From iconic TPC Sawgrass to historic Seminole, Florida offers year-round golf in spectacular settings. Here's our comprehensive guide to the Sunshine State's finest courses.
Northeast Florida Gems
1. TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium Course)
- Location: Ponte Vedra Beach
- Established: 1980
- Designer: Pete Dye
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,256
- Public Resort Course, Green Fee: $500-800 Home of The Players Championship and arguably the most famous par-3 in golf (the island green 17th). Pete Dye's masterpiece combines strategy, challenge, and drama. The closing three-hole stretch ranks among golf's finest finishes.
2. Seminole Golf Club
- Location: Juno Beach
- Established: 1929
- Designer: Donald Ross
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,836
- Private Club Considered Donald Ross's southern masterpiece, Seminole features sophisticated bunkering and challenging greens. Recent Bill Coore restoration has enhanced the classic design. Famous for its wind-swept location and exclusive membership.
3. Pablo Creek Club
- Location: Jacksonville
- Established: 1997
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,151
- Private Club Modern classic featuring pristine conditioning and strategic design. Natural wetlands integrated throughout the course create both beauty and challenge.
4. The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club (Ocean Course)
- Location: Ponte Vedra Beach
- Established: 1928
- Designer: Herbert Strong
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,811
- Resort Course, Green Fee: $160-220 Historic seaside course with views of the Atlantic. Recently renovated to enhance both playability and challenge.
5. Hidden Hills Country Club
- Location: Jacksonville
- Established: 1966
- Designer: Arnold Palmer
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,892
- Semi-Private, Green Fee: $75-95 Classic Palmer design featuring significant elevation changes unusual for Florida. Strategic bunkering and challenging greens.
Central Florida Standouts
6. Bay Hill Club & Lodge
- Location: Orlando
- Established: 1961
- Designer: Dick Wilson/Arnold Palmer
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,381
- Resort Course, Green Fee: $200-350 Home of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bay Hill combines challenge with playability. Palmer's winter home features excellent conditioning and strategic water hazards.
7. Streamsong Resort (Red Course)
- Location: Bowling Green
- Established: 2012
- Designers: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,148
- Resort Course, Green Fee: $175-325 Built on former phosphate mining land, the Red Course offers dramatic elevation changes and firm, fast conditions. Links-style design unusual for Florida.
8. Streamsong Resort (Blue Course)
- Location: Bowling Green
- Established: 2012
- Designer: Tom Doak
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,176
- Resort Course, Green Fee: $175-325 Sister course to the Red, featuring equally dramatic terrain and minimalist design. Large, undulating greens demand precise approach shots.
9. Streamsong Resort (Black Course)
- Location: Bowling Green
- Established: 2017
- Designer: Gil Hanse
- Par: 73, Yardage: 7,331
- Resort Course, Green Fee: $175-325 Newest addition to Streamsong featuring wide fairways and massive greens. Windswept terrain creates links-like playing conditions.
10. Lake Nona Golf & Country Club
- Location: Orlando
- Established: 1986
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,215
- Private Club Modern classic featuring pristine conditions and strategic design. Home to many touring professionals.
South Florida Classics
11. The Bear's Club
- Location: Jupiter
- Established: 1999
- Designer: Jack Nicklaus
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,164
- Private Club Jack Nicklaus's home club features challenging design and immaculate conditions. Known for its difficult par-4s and strategic bunkering.
12. Jupiter Hills Club (Hills Course)
- Location: Tequesta
- Established: 1970
- Designer: George Fazio
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,173
- Private Club Dramatic elevation changes unusual for South Florida. Recent renovation enhanced classic features while adding modern length.
13. Pine Tree Golf Club
- Location: Boynton Beach
- Established: 1962
- Designer: Dick Wilson
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,306
- Private Club Considered Wilson's masterpiece, featuring strategic bunkering and water hazards. Recent renovation enhanced original design features.
14. Indian Creek Country Club
- Location: Indian Creek Village
- Established: 1929
- Designer: William Flynn
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,052
- Private Club Exclusive island club with spectacular views. Classic design recently restored to enhance original features.
15. McArthur Golf Club
- Location: Hobe Sound
- Established: 2002
- Designers: Nick Price & Tom Fazio
- Par: 71, Yardage: 7,108
- Private Club Modern design incorporating natural Florida landscape. Strategic bunkering and challenging green complexes.
Tampa/St. Petersburg Area
16. Calusa Pines Golf Club
- Location: Naples
- Established: 2001
- Designer: Michael Hurdzan & Dana Fry
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,203
- Private Club Dramatic elevation changes created during construction. Challenging design with excellent conditioning.
17. Old Memorial Golf Club
- Location: Tampa
- Established: 1997
- Designer: Steve Smyers
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,389
- Private Club Strategic design featuring significant elevation changes. Known for fast greens and excellent conditioning.
18. Mountain Lake
- Location: Lake Wales
- Established: 1917
- Designer: Seth Raynor
- Par: 71, Yardage: 6,647
- Private Club Classic Raynor design featuring template holes. Recent restoration enhanced original features.
19. Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course)
- Location: Palm Harbor
- Established: 1972
- Designer: Larry Packard
- Par: 71, Yardage: 7,340
- Resort Course, Green Fee: $175-250 Home of the Valspar Championship, featuring tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain. Challenging "Snake Pit" finishing stretch.
20. The Concession Golf Club
- Location: Bradenton
- Established: 2006
- Designers: Jack Nicklaus & Tony Jacklin
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,474
- Private Club Named after famous 1969 Ryder Cup moment. Challenging design with strategic water hazards.
Palm Beach Area
21. Medalist Golf Club
- Location: Hobe Sound
- Established: 1995
- Designer: Greg Norman
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,571
- Private Club Recent renovation by Bobby Weed enhanced playability while maintaining challenge. Home course to many tour professionals.
22. The Loxahatchee Club
- Location: Jupiter
- Established: 1985
- Designer: Jack Nicklaus
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,147
- Private Club Classic Nicklaus design featuring water on most holes. Strategic bunkering and challenging greens.
23. Trump International Golf Club
- Location: West Palm Beach
- Established: 1999
- Designer: Jim Fazio
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,326
- Private Club Dramatic elevation changes created during construction. Multiple water features and strategic bunkering.
Naples Region
24. Naples National Golf Club
- Location: Naples
- Established: 1993
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,078
- Private Club Strategic design incorporating natural preserves. Challenging green complexes and excellent conditioning.
25. Old Collier Golf Club
- Location: Naples
- Established: 2001
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,095
- Private Club Environmentally sensitive design along Cocohatchee River. Firm, fast conditions unusual for Florida.
26. Grey Oaks Country Club (Pine Course)
- Location: Naples
- Established: 1993
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,079
- Private Club Strategic design featuring water on most holes. Recent renovation enhanced playability and challenge.
Additional Standouts
27. World Woods (Pine Barrens)
- Location: Brooksville
- Established: 1993
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Par: 71, Yardage: 7,237
- Public Course, Green Fee: $85-150 Pine Valley-inspired design featuring sandy waste areas. Excellent value for dramatic golf.
28. Black Diamond Ranch (Quarry Course)
- Location: Lecanto
- Established: 1987
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,159
- Private Club Famous quarry holes offer dramatic elevation changes. Excellent routing through varied terrain.
29. The Floridian
- Location: Palm City
- Established: 1996
- Designer: Gary Player/Tom Fazio
- Par: 71, Yardage: 7,114
- Private Club Recent Fazio renovation enhanced playability and challenge. Popular among tour professionals.
30. John's Island Club (West Course)
- Location: Vero Beach
- Established: 1989
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,153
- Private Club Strategic design incorporating natural wetlands. Recent renovation enhanced original features.
Playing Florida's Finest: Essential Tips
Seasonal Considerations
- Peak Season: December-April (highest rates, best conditions)
- Summer: Lower rates but afternoon thunderstorms common
- Shoulder Season: October-November, May (good value)
Weather Planning
- Morning tee times recommended in summer
- Afternoon thunderstorms common June-September
- Winter offers ideal conditions but peak pricing
Access Strategies
- Resort Courses: Book well in advance for peak season
- Private Clubs: Some allow access through select hotels
- Public Options: Several top courses offer public play
- Stay & Play: Many resorts offer golf packages
Budget Planning
- Premium Resort Courses: $200-800 per round
- Mid-Range Resorts: $100-200 per round
- Public Courses: $50-150 per round
- Peak Season: Expect 30-50% higher rates
Conclusion
Florida offers year-round golf with an incredible variety of designs, from classic Donald Ross courses to modern resort layouts. The state's flat terrain has been transformed by creative architects using water features, strategic bunkering, and even manufactured elevation changes to create challenge and interest.
While many top courses are private, Florida offers more accessible resort golf than perhaps any other state. Facilities like TPC Sawgrass, Bay Hill, and Streamsong provide world-class public access golf. With proper planning and timing, experiencing Florida's finest courses can be the adventure of a lifetime.
Remember that seasonal timing significantly impacts both pricing and playing conditions. Peak winter season offers ideal weather but premium pricing, while summer values come with the challenge of afternoon thunderstorms. Whatever season you choose, Florida's top courses provide memorable golf experiences in beautiful settings.
