Florida is known for its beautiful weather and lush landscapes, making it a prime destination for golf enthusiasts. With numerous world-class golf courses, both private and public, the Sunshine State offers a diverse range of golfing experiences. Here’s a list of some of the top golf courses in Florida:
TPC Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Home to The Players Championship, TPC Sawgrass is one of Florida’s most iconic golf destinations. It features the famous par-3 17th island green, making it a must-play course for any golfer.
Streamsong Resort (Red Course) – Bowling Green, FL
Streamsong Resort boasts three championship golf courses, with the Red Course being the most renowned. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, it offers a unique and challenging links-style experience.
Trump National Doral Miami – Doral, FL
With five championship golf courses, including the famed Blue Monster, this resort is a golfer’s paradise. The Blue Monster has hosted prestigious events like the WGC-Cadillac Championship.
Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) – Palm Harbor, FL
Home to the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship, the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort is known for its tight fairways and undulating greens, providing a true test of skill.
Bay Hill Club & Lodge – Orlando, FL
Founded by Arnold Palmer, Bay Hill is a classic Florida course. The Arnold Palmer Invitational is held here annually, attracting top PGA Tour professionals.
Dunes Golf & Tennis Club – Sanibel Island, FL
Located on the serene Sanibel Island, this semi-private course offers breathtaking views and challenging play, making it a hidden gem in Florida.
Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club – Naples, FL
This historic course has been a favorite among golfers for generations. Its seaside location and well-manicured fairways make it a memorable destination.
PGA National Resort & Spa – Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Home to the Honda Classic, PGA National boasts five outstanding courses. The Champion Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is particularly famous for its “Bear Trap.”
Old Memorial Golf Club – Tampa, FL
A private club designed by Steve Smyers and Ron Whitten, Old Memorial is known for its immaculate conditions and strategic layout, providing an exceptional golfing experience.
Seminole Golf Club – Juno Beach, FL
One of the most exclusive and prestigious clubs in the world, Seminole has a rich history and is consistently ranked among the top courses globally. It’s a must-play for golf connoisseurs.
Additional Golf Courses Worth Exploring
In addition to the top courses mentioned above, Florida offers a plethora of other excellent golfing destinations. Here are a few more notable ones:
World Woods Golf Club – Brooksville, FL
Featuring two championship courses, Pine Barrens and Rolling Oaks, World Woods is known for its pristine conditions and unique design, offering a true wilderness golf experience
Trump International Golf Club – West Palm Beach, FL
Designed by Jim Fazio, this course combines challenging play with stunning vistas, creating a memorable golfing experience.
TPC Tampa Bay – Lutz, FL
Designed by Bobby Weed with player consultant Chi-Chi Rodriguez, this course is renowned for its challenging layout and impeccable conditioning.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes – Orlando, FL
Nestled in a luxurious resort, this Greg Norman-designed course provides a serene and upscale golf experience.
Hammock Beach Resort (Ocean Course) – Palm Coast, FL
The Ocean Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, offers oceanfront golfing with spectacular views and challenging holes.
Waldorf Astoria Golf Club – Orlando, FL
This Rees Jones-designed course is known for its lush fairways and picturesque surroundings, making it a favorite among Orlando’s golfing options.
Black Diamond Ranch – Lecanto, FL
Home to the Quarry Course, a Tom Fazio masterpiece, Black Diamond Ranch offers a unique and visually stunning golf experience.
The Concession Golf Club – Bradenton, FL
Designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin, this course features wide fairways and large greens, providing a balanced challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
Calusa Pines Golf Club – Naples, FL
A private club designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, Calusa Pines is known for its strategic design and immaculate course conditions.
Royal Poinciana Golf Club – Naples, FL
A classic Donald Ross design, this private club offers a traditional golfing experience with challenging greens and a rich history.
TPC Sawgrass
| Course Name | Location | Designer(s) | Notable Feature | Hosts The Players Championship? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPC Sawgrass | Ponte Vedra Beach | Pete Dye | 17th Island Green | Yes |
| Streamsong Resort (Red Course) | Bowling Green | Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw | Links-style Course | No |
| Trump National Doral Miami | Doral | Various | Blue Monster | Yes |
| Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) | Palm Harbor | Larry Packard | Tight fairways, undulating greens | Yes |
| Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Orlando | Dick Wilson and Arnold Palmer | Classic Florida Course | Yes |
| Dunes Golf & Tennis Club | Sanibel Island | Mark McCumber | Seaside Views | No |
| Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club | Naples | Ron Garl | Beachside Location | No |
| PGA National Resort & Spa | Palm Beach Gardens | Various | “Bear Trap” | Yes |
| Old Memorial Golf Club | Tampa | Steve Smyers and Ron Whitten | Immaculate Conditions | No |
| Seminole Golf Club | Juno Beach | Donald Ross | Exclusive & Prestigious | No |
Additional Noteworthy Courses
| Course Name | Location | Designer(s) | Notable Feature | PGA Tour Events Hosted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Woods Golf Club | Brooksville | Tom Fazio | Wilderness Experience | No |
| Trump International Golf Club | West Palm Beach | Jim Fazio | Stunning Vistas | No |
| TPC Tampa Bay | Lutz | Bobby Weed and Chi-Chi Rodriguez | Challenging Layout | No |
| Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes | Orlando | Greg Norman | Serene & Upscale | No |
| Hammock Beach Resort (Ocean Course) | Palm Coast | Jack Nicklaus | Oceanfront Golf | Yes |
Courses in Luxury Resorts
| Course Name | Resort Name | Location | Designer(s) | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldorf Astoria Golf Club | Waldorf Astoria Orlando | Orlando | Rees Jones | Lush Fairways |
| Black Diamond Ranch | Black Diamond Ranch | Lecanto | Tom Fazio | Quarry Course |
| The Concession Golf Club | The Concession Golf Club | Bradenton | Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin | Wide Fairways |
| Calusa Pines Golf Club | Calusa Pines Golf Club | Naples | Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry | Strategic Design |
| Royal Poinciana Golf Club | Royal Poinciana Golf Club | Naples | Donald Ross | Classic Design |
Course Statistics
| Course Name | Par | Yardage (Championship Tees) | Slope Rating | Course Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPC Sawgrass | 72 | 7,189 yards | 155 | 76.8 |
| Streamsong Resort (Red Course) | 72 | 7,148 yards | 130 | 74.7 |
| Trump National Doral Miami | 72 | 7,590 yards | 142 | 76.6 |
| Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) | 71 | 7,340 yards | 142 | 75.0 |
| Bay Hill Club & Lodge | 72 | 7,419 yards | 141 | 75.1 |
Booking and Accessibility
| Course Name | Public or Private | Booking Information | Peak Season Rates (18 holes) | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPC Sawgrass | Public | Online or Phone | $300 – $450 | Moderate |
| Streamsong Resort (Red Course) | Public | Online or Phone | $150 – $275 | Moderate |
| Trump National Doral Miami | Public | Online or Phone | $250 – $400 | Moderate |
| Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) | Resort Guest/Private | Resort Booking | $250 – $375 | Moderate |
| Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Private | Members and Guests | Exclusive | Limited |
When planning your golf trip to Florida, consider your skill level, budget, and desired location within the state. Whether you’re looking for a challenging championship course or a relaxed round with friends, Florida’s golf courses offer a wide range of options to suit your preferences. Additionally, be sure to check the current status and any COVID-19 restrictions or requirements at these courses, as they may vary.
