6 Best Golf Courses to Play in Florida

We know it’s a tall order to pick only a handful of Florida’s absolute best golf courses, where players have over 1,250 golf courses. That much variety means fans of the game have courses to suit different ways to play the game. Some courses emphasize obstacles or short-game skills, while others present beautiful fairways in a classic Florida style lined by swaying palm trees. And how do you compare ocean views against rolling sand hills? 

We were happy to undertake the challenge of picking out Florida’s top golf courses. Based on our play experiences and research of opinions from industry-leading experts, these courses deserve a spot on your must-play list. 

Seminole Golf Club

Address: 901 Seminole Blvd, Juno Beach, FL 33408

This private club may just be the best of the best in Florida. It appeared numerous times within the top three courses–if not the top course– on different golf expert lists. Legendary golf course architect Donald Ross brought out his best elements when he designed the Seminole Golf Club. Restorations and renovations (most recently by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore) have added to its test of the game.  

Inspiration was clearly taken from Ross’s home country, Scotland, and their wild oceanfront courses. The undulating fairways and strategic bunkers lead to deceptively challenging greens, as does the tight layout that plays off every sea breeze’s angle. Even though fairways are wide, all it takes is a gust to send your shot off-course. Did we mention the Atlantic Ocean is the course backdrop? Those views!

Accessing this exclusive club may be challenging. Even its website is members-only. The clubhouse is built with iconic Spanish-American architecture, down to the brightly pink stucco and wrought iron accents. 

TPC Sawgrass

Address: 110 Championship Way Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Best known as the host of The Players Championship since 1982, TPC Sawgrass is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour. In rankings for top course in Florida, it battles it out with Seminole Golf Club. 

The centerpiece of TPC Sawgrass is the Pete Dye-designed Stadium Course. It opened in 1980 and is famous for the “Island Green.” This iconic par-3 17th hole features a thin peninsula leading out to a rounded fairway surrounded by water. It’s one of the most recognizable holes in golf.

In addition to the Stadium Course, TPC Sawgrass has the Dye’s Valley Course, another option designed by Pete Dye in collaboration with Bobby Weed and player consultant Jerry Pate.

Golf enthusiasts worldwide visit TPC Sawgrass to experience the challenging layout and play the iconic 17th hole. It also features a world-class Golf Academy and performance center, providing instructional programs and lessons for players of all skill levels. Its state-of-the-art technology helps golfers improve their game.

TPC Sawgrass courses are open to the public for play, but membership includes complimentary greens fees on the Dye Valley course, walk-and-carry rounds, a ten-day booking window, reduced rates on the Stadium Course, and more. The relaxed atmosphere is always included, membership or not. 

The clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass is an impressive Mediterranean-style structure that overlooks the 18th green of the Stadium Course. It provides first-class amenities for members, guests, and players, but the clubhouse is open to the public all days of the week.

Streamsong Resort

Address: 1000 Streamsong Dr, Bowling Green, FL 33834

Only a few Floridians know where Bowling Green is, but players of the game definitely have heard of Streamsong Resort in central Florida. All three of its courses are repeatedly featured on top lists, particularly its Red course. Dramatic elevation changes are hard to come by in notoriously flat Florida, but you’ll find it at Streamstrong, thanks to its history as a quarry.

Architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw utilized the natural vista of this slightly more elevated landscape and the former quarry to craft a course with large sand dunes, bunkers, and wide fairways. The course offers a links-style layout with challenging green complexes. Native grasses frame the holes and add to the Florida charm. Again and again, the Red course appears among the nation’s best courses to play. 

Over at the Blue course, Tom Doak designed a course with equally challenging bunkers but more rolling terrain. He wanted to play off the quarry’s contours to craft something truly unique, and many believe he succeeded. 

The Black Course didn’t rank as highly, but perhaps because it’s a newer course that hasn’t been as much play time from experts yet. Even so, don’t think it’s a bottom-tier course—it’s still in the top 30 courses in Golfweek and Golf Digest. Stylistic, it brings a different style of play to Streamsong than the Red and Blue courses. Rather than quarry elevation changes, Black uses expansive contours and grand scaling possible in the wide-open central Florida landscape. Gil Hanse wanted a course that flowed with the natural setting, resulting in epic vistas and sandy challenges.

Streamsong Resort is a relaxing golf complex within 90 minutes of Tampa and Orlando. The main recreation centers around its world-class golf courses. However, the resort pairs guest stays with sporting clays, guided bass fishing, archery, and delicious dining. It is designed as an immersive vacation destination, helping it stand out on the best Florida golf courses list.

PGA National Resort and Spa

Address: 400 Ave of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

Welcome to the home of the Honda Classic at the world-renowned PGA National Resort & Spa. The legendary resort and Conde Nast award winner features a collection of six championship golf courses designed by the most notable architects in the golf industry. 

At the top is the apt-named Champion Course, originally designed by Tom Fazio and later redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 1990. The Champion Course is the flagship golf course at PGA National and is known for its challenging layout. The course gained fame for its difficult “Bear Trap” stretch (holes 15-17), becoming one of the toughest three-hole stretches on the PGA Tour. 

Beyond the Champion Course, five additional championship golf courses add to PGA National Resort’s high standards in golf: The Palmer, The Fazio, The Squire, The Match, and The Estates. The unique characteristics of each course provide variety for golfers and promise to challenge all skill levels. 

The resort further features the PGA National Golf Academy, with certified professionals hosting group clinics, player development, and private lessons. 

The golf experience is set against an opulent and relaxing background. Guests can play in the morning and unwind at the spa in the afternoon. Onsite, there are four dining choices: a Sushi bar and a casual club, accommodations in guestrooms and vacation homes, recreation in pickleball and tennis, and a relaxing pool area. 

Calusa Pines Golf Club

Address: 2000 Calusa Pines Dr, Naples, FL 34120

Renowned golf course architect Dana Fry designed the golf course at Calusa Pines. Fry is known for his work on notable courses like the Erin Hills Golf Course, host of the 2017 US Open. At Calusa Pines, he aimed to create a course that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings of southwest Florida. 

The course celebrates the natural beauty with carefully placed water hazards and an eye on environmental sustainability. Wildlife roams the softly undulating greens, creating a peaceful environment for the round of play. Uniquely, it is built atop a natural sand ridge, leading to sweeping views. But don’t be deceived, as this challenging design requires some strategic thinking. 

Calusa Pines is a private, invitation-only golf club that promises exceptional experiences for its members. That’s right down to its caddie service and an encouragement to walk the course. 

McArthur Golf Club

Address: 6550 SE Osprey St, Hobe Sound, FL 33455

Tom Fazio, in conjunction with Nick Price, designed this sleeper of a “best” course near Jupiter, FL. Glistening white sand dunes and wetlands frame the holes, creating hollows and slopes that challenge the best of the game. It’s a beautiful natural setting, backdropping a fun course to play.

McArthur Golf Club added a second course in November, called the “West” course, designed by Coore and Crenshaw. Facilities include a putting green, chipping area, and driving ranges.  

This private club may not be as well-known across golfing circles. Still, the experts who have played it attest to its high-quality experience. The pace is relaxed and uninterrupted thanks to its limited membership and focus on experience. Membership is by invitation only.

Frequently Asked Questions About Great Golf Courses in Florida

How many golf courses are in the state of Florida?

Florida is home to approximately 1,250 golf courses, the most of any state in the United States. This abundance is due to Florida’s favorable climate, diverse landscapes, and strong golfing culture, which make it an ideal destination for both professional and amateur golfers. The state features a wide range of courses, from coastal links to luxurious resort layouts, particularly concentrated in areas like Palm Beach County and Naples.

Where do pro golfers live in Florida?

Many professional golfers in Florida call the area around North Palm Beach and Jupiter home. These locations are top-rated due to the abundant world-class golf courses, ideal climate, and spirited golfing community.

Notable PGA Tour players like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Brooks Koepka have residences here. The region offers more than 160 golf courses in Palm Beach County alone, providing ample opportunities for both leisure and practice​​.

Jupiter Island, specifically, is a hotspot for golf legends. Besides the exceptional golf facilities, the lifestyle and amenities, including luxurious homes and proximity to beautiful beaches, make it an attractive place for golfers to live and train​​. This area is not just a place to play golf but a community where many of the top golfers in the world live, train, and connect.

How many golf courses are in The Villages in Florida?

The Villages, Florida, is home to an impressive array of golf courses, featuring 12 championship courses and 38 executive courses, totaling 50 courses altogether. This extensive selection offers a variety of golfing experiences, from more relaxed, shorter games on executive courses to the challenging play provided by the championship layouts. The community is known as one of the largest golf communities in the world, with a total of 621 holes planned upon full development.​

How many golf courses are at Disney Florida?

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, boasts four golf courses, offering a range of experiences for golfers of all levels. All four golf courses are governed by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, ensuring top-notch quality and service.​ The courses are:

1. Disney’s Palm Golf Course – This challenging course was redesigned by Arnold Palmer, known for its beautiful landscape and water hazards.
2. Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course – This is the longest of the Disney World courses, featuring wide fairways and scenic beauty.
3. Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course – This course winds through Disney’s resort area, providing a unique backdrop.
4. Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course – This is a family-friendly 9-hole walking course ideal for casual play and beginners.

Where are the best public courses in Florida?

Florida is a golfer’s paradise, known for its world-class, challenging courses that attract enthusiasts worldwide. The state offers a diverse range of public golf courses for golfers of all skill levels, providing unique landscapes, world-class facilities, and one-of-a-kind golfing experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for a challenge or a casual golfer seeking a relaxing day on the greens, Florida’s public courses have something for everyone. Here are some of the best public golf courses in Florida:

• Streamsong Resort (Red, Blue, and Black Courses) – Located in Bowling Green, Streamsong offers three renowned courses designed by Coore & Crenshaw, Tom Doak, and Gil Hanse, providing a unique, natural landscape for golf enthusiasts.
• TPC Sawgrass (Dye’s Valley Course) – Situated in Ponte Vedra Beach, this course is famous for its challenging design and is a sister course to the renowned Players Stadium Course.
• PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) – Located in Palm Beach Gardens, this course is home to the Honda Classic and features the notorious “Bear Trap” stretch of holes.
• Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) – Found in Palm Harbor, the Copperhead Course is known for hosting the Valspar Championship and offers a challenging layout through rolling terrain.
• Bay Hill Club & Lodge – While primarily private, Bay Hill allows limited public access and is famous for hosting the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando.
• World Woods Golf Club (Pine Barrens and Rolling Oaks)—This club, which calls Brooksville home, offers two top-rated courses with contrasting designs, known for their pristine conditions.
• Orange County National (Panther Lake and Crooked Cat) – Located in Winter Garden, this facility boasts two exceptional courses and one of the largest driving ranges in the country.
• Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club – Situated in Haines City, this course is lauded for its distinctive elevation changes and well-maintained greens.
• Eagle Marsh Golf Club – Located in Jensen Beach, this Tom Fazio-designed course is known for its beautiful setting and challenging play.
• Windswept Dunes Golf Club – Situated in Freeport, this course is one of the longest in Florida and offers challenging holes and incredible panoramic views.

They are top choices for golfers visiting or living in Florida, providing challenging layouts, beautiful scenery, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Where does Tom Brady play golf in Florida?

Tom Brady enjoys golfing at some of Florida’s most prestigious private golf clubs. He is a member of the exclusive Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, known for its high-level membership and exceptional course design. Seminole is considered one of the best golf courses in the United States, renowned for its exclusivity and challenging layout.

Brady’s golfing journey also leads him to the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, a favorite among PGA Tour players and celebrities. This club, co-designed by Greg Norman and Pete Dye, boasts a highly challenging course that even elite golfers​ find demanding.

Who owns Grove 23?

Grove XXIII, also known as The Grove XXIII, is owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan. This ultra-exclusive private golf club in Hobe Sound, Florida, is named after Jordan’s iconic jersey number 23, represented by the Roman numerals XXIII.

Can anyone play at TPC Sawgrass?

TPC Sawgrass is open to the public so that anyone can play golf there. The Stadium Course is the most famous of its courses, and it is known for hosting The Players Championship and the iconic 17th Island Green.

To play, you can book a tee time up to 14 days in advance directly through TPC Sawgrass or up to 12 months in advance if you book a stay at the nearby Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa.

Green fees vary depending on the season, ranging from around $450 during the off-season (June to August) to as high as $900 during peak times (September to May). The rates include the green fee, cart fee, and a forecaddie, with additional costs for caddies if you prefer to walk the course.​

What are the top 10 private golf courses in Florida?

Here are the top 10 private golf courses in Florida:

1. Seminole Golf Club – Juno Beach: Renowned for its exclusivity and challenging design.
2. Calusa Pines Golf Club – Naples: A beautiful Tom Fazio creation known for its serene landscape.
3. Mountain Lake – Lake Wales: A classic Seth Raynor design.
4. Pine Tree Golf Club – Boynton Beach: Offers a traditional golfing experience.
5. Jupiter Hills Club – Tequesta: Features two courses with stunning elevation changes.
6. The Bear’s Club – Jupiter: Jack Nicklaus’ signature club.
7. The Dye Preserve Golf Club – Jupiter: Known for its natural beauty and challenging layout.
8. McArthur Golf Club – Hobe Sound: An exclusive, members-only course.
9. Indian Creek Country Club – Indian Creek Village: Offers a classic, exclusive golfing experience.
10. John’s Island Club – Vero Beach: Features three distinct courses.

Best Golf in Florida

These featured courses repeatedly delight players. Wherever you turn in Florida, you’re guaranteed to find a world-class golf course nearby—after all, there are over 1,000 exceptional golf courses here. Whether you’re looking for a golf vacation or to settle in a golf community, enjoy the experience and share your favorite Florida golf course.