Best Golf Courses
Florida is a golfer’s paradise, home to some of the nation’s most scenic and challenging courses. From PGA Tour locations to luxurious resort courses with oceanfront views, Florida offers a diverse range of golf experiences for all skill levels. With options like TPC Sawgrass’s famous island green, Bay Hill’s lakeside holes, and Streamsong’s unique landscapes, golf enthusiasts can enjoy a mix of adventure, relaxation, and world-class amenities. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, Florida’s top courses promise unforgettable rounds in stunning settings.
Best Golf Destinations in Florida
- TPC Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra Beach
- Highlights: Known for its 17th-hole island green, this Pete Dye-designed course offers a serious challenge with its fast greens, water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers.
- Visitor Tips: Book tee times well in advance, especially around The Players Championship. The clubhouse offers dining and a well-stocked pro shop.
- Nearby Lodging: Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa provides premium accommodations, with packages available for golfers.
- Bay Hill Club & Lodge – Orlando
- Highlights: Arnold Palmer’s home course combines scenic lakeside fairways with complex greens.
- Events: Hosts the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where you can catch top PGA Tour pros in action.
- Amenities: The club offers luxury accommodations, dining, and a spa, making it ideal for both golf and relaxation.
- Trump National Doral Miami – Miami
- Highlights: The famous “Blue Monster” course challenges even seasoned golfers with its long fairways, water hazards, and fast greens.
- Nearby Attractions: Located near Miami’s vibrant downtown, with shopping and entertainment.
- Visitor Tips: The resort offers golf packages that include access to its spa and dining.
- Streamsong Resort – Bowling Green
- Highlights: Set in a unique landscape of sand dunes and lakes, Streamsong’s three award-winning courses are designed by legends like Tom Doak, Bill Coore, and Ben Crenshaw.
- Visitor Tips: Play in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun. Caddies are recommended to navigate challenging layouts.
- Accommodation: Streamsong Lodge offers on-site rooms with fine dining, fishing, and nature trails.
- PGA National Resort – Palm Beach Gardens
- Highlights: Home of the Honda Classic, this resort’s five courses include the famous Champion Course, with the “Bear Trap” holes known for testing even pro players.
- Visitor Tips: Reserve early around tournament season. Lessons and clinics are available for players of all levels.
- Nearby Lodging: On-site resort accommodations offer easy access, with packages that include rounds on multiple courses.
- The Breakers Ocean Course – Palm Beach
- Highlights: This classic, oceanfront course offers breathtaking views with challenging breezes and ocean hazards.
- Visitor Tips: It’s ideal for morning rounds to capture sunrise over the Atlantic. Resort guests have priority access.
- Dining and Lodging: The Breakers Hotel provides luxurious stays with oceanfront dining and a world-class spa.
- World Woods Golf Club – Brooksville
- Highlights: Two exceptional courses, Pine Barrens and Rolling Oaks, known for pristine natural settings and a variety of challenging holes.
- Visitor Tips: Stay the weekend to experience both courses. Tee times fill up quickly, so plan well in advance.
- Nearby Options: Budget-friendly hotels are available in nearby Spring Hill for longer stays.
- Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course – Palm Harbor
- Highlights: Known for hosting the Valspar Championship, this PGA Tour favorite features rolling hills and tree-lined fairways.
- Visitor Tips: Book in the spring for tournament season and enjoy amenities like a spa and multiple dining venues.
- On-Site Stays: Innisbrook Resort offers luxurious rooms with golf packages that include access to its four courses.
- The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club – Orlando
- Highlights: This championship course by Greg Norman is set amid pristine greenery and offers a quiet, private setting.
- Visitor Tips: The course is suitable for all skill levels, but lessons are available for newcomers.
- On-Site Dining and Lodging: Stay at the Ritz-Carlton for premium amenities, fine dining, and a relaxing spa experience.
- Amelia Island Plantation – Amelia Island
- Highlights: Fairways weave through maritime forests and scenic marshlands, providing a mix of beauty and challenge.
- Visitor Tips: Afternoon tee times capture the best lighting for views. Book packages that include both golf and beach access.
- Nearby Stays: Omni Amelia Island Resort offers direct access to the course and additional outdoor activities like tennis and kayaking.
These destinations provide exceptional experiences for all types of golfers, from scenic resort courses to professional-level challenges. Florida’s variety ensures every golfer can find the perfect course to match their skills and preferences.