25 of The Best Golf Courses in Florida
Florida has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in America. Recognized widely for not just its quantity of courses but for its quality, you can play stellar golf in the Sunshine State 365 days a year.
Throw away those thoughts of boring, uninspiring, flat courses and see for yourself why these 25 greens get top marks.
How Was This List Made?
If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air, we’ve got 25 of the best golf courses in Florida, curated by a top collegiate player. Chosen for superior course design, stunning location, or history, they range from kid-friendly to stay-and-play gems to some of the most exclusive private courses in the United States.
Trump Doral – Miami Suburbs
Trump Doral has four courses, the most famous of which is the Blue Monster. It hosted PGA Tour events for 55 years and has undergone a recent renovation by Gil Hanse. Though it might not seem like it at first glance, only the best golfers dare challenge this 7600-yard beast.
You’ll finish your challenging round on the 475-yard 18th, arguably the most demanding hole.
PGA National Championship Course – Palm Beach Gardens
Famous for hosting the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic, the Championship Course at PGA National has one of the most challenging three-hole stretches in the United States– the Bear Trap.
Named after the course’s legendary designer, Jack Nicklaus, these three holes (15-17) will test any golfer’s shot-making. Escape out of these three with pars, and you’ll likely have a great round at one of the Tour’s most challenging layouts.
World Golf Hall of Fame’s King and Bear – St. Augustine
Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer are two of the greatest golfers ever– they have 25 majors combined. What is not as commonly known is that they are also some of the greatest golf course architects of all time. King and Bear at the World Golf Hall of Fame is their only collaboration, where forced carries, water hazards, and demanding par 3s challenge players. After the round, visit the World Golf Hall of Fame exhibit!
Innisbrook Golf Resort’s Copperhead Course – Tampa Bay
Home to the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship, the Copperhead Course is one of the tightest courses you can imagine. The Snake Pit– the finalizing three-hole stretch from holes 16-18– is one of the most brutal three-hole stretches on the PGA Tour. As you walk up the hill towards 18 green, know that you are about to encounter a series of holes that is hard even on the best golfers in the world.
TPC Sawgrass- Stadium Course – Ponte Vedra Beach
The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass hosts the Players’ Championship, the PGA Tour’s most lucrative non-major event. If you follow the Tour, you know about the electric final three holes, highlighted by the par-three 17th. The penultimate hole on this course has an island green and has seen the likes of Tiger Woods, Rickie Fowler, and Justin Thomas win because of this hole, and many more lose because of it.
Disney Magnolia Course – Lake Buena Vista
Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course, a Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary certified by Audubon International, is a haven for pro and serious golfers and an exciting challenge for players of all skill levels. Named after its majestic magnolia trees and features elevated tees, spacious greens, and challenging water hazards. Wide fairways tempt you to hit it long but beware: 11 of the 18 holes feature water hazards, and dozens of sand bunkers dot the landscape.
Redesigned in 2022 with a newly elevated design and innovative layout, it’s undoubtedly an ideal stop on everyone’s Disney trip. It features new teeing grounds, redesigned greenside and fairway bunkers, and freshly re-contoured Bermuda grass greens with fast and accurate putting surfaces. Everything contributes to one of the best golf course conditioning experiences for guests in recent years.
Lake Nona Golf and Country Club – Orlando
Home to many European and International Tour pros making their residence in Orlando, Lake Nona is about as pure as it gets. The course layout winds around three lakes (one of which is Lake Nona), with water hazards adorning most holes while making them much more difficult.
Many believe Lake Nona’s best spots are the last six, including 15, a mid-length par five that wraps around a lake. With two good shots, you are looking at birdie; one miss, however, and a sure bogey awaits. It’s one of Orlando’s best golf courses.
The Biltmore – Coral Gables
Located on the outskirts of Miami, the Biltmore golf course is a fantastic 18-hole track that accompanies one of Florida’s most opulent and historic hotels. The Biltmore hosts the Junior Orange Bowl yearly, one of the world’s strongest junior tournaments. The 1st hole is one of the most fun on the property, as it requires a massive slice for right-handed players to reach the par 5 in two.
Streamsong Red – Bowling Green
The only course by legendary duo Coore and Crenshaw, Streamsong Red, is perennially within America’s top 20 golf courses you can play. While the fairways are wide, you must be on the right side of the short grass to attack pins. The architects also provided some classic blueprint holes, like the Biarritz 16th. If you can play Streamsong Red, enjoy the ride, as Coore and Crenshaw never disappoint.
Orange County National – Winter Garden
While its 36 holes of championship golf are pristine, Orange County National’s practice facility is what makes it unique. It boasts the largest practice area in the country, equipped with a 360-degree practice range.
As for the courses, both deserve to make the list of best golf courses in Florida. Crooked Cat is a links-style layout in Central Florida, with plenty of room off the tee. However, this course will challenge players with long holes and sloped green complexes.
Isleworth Golf and Country Club – Orlando
Isleworth has been home to many Tour pros, like Mark O’Meara and Tiger Woods. The course extends to 7600 yards from the tips and is simply immaculate. The Club has a deep rivalry with Lake Nona, and professional members from either Club would play the Tavistock Cup to determine the World Golf and Country Club Champion. If you can play Isleworth, enjoy the excellent conditions and layout of the championship course.
Bay Hill Golf Club – Orlando Suburbs
Designed by the great late Arnold Palmer, Bay Hill GC hosts one of the premier events on the PGA Tour, the Arnold Palmer Invitational. It is also the site of Bryson DeChambeau’s famous attempts to drive the 6th green, a par five that wraps around a lake. When you get to that hole, I invite you to try and go for the green, just like him!
9 Private Clubs – Jupiter and Surrounding Areas
A majority of the top golfers live in Jupiter Florida and practice as the areas exclusive private golf courses. If you ever get the chance to play with a member at these 9 courses, don’t let it pass you by.
- Trump National is a Jack Nicklaus signature design, with some beautifully built par 3s. The 11th is a mid-to short-iron, while the 14th green is angled from right to left and features a redan-like putting surface.
- Jupiter Hills is Tom Fazio’s all-time favorite course, set on a truly unique piece of land with many elevation changes. It’s rare for a Florida golf course to provide views of the horizon for miles and miles.
- Bears Club is home to many PGA Tour pros is notoriously tough to get on the course. It is a tour-style golf course that will penalize you badly if you miss the wrong spots but provide you with lots of scoring opportunities.
- For golf purists, McArthur Golf Club is the place to be. The finishing holes save the best for last. The 18th is lined with water left and a waste area right and requires two accurate golf shots for a look at a birdie.
- The Dye Preserve is one of the most exclusive clubs in South Florida and is pure and complicated. The 17th hole, measuring 240 yards from the back, tees as golfers must contend with a lake that runs all along the right side of the hole.
- Floridian National has Augusta National-style bunkering, with steep faces covered by pristine white sand. When playing the track, pay close attention to the finishing holes.
- The Medalist is a hot spot for PGA Tour pros, attracting players like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and Justin Thomas. Designed by Greg Norman and Pete Dye in 1995, the Club has always been open to touring professionals using its facilities.
- Perhaps the most exclusive golf club in Florida, Seminole Golf club, is where Ben Hogan would practice for months in preparation for the Masters Golf Tournament.
- Seminole might be Donald Ross’s most incredible creation and has never left the top 20 of Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.
Two Top Private Clubs in Naples
This Florida town is known for its beaches, boating, and exceptional golf. If you get invited to play at one of these private clubs, take it!
- Naples National is highly regarded for its striking waste areas and perfectly manicured tee boxes, fairways, and greens.
- Designed by the same architects as Naples National, Calusa Pines is known for bold bunkering, elevated greens, and rolling fairways. The golf course features two drivable par 4s and various short par 5s, but don’t be fooled, as any missed golf green will likely lead to a bogey.
Three More of Florida’s Top Private Golf Courses
These private golf courses across the state are also some of Florida’s Best:
- LPGA International has two 18-hole layouts, the Jones and Hills Courses. If you’re looking for a more forgiving course with wider fairways, go for the Jones. However, the Hills course will challenge your game more with faster greens and more character.
- Named after Jack Nicklaus’s simple but legendary gesture in conceding a putt to Tony Jacklin in the 1969 Ryder Cup (thus leading to a tie), The Concession Golf club in Bradenton is an ultra-private club that came into the spotlight for hosting a World Golf Championships event in 2021.
- At Black Diamond Ranch, you must leave behind the distinctive Florida features, like a flat layout and houses. Instead, the Quarry course has stunning views and features enormous cliffs and elevation changes. Be on the lookout for holes 13-17, as they all feature canyon walls.
NEXT: I’ve Golfed for 50 Years. Here’s 10 U.S. Golf Resorts Worth the Trip
Golf is played in some of the most beautiful places. If you want to combine your passion for golf with your next vacation, here are ten relaxing properties where the greens are just as impressive as the resort.
I’ve Golfed for 50 Years. Here’s 10 U.S. Golf Resorts Worth the Trip
The 17 Best Golf Courses in Orlando (Starting at $24 a Round)
Did you know that Orlando is also The Happiest Place on Earth for golfers? With more than 100 to choose from, golf courses far outnumber theme parks in Orlando.
From world-renowned championship courses to breathtaking resort layouts and family-friendly par 3s, there’s something for every player and every budget. Whether you’re an experienced golfer, just starting, or looking for a course to take your kids, choosing one can be daunting. Take a planning shortcut with our curated list of the best courses in Orlando.
The 17 Best Golf Courses in Orlando (Starting at $24 a Round)
8 of the Best Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach, The Golf Capital of The World
The golf scene at Myrtle Beach is one of the best in America. This perennial South Carolina vacation destination has some of the best, unique, and most challenging golf courses in the United States. It has rightfully earned the title of the Golf Capital of the World.
Each course was picked for a design with the landscape in mind, technical challenges, and stunning views. From light courses that are inexpensive and fun to enjoy to more demanding tracks that will test even the best players, there’s sure to be something on this list for you.
8 of the Best Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach, The Golf Capital of The World
The 8 Best Public Golf Courses in the South
Unfortunately, with so many private golf courses and exclusive memberships in the South, the high price of playing a round might keep you off the greens.
If you’re looking not only for accessible golf courses but ones that you can play year-round, this list of public golf courses in the South is for you.
