Florida, popularly known as the “Sunshine State,” is a well-liked travel destination and a golfer’s paradise. Many of the state’s golf courses are recognized around the world for their difficult designs, breathtaking scenery, and opulent amenities. We’ll examine seven of Florida’s most prominent golf courses in this post, each of which offers a distinctive golfing experience.
25 Best Golf Courses in Florida
How We Rank Golf Courses
Golf course rankings, especially when determining the “best” ones, are based on a variety of subjective criteria, including the course’s design, upkeep, reputation, and player ratings. Here are a few things to take into account when ranking Florida’s top golf courses:
1. Course Structure and Design: The golf course’s layout and design are very important to its ranking. Think about the reputation of the architect and the variety of holes, such as par-3s, par-4s, and par-5s.
2. Academic Condition: The state of the course, particularly the standard of the fairways, greens, bunkers, and maintenance procedures, is a crucial consideration. Courses that are clean and well-kept typically rank higher.
3. Unique and Difficult Features: Courses with distinctive features and difficult challenges, like hallmark holes, water hazards, and well-placed bunkers, are frequently rated higher.
4. Natural Beauty: The course’s ranking is influenced by the aesthetic attractiveness of its natural surroundings, landscaping, and views.
5. Prestige and History: A golf course’s ranking may be boosted by its past event history. Golf lovers frequently have a special place in their hearts for courses with a long history.
6. Player Evaluations and Scores: Golfers’ reviews and ratings of the course are useful for ranking purposes. These ratings are frequently compiled on websites like Golf Digest, Golfweek, and user-generated review sites.
7. Participation and Accessibility: Rankings of courses can be impacted by membership criteria and public accessibility. Public courses that provide outstanding experiences are frequently well-regarded.
8. Rewarding Achievements: Courses that have won prizes or plaudits from professional golfers, associations, or magazines often rank well.
9. Unique Holes: The rating of a course can be substantially impacted by exceptional and memorable signature holes. These are frequently the course’s most popular photo subjects and topics of conversation.
10. Hosting a competition: Top-tier courses are often those that have hosted renowned competitions or tournaments, including PGA Tour events or significant amateur competitions.
11. Historical and architectural significance: Some golf course designs are known for their architectural innovations or historical significance.
12. Player Experience Overall: Golf courses are ranked based on their total experience, which includes the degree of service, amenities, and eating choices that golfers enjoy there.
1. Seminole (Juno Beach)
Feature: Seminole is recognized for its historic architecture and first-rate caddie service. It is exclusive and private.
Hole: The par-4 6th hole, with its magnificent ocean background and difficult green, is regarded as an outstanding hole.
Seminole Golf Club is a private golf club. Donald Ross created the famous Seminole Golf Club, which is renowned for its traditional links-style layout. With its infamously quick greens and beachfront views, it delivers a difficult round.
2. TPC Sawgrass-Stadium (Ponte Vedra Beach)
Feature: The public-access TPC Sawgrass course, home of THE PLAYERS Championship, features recognizable holes and first-rate amenities.
Hole: Known as the “Island Green,” the well-known par-3 17th hole is among the most well-known in all of golf.
The TPC Sawgrass-Stadium course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, is a private golf course. This course is a mainstay on the PGA Tour and is home to the renowned 17th Island Hole. It’s a classic Pete Dye layout with immaculate fairways and immaculately kept greens.
3. Streamsong-Red (Bowling Green)
Feature: Public course with breathtaking Lake Michigan views.
Hole: The elevated tee and generous bunkers of the par-3 16th hole make it a memorable challenge.
Streamsong-Red (Bowling Green) is a public golf course. The Red course at Streamsong Resort is a remarkable Coore-Crenshaw design that presents a rugged, sand-dune environment and offers golfers a difficult but breathtaking experience.
4. Streamsong-Blue (Bowling Green)
Feature: Golf aficionados will enjoy the visually stunning layout of the Blue Course at Streamsong Resort.
Hole: The par-3 7th hole is a challenging and strategic test of a golfer’s abilities with its large waste area.
Streamsong-Blue is a public golf course. The Blue course at Streamsong Resort offers a different scenery with major elevation changes and water features in comparison to the Red course.
5. Calusa Pines (Naples)
Feature: Calusa Pines is a private club renowned for its difficult greens and friendly membership.
Hole: The par-4 13th hole is a particularly difficult test of nerves since it has an island green.
Calusa Pines in Naples, Florida, is a private golf course. Calusa Pines is a private, gated golf course designed by Tom Fazio. The course is renowned for its colorful flora and well-maintained fairways.
6. McArthur (Hobe Sound)
Feature: Nestled amid stunning natural scenery, McArthur Golf Club offers a cozy, private club experience.
Hole: The par-4 8th hole is especially noteworthy because it is surrounded by water and has difficult bunkers.
The McArthur Golf Club in Hobe Sound is a private golf course. Tom Fazio created the premium, low-density course at McArthur Golf Club. It is situated in a lovely natural setting with pine forests and marshes.
7. Mountain Lake (Lake Wales)
Feature: Mountain Lake is a historic club with a Donald Ross classic design and a focus on heritage.
Hole: A traditional Ross test, the par-4 18th hole features a broad fairway and a well-guarded green.
Mountain Lake in Lake Wales, Florida, is a private golf course. Seth Raynor was the architect of the storied Mountain Lake course. Its gorgeous surroundings and classic architecture make it a well-known vacation spot for golf enthusiasts.
8. Jupiter Hills-Hills (Tequesta)
Feature: Jupiter Hills offers individualized attention together with a seclusion and demanding golf experience.
Hole: The signature hole on the Hills Course is the par-4 14th hole, which demands a perfect drive and approach across the water.
Jupiter Hills-Hills in Tequesta, Florida, is a private golf course. There are two courses at Jupiter Hills Golf Club, with the Hills Course being the more well-known one. It has a difficult layout that is well-maintained and surrounded by lovely natural features.
9. Indian Creek (Indian Creek)
Feature: Indian Creek is a private club renowned for its spotless facilities and tranquil waterfront location.
Hole: The par-5 18th hole provides a picturesque and unforgettable finish with its breathtaking vistas of Biscayne Bay.
Private Indian Creek Golf Club features a William Flynn-designed, traditional layout. The course is renowned for its narrow fairways and clever bunker placement.
10. Streamsong-Black (Bowling Green)
Feature: The Black Course at Streamsong is well known for its difficult playability and contemporary amenities.
Hole: The par-3 seventh hole is a distinctive and unforgettable test because of its massive bunkers and striking green complex.
Streamsong Black at Bowling Green is a public golf course. Gil Hanse created the Black course at Streamsong Resort, which features undulating fairways, heathland-inspired bunkers, and stunning scenery.
11. The Concession (Bradenton)
Feature: The Concession is a public golf course with first-rate service and a private club feel.
Hole: Known for its complex bunkering and water hazards, the par-3 5th hole is a remarkable test of golf.
The Concession Golf Club is a private facility renowned for its difficult Jack Nicklaus-Tony Jacklin layout and quick greens. The 2015 NCAA Championship was held at this course.
12. Medalist (Hobe Sound)
Feature: Medalist Golf Club is a private, elite club with a great golfing experience and a relaxed atmosphere.
Hole: Known for its lovely water feature, the par-3 11th hole is a notable and difficult test of accuracy.
A renowned private course created by Greg Norman and Pete Dye is called Medalist Golf Club. It provides a tranquil yet challenging golfing experience.
13. Pine Tree (Boynton Beach)
Feature: Pine Tree Golf Club provides a secluded, tranquil environment for a classic golf experience.
Hole: The island green on the par-3 12th hole is a standout that requires bravery and accuracy.
Pine Tree in Boynton Beach is a private golf course. A traditional Florida course with rolling terrain and old-growth pines is Pine Tree Golf Club. It is renowned for its conventional architecture and difficult greens.
14. John’s Island – West (Vero Beach)
Feature: John’s Island West Course offers a private club environment with a pleasant staff and a demanding layout.
Hole: The visually arresting and enduring challenge of golfing talent is the par-3 17th hole, which is surrounded by a sizable lake.
John’s Island – West in Vero Beach, Florida, is a private golf course. Joe Lee created the West Course at John’s Island Club, which has strategic bunkering and water hazards.
15. Seminole Legacy (Tallahassee)
Feature: Affordable access for a world-class golf experience.
Hole: The signature 18th hole is a difficult par-5 that requires a calculated approach shot over water.
Bill Bergin’s top-rated public course, Seminole Legacy Golf Club, with difficult greens and stunning scenery.
16. Timuquana (Jacksonville)
Feature: An elegant, classical Seth Raynor design.
Hole: With well-guarded greens, the par-4 15th hole is a difficult dogleg left.
Timuquana Golf Club in Jacksonville, Florida, is a private golf course. The course at Timuquana Country Club is difficult and has a traditional layout with tree-lined fairways and old-world charm.
17. Bear’s Club (Jupiter)
Feature: An exclusive and difficult Jack Nicklaus design.
Hole: The island green on the par-3 sixth hole requires accuracy.
The Bear’s Club is a prestigious private course that Jack Nicklaus created. It is renowned for its flawless condition and challenging layout.
18. Old Memorial (Tampa)
Feature: The Old Memorial in Tampa is known for its immaculate surroundings and striking elevation variations.
Hole: The par-4 12th hole offers a picturesque, descending approach to a safe green.
Old Memorial Golf Club in Tampa, Florida, is a private golf course. A Steve Smyers design at Old Memorial Golf Club mixes clever bunkering with undulating terrain to create a fun golfing experience.
19. Black Diamond Ranch – Quarry (Lecanto)
Feature: Black Diamond Ranch – Quarry (Lecanto).
Hole: The dazzling tee shot to the cliff-side green on the par-3 12th hole is over water.
Black Diamond Ranch – Quarry in Lecanto, Florida, is a private golf course. Tom Fazio designed the renowned Quarry Course at Black Diamond Ranch, which features beautiful rock formations and dramatic elevation changes.
20. Isleworth (Windermere)
Feature: A posh community with Arnold Palmer’s masterwork.
Hole: In order to avoid fairway bunkers on the par-4 4th hole, a calculated drive is needed.
Arnold Palmer created the unique private course at Isleworth Golf & Country Club. It has championship-caliber fairways and a layout.
21. Lake Nona (Orlando)
Feature: A premier golf experience in a pristine setting.
Hole: The par-5 18th hole features water hazards and demands a precise approach.
Lake Nona in Orlando, Florida, is a private golf course. The Tom Fazio-designed Lake Nona Golf & Country Club is renowned for its immaculate fairways, testing water hazards, and stunning surroundings.
22. Belleair (Belleair)
Feature: A classic golf club with a rich history.
Hole: The par-4 7th hole offers a tight, tree-lined fairway with challenging greens.
The Belleair Golf Course in Belleair, Florida, is a private golf course. The East Course and the West Course at Belleair Country Club are two testing layouts that are renowned for their strategic design, and fairways bordered with trees.
23. Pablo Creek (Jacksonville)
Feature: A private club with an emphasis on camaraderie.
Hole: The par-5 14th hole provides a risk-reward opportunity with water and bunkers.
Private golf course Pablo Creek Club has a Tom Fazio-designed modern, difficult layout.
24. Bay Hill (Orlando)
Feature: Home to the Arnold Palmer Invitational on the PGA Tour.
Hole: The iconic par-4 18th hole is known for its challenging finish over water.
Bay Hill in Orlando is a private golf course. The Arnold Palmer Invitational is held at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, which Arnold Palmer created. The course is noted for its pristine conditions and famous par-5 sixth hole.
25. Trump National Doral – Blue (Miami)
Feature: A luxury resort with championship golf.
Hole: The par-4 18th hole offers a thrilling water carry and a well-bunkered green.
The Trump National Doral – Blue course in Miami is a private golf course. With a mixture of spacious fairways and narrow landing spots, the Blue Monster course at Trump National Doral is a difficult, seasoned course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes Streamsong Resort unique?
Streamsong Resort is known for its minimalist and natural golfing experiences, offering modern amenities and accommodations in a remote setting.
2. Are Streamsong Red and Blue courses equally challenging?
Both Streamsong Red and Blue courses offer their own unique challenges. Red features elevation changes, while Blue presents distinctive bunkering.
3. How can I become a member of Calusa Pines Golf Club?
Membership at Calusa Pines is by invitation only. You may contact the club directly for membership inquiries.
4. What is the signature feature of McArthur Golf Club?
McArthur Golf Club is known for its intimate and serene golfing experience set amidst breathtaking natural landscapes.
5. Can visitors play at Mountain Lake Golf Club?
Mountain Lake Golf Club is a private club, and access to the course is typically limited to members and their guests.
Conclusion
Explore the golfing haven that is Florida! We’ve visited 24 different courses, from the refined Seminole to the recognizable green of TPC Sawgrass, the breathtaking views of Streamsong, and the upscale Calusa Pines. Streamsong-Black, the classic Mountain Lake, or the serene McArthur are just a few examples of the varied golf courses in Florida. Whether it’s solitude at Jupiter Hills or a picturesque Indian Creek, you’ll find it here. Medalist strikes a mix between difficulty and relaxation.
The Concession strikes a balance between private allure and public access, and Pine Tree offers a classic getaway. John’s Island-West Course combines hospitality and golf history, while Seminole Legacy provides a reasonably priced round of golf.
Traditional charm and contemporary amenities coexist in Timuquana, while Black Diamond Ranch-Quarry provides an incredible challenge. Old Memorial gives peace and quiet, Bear’s Club provides fancy golf, Isleworth is all about luxury, and Lake Nona is all about quality. These programs are golfing memories of a lifetime in Florida.
