes and luxurious amenities. Thus, Deerwood Country Club was born.

Over the next few decades, Deerwood became a destination for golfers and tennis professionals the world over. George Cobb, a legendary golf architect, was commissioned to design the club’s course, while Jim McNair was hired to develop the program. By 1967, the club had earned the right to host the Greater Jacksonville Open (which later became THE PLAYERS Championship), a prestigious event that the club hosted from 1967-1969 and 1972-1975. As the club continued to grow, new programs were added. Soon, members were signing up for the Deerwood Riding and Hunt Club, Deerwood Swim Club and Deerwood Tennis Club. A private school (known today as Jacksonville Country Day School) was added to provide an extra incentive to families.

In 1970, Deerwood Country Club was sold to Stockton, Whatley & Davin; just 10 years later, it changed hands again, this time to Gate Petroleum. Under the ownership of Gate, the club added a fitness center in 1989. In 1999, the club’s members banded together to purchase the club from Gate, making Deerwood an equity club. In 2004 a $10 million renovation in that included a brand-new clubhouse, golf course and fitness center, was completed. 

Today, the Club is member-owned and has a 9-member elected Board of Governors responsible for governance and strategic planning among other committees.

Members and guests can enjoy a trained staff of  PGA Professionals that offer a complete instructional program and Golfing opportunities for members and guests of all ages and skill levels.

Racquet members and guests can enjoy a professional-quality match on our Har-Tru® courts and a host of other amenities through our Tennis and Pickleball programing that will be completed in January 2023.  The Club hosts tennis league and team play for adults and juniors at all USTA and Country Club levels.

Fitness members may maintain their current fitness routine or discover new ways to remain healthy and burn calories through group fitness classes. Staying active is a pleasure at Deerwood Country Club. Our Fitness Center is stocked with strength training equipment, cardio machines (including elliptical trainers, treadmills, stationary bicycles, recumbent bikes and stair machines), and a 1,300-square-foot group fitness studio complete the center.

Aquatics features a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool which is open year-round, with lifeguards on duty on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Our experienced aquatics instructors offer swim lessons and oversee the award-winning Deerwood Torpedoes swim team.   In addition to our main pool, we have a separate children’s pool and a heated Jacuzzi. In the summer months, our full-service snack bar offers a variety of food items, snacks and beverages. Enjoy your refreshments on our spacious shaded patio or at our pool pavilion, which overlooks the pool and the golf course. Deerwood Country Club is the Lifestyle you've been waiting for!