Florida is a vibrant state located on the southeastern tip of the United States. It is nicknamed a Sunshine State because it has a tropical and subtropical climate.
In that case, it means Florida experiences mild winters and hot, humid summers. Unfortunately, this state is prone to hurricanes during the hurricane season, from June 1 to November 30.
When it comes to sports, Florida is frequently visited by golf enthusiasts, both local and foreign, while on the search for lush fairways and relaxing tropical conditions.
Are you among the golfers who go for top-notch satisfaction in their game at Florida?
Indeed, you’re lucky because you’ll never run short of the golf course. In Florida, there are over 1,250 Floridian golf courses.
If you’re not keen, you will easily get confused by the myriad options. However, to save you from such and other frustrations, here are the 30 best golf courses in Florida:
1. Streamsong-Blue (Bowling Green)
Notable Features
- Tom Doak and Bill Coore designed holes and land.
- Both Blue and Red courses stand out individually.
- Maintains dormant Bermuda fairways to tawny perfection without overseeding.
- Firm playing surfaces can be exasperating.
- Climbs a ridge, considered by some as the resort’s best.
- The par-5 17th with a cross hazard and the ground-game-focused par-4 18th form a formidable 1-2 punch.
- $259 for resort guests and $299 for non-resort guests.
You’ll experience the collaborative genius of Tom Doak and Bill Coore, where Streamsong-Blue shares the spotlight with its counterpart.
With skilled maintenance and challenging holes, especially the 6th and 4th, the resort offers a memorable finish on the 17th and 18th.
Explore the tawny perfection of Bermuda fairways and the artistry of this luxe golf haven.
2. PC Sawgrass-Stadium (Ponte Vedra Beach)
Notable Features
- Home of the Players Championship since 1982.
- Critics sniff at the artificiality of its swamp origin.
- Evolved design highlights Pete Dye’s visionary talent.
- Short par-4 4th, reachable par-5 11th, and long par-4 14th rank among Dye’s best.
- Requires a blend of power and finesse for shotmaking options.
- It is a handsome battleground with a towering clubhouse.
As you step into TPC Sawgrass-Stadium, hosting the Players Championship since 1982, embrace the unique battleground carved from a swamp.
The best part is feeling the unfolding visionary design by Pete Dye as you navigate signature holes.
Whether you admire or question the towering clubhouse, your golfing journey comes with a max fee of $259 for resort guests and $299 for non-resort guests.
3. Streamsong-Red (Bowling Green)
Notable Features
- Modern minimalism of Coore and Crenshaw meets a former phosphate mine’s landscape.
- Resembles a Scottish links course with bouncy, rollicking play.
- Built for creative shot-making and a ground game.
- Some tee leeway, but attacking from the proper angle is essential.
- Welcomes the ground game more than anywhere else in Florida.
Actually, the experience you get at Streamsong-Red might closely resemble that of Streamsong-Blue.
However, the Streamsong-Red is relatively unique. It’s not only among the best golf courses in Florida but also the course where modern minimalism meets a sandy landscape.
As per the views of many, Streamsong-Red resembles a Scottish links course. Notably, as you enjoy bouncy, rollicking play, embrace the opportunity for creative shot-making.
Furthermore, emphasize the ground game. Remember that this golf haven welcomes your unique approach, all for a max fee of $259 for resort guests and $299 for non-resort guests.
4. Oak Marsh Course, Omni Amelia Island Resort
Notable Features
- Recently renovated Pete Dye design.
- Part of the beautiful Sea Islands near Jacksonville.
Have you discovered a golfing haven at Omni Amelia Island Resort? Yes, nestled amid the enchanting Sea Islands, just north of Jacksonville, Omni Amelia Island Resort boasts the recently renovated Pete Dye masterpiece, the Oak Marsh Course.
With its superb design, it offers you an unforgettable golfing experience in a picturesque setting.
5. King & Bear Course, The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village
Notable Features
- Collaboration of Nicklaus, Palmer, Snead & Sarazen.
- Part of the renowned World Golf Village near St Augustine.
As you head south to St Augustine, home of the World Golf Village, you’re in for a treat. The King & Bear Course, a collaborative effort by golf legends Nicklaus, Palmer, Snead, and Sarazen, awaits your swing.
Therefore, visit this golf course, immerse yourself in golf history at the Hall of Fame, and revel in the glory of two glorious layouts. The King & Bear golf course ensures exceptional golf break in Florida.
6. Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill
Notable Features
- PGA Tour venue with three beautifully manicured loops.
- Luxurious accommodation, close to Orlando Airport.
Welcome to Arnold Palmer’s royal residence at Bay Hill Resort in Orlando. With three loops of nine and PGA Tour excitement, you’re in for a golfing treat.
Are you ready to stay in luxury and enjoy the proximity to Orlando Airport? Choose this golf course because you will still soak in the wonderfully relaxed Florida atmosphere.
You might even catch a glimpse of golfing royalty during the winter months.
7. Watson’s Independence Course, Reunion Resort
Notable Features
- Signature designs by Nicklaus, Palmer, and Watson.
- Watson course with unusual elevation changes and bunkering.
Among the best golf courses in Florida designed by golf legends, Watson’s Independence Course stands out with its unusual elevation changes and colossal bunkering.
Whether you conquer the challenges or refine your skills at the Annika Sorenstam Academy, Reunion promises great fun for every golfer.
8. Copperhead Course, The Innisbrook Resort
Notable Features
- Sensational Copperhead layout, a PGA Tour host.
- Lovely tree-lined routing with demanding tee shots.
Innisbrook Resort in Tampa beckons, home to the sensational Copperhead layout, a long-time PGA Tour favorite.
Why do you embrace the beauty of tree-lined fairways and the strategic challenges they present?
Admittedly, the Island course, a close rival of Copperhead Course, has undergone a massive renovation, ensuring you experience precision over power in this golfing paradise.
9. The Blue Monster Course, Trump National Doral Miami
Notable Features
- Massive upgrade by Gil Hanse in 2014.
- Located near downtown Miami, part of the Trump resort.
Get ready for an enhanced golfing experience at Trump National Doral Miami. Indeed, the Blue Monster, a long-time PGA Tour stop, underwent a massive upgrade in 2014, making it longer and tougher than ever.
Considering the best golf courses in Florida, why don’t you choose The Blue Monster Course? This vacation behemoth is located near downtown Miami and offers everything you could wish for onsite.
Now is the perfect time to try Trump for yourself and indulge in the renewed charm of these courses.
10. Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa: Conservatory Course
Notable Features
- Tom Watson-designed course, part of an award-winning resort.
- British links style with rococo architecture.
- Elaborate stonework, waterfalls, deep pot bunkers, and wave-like greens.
The Conservatory Course is a Golf Digest Editors’ Choice winner. This Tom Watson-designed gem stands out with British links-style elements, rococo architecture, and captivating features like waterfalls and deep pot bunkers.
Being here means you’re ready to experience a Florida resort course like no other. Indeed, at Conservatory Course, every hole tells a unique story of skill and precision.
11. Dye’s Valley, TPC Sawgrass
Notable Features
- The companion course to TPC Sawgrass is considered less challenging.
- Abundant water hazards, wider landing areas.
- Maintained to the same TOUR standard as the Stadium Course.
Your TPC Sawgrass experience is incomplete without playing Dye’s Valley. Although less challenging than its renowned counterpart, it offers enough danger to keep you focused.
To ensure that you get yet formidable round, Dye’s Valley has abundant water hazards and wider landing areas.
Ranked among the best golf courses in Florida, Dye’s Valley ensures a memorable golfing experience at the same TOUR standard as the Stadium Course.
12. PGA National Resort & Spa: Champion
Notable Features
- Hosts the annual Honda Classic.
- Redesigned by Jack Nicklaus, featuring “The Bear Trap.”
- Renowned as a true ball-striking test.
The PGA National Resort & Spa Champion Course hosts the prestigious Honda Classic. Redesigned by Jack Nicklaus, it challenges your ball-striking skills with the infamous “Bear Trap.”
That is a three-hole stretch known for its toughness. Since it’s considered one of the toughest courses on Tour, it provides a true test of precision and skill.
13. The Soffer Course, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
Notable Features
- Premier layout at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa.
- Redesigned by Raymond Floyd, hosted LPGA Tour events.
- Emphasis on precision over distance.
At JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, the Soffer Course, redesigned by Raymond Floyd, is a premier golfing destination.
Having hosted LPGA Tour events, this challenging layout prioritizes precision over distance.
If you’re ready to navigate the creeks strategically, come here and experience the allure of a first-class Miami golf course.
14. The Gold Course, Tiburón Golf Club
Notable Features
- Designed by Greg Norman, annually hosts PGA TOUR’s QBE Shootout.
- Demands accuracy with natural palms, pines, and lakes.
- The final hole requires a precise tee shot.
Tiburón Golf Club’s Gold Course in Naples demands accuracy amid natural beauty. Furthermore, it weaves through palms, pines, and lakes.
Did you that The Gold Course hosts the PGA TOUR’s QBE Shootout annually? In terms of reliability, this golf course presents a challenge.
Its holes require a precise tee shot before approaching the clubhouse and the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort.
15. World Woods Golf Club: Rolling Oaks
Notable Features
- Sister course to Pine Barrens, anticipated transformation by Cabot.
- Undulating fairways, Spanish-moss-draped trees.
- Potential redesign under Cabot’s ownership.
In Brooksville, FL, World Woods Golf Club’s Rolling Oaks, a sister to Pine Barrens, is poised for transformation under Cabot’s ownership.
Keep an eye on this anticipated evolution, as it promises to become an even more exceptional golfing destination in the coming years.
Now, here are other 15 additional best golf courses in Florida along with their notable features:
| Golf Course Name | Notable Features |
| 16. Old Corkscrew Golf Club | Jack Nicklaus design, routed through natural Southwest Florida landscape |
| 17. Tiburon Golf Club: Gold | Greg Norman’s courses at the Ritz-Carlton, stacked sod wall bunkers |
| 18. The Concession | Acclaimed course in Bradenton, notable design features |
| 19. Medalist (Hobe Sound) | Exclusive course in Hobe Sound with challenging layout |
| 20. Pine Tree (Boynton Beach) | Renowned course in Boynton Beach known for its tall pine trees |
| 21. Seminole Legacy (Tallahassee) | Legacy course in Tallahassee, known for its heritage |
| 22. Timuquana (Jacksonville) | Historic course in Jacksonville with traditional design |
| 23. Old Memorial (Tampa) | Tampa course with a memorial theme and notable features |
| 24. Isleworth (Windermere) | Exclusive course in Windermere with a prestigious reputation |
| 25. Belleair (Belleair) | Belleair course with distinctive characteristics |
| 26. Bay Hill (Orlando) [P] | Classic Orlando course associated with Arnold Palmer |
| 27. Trump National Doral – Blue (Miami) | Renovated course in Miami, part of Trump National Doral |
| 28. Grove XXIII (Hobe Sound) | Exclusive course in Hobe Sound associated with Michael Jordan |
| 29. CC of Florida (Boynton Beach) | Boynton Beach course known for its facilities and layout |
| 30. Emerald Dunes (West Palm Beach) | West Palm Beach course with emerald-like dunes |
Conclusion
There are a lot of golf course spread all over Florida. Therefore, choosing the best golf course in Florida will solely dependd on your preferences and skill level.
What you’re looking for in a golfing experience also matter but please look for reputable golf course. The details in this article can provide insights into the best courses in Florida.
If you’re on the hunt for a course that’s not just about swings but a true masterpiece, Streamsong-Blue at Bowling Green is your go-to.
I had the pleasure of experiencing the genius of Tom Doak and Bill Coore – trust me, it’s a golf haven.
From Bermuda fairways to challenging holes, especially the 6th and 4th, Streamsong-Blue golf course is an artistry of its own.
And guess what? It won’t break the bank with a max fee of $259 for resort guests and $299 for non-resort guests. Ready for a golfing adventure? Streamsong-Blue is waiting for you.
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