Florida is renowned not only for its sunny skies and pristine beaches but also as a golfer’s haven, offering some of the most picturesque and challenging courses in the world. With over a thousand golf courses scattered across the state, Florida offers a diverse array of greens where beginners can hone their skills and experts can test their mettle. From the Panhandle to the Keys, here’s a detailed guide to some of Florida’s premier golf destinations where you can tee off in style.
1. TPC Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra Beach
TPC Sawgrass is perhaps the most famous golf course in Florida, known worldwide for its iconic 17th hole—the notorious “Island Green.” This course is a dream play for many golf enthusiasts and is a regular host of the PGA TOUR’s Players Championship. Designed by Pete Dye, TPC Sawgrass offers not just challenging play but also stunning vistas with its lush fairways and strategically placed hazards. Beyond the world-class golf, the club’s Mediterranean-style clubhouse and top-notch dining make it a luxurious escape for any golfer.
2. Streamsong Resort – Bowling Green
Located in the remote landscapes of Bowling Green, Streamsong Resort offers three distinct courses: Red, Blue, and Black, each designed by different world-renowned architects—Coore & Crenshaw, Tom Doak, and Gil Hanse, respectively. These courses are celebrated for their rugged beauty, dramatic contours, and vast, rolling landscapes free of any residential developments. The resort itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture and offers amenities that include fine dining, a spa, and outdoor activities like bass fishing and sporting clays.
3. Seminole Golf Club – Juno Beach
Ranked as one of the top courses in the world, Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach is a classic Donald Ross design that has challenged golfers since 1929. Known for its breezy conditions and fast greens, Seminole offers a test of skill that attracts the game’s best players. While it is one of the most exclusive clubs in the world, those who have the opportunity to play here enjoy not only the historic course design but also spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
4. The Bear’s Club – Jupiter
Founded by Jack Nicklaus in 1999, The Bear’s Club in Jupiter is a private golf haven offering a challenging 18-hole championship course. The course features a mix of pines, palmettos, and wetlands, with strategic bunkering and pristine greens. The Bear’s Club is known for its exclusivity and its luxurious facilities, including a Tuscan-inspired clubhouse and top-tier accommodations.
5. Bay Hill Club & Lodge – Orlando
Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge is a staple of Florida golf culture. Home to the Arnold Palmer Invitational, this prestigious course offers 27 holes of tour championship golf. The course layout requires precision and strategy, with long fairways, large lakes, and lush greens. Staying at the lodge offers a full resort experience, with a spa, fitness center, and various dining options.
6. Trump National Doral Miami – Doral
Trump National Doral Miami is home to the famous Blue Monster course, host to numerous PGA Tour events over its storied history. Recently renovated by Gil Hanse, the course features deep bunkers, long fairways, and challenging water hazards. The resort itself mirrors the grandeur of the courses with luxurious accommodations, a sprawling clubhouse, and a range of recreational amenities.
7. Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort – Palm Harbor
Known especially for its Copperhead Course, which plays host to the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship, Innisbrook Resort offers four courses set against the backdrop of 900 wooded acres of rolling hills. The courses are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, featuring tight fairways, imposing bunkers, and water hazards. Beyond golf, the resort offers various leisure activities, from tennis to indulgent spa services.
8. PGA National Resort – Palm Beach Gardens
PGA National Resort is a golfer’s dream, hosting the Honda Classic on its Champion course and offering four additional courses that provide a variety of challenges for all levels of play. The Champion course features the “Bear Trap,” which is known as one of the toughest three-hole stretches on the PGA TOUR. The resort’s amenities include a European spa, a sports and racquet club, and a variety of dining options.
Florida’s golf courses offer more than just a day on the links—they provide a complete luxury experience that caters to both the golf aficionado and the casual player. Each course, with its distinctive landscape and design, tells a unique story and presents new challenges that invite golfers to return time and again. Whether you’re looking to play where the pros play or enjoy a quiet round in a scenic setting, Florida’s golf courses deliver with unparalleled style and hospitality. So, pack your clubs and prepare for an unforgettable golfing journey in the Sunshine State.