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.
- Tiburón Golf Club – Naples
- Highlights: Two 18-hole Greg Norman-designed courses (Gold and Black), host to the LPGA’s CME Group Tour Championship and the PGA Tour’s QBE Shootout.
- Visitor Tips: Book tee times in advance, especially during peak season, as it’s a highly sought-after destination.
- Nearby Stays: The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, located on-site, offers luxury accommodations with stunning course views.
- TPC Treviso Bay – Naples
- Highlights: Arthur Hills-designed course, Champions Tour ACE Group Classic host, challenging water features throughout.
- Visitor Tips: This is a private club, but tee times may be available through select accommodations or packages.
- Nearby Stays: Treviso Bay Vacation Rentals offer proximity and comfort for golfers.
- Lely Resort Golf & Country Club – Naples
- Highlights: Two renowned public courses—Flamingo Island by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Mustang by Lee Trevino.
- Visitor Tips: Flamingo Island is known for its scenic island green, while Mustang provides a more player-friendly experience.
- Nearby Stays: Lely Vacation Villas, a short distance from the course, provide convenience and comfort.
- ArrowHead Golf Club – Naples
- Highlights: Award-winning public course with 16 lakes and a player-friendly layout.
- Visitor Tips: Known for its affordability and excellent condition, it’s great for beginners and experienced players alike.
- Nearby Stays: Hampton Inn Naples I-75 is a popular choice for visiting golfers.
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.
