Florida, often referred to as the “Sunshine State,” is renowned not only for its beautiful beaches and sprawling resorts but also for its impressive array of golf courses. The state is a golfer’s paradise with year-round play in wonderful weather and a diverse selection of courses that cater to all levels of skill and design preferences. Whether you are seeking out the famous courses that play host to PGA events or hidden gems tucked away among Florida’s natural beauty, there is something for every golfer in this golf haven.
1. TPC Sawgrass – Players Stadium Course, Ponte Vedra Beach
TPC Sawgrass doesn’t just rank as one of the top courses in Florida, but it stands out as a premier destination globally. Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, TPC Sawgrass is home to THE PLAYERS Championship and famous for its iconic 17th hole, known as the “Island Green.” While this par-3 might get most of the glory, the entire course is a testament to imagination and innovation, with challenging fairways, strategically placed hazards, and fast, undulating greens testing golfers’ precision and resolve.
2. Seminole Golf Club, Juno Beach
Frequented by the likes of golf legends and U.S. presidents, the Seminole Golf Club is a classic course that tops many golfers’ must-play lists. This highly exclusive club is known for its championship-level layout, breezy conditions, and impeccable maintenance. Its design by Donald Ross ensures a test of all aspects of a golfer’s game. Seminole is not just a place to play; it is an experience to savor, encapsulating the very spirit of the game.
3. Streamsong Resort – Red Course, Bowling Green
Streamsong Resort houses some of the most aesthetically pleasing and distinctive golf experiences in the state. The Red Course, designed by the architectural team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, presents a links-style journey set upon a unique landscape that was formerly a phosphate mine. This course stands out for its undulating terrain, firm and fast fairways, massive bunkers, and complex greens, offering golfers a taste of traditional Scottish links in the heart of Florida.
4. Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando
Bay Hill, famously associated with Arnold Palmer, who lived and played here, offers a tour-worthy test in a relaxed club atmosphere. With 27 holes available, the Champion/Challenger nines make up the course used for the PGA TOUR’s Arnold Palmer Invitational. Here, golfers can relish the opportunity to walk the same fairways as the pros, navigating around the beautiful but perilous Lake Butler.
5. Trump National Doral Miami – Blue Monster Course
The Blue Monster at Trump National Doral Miami has built a fierce reputation over the years. Redesigned by Gil Hanse, this course has hosted numerous PGA Tour events and is known for its challenging water hazards, unique layout, and slick putting surfaces. The infamous 18th hole, a daunting par-4 besieged by water on the left and a series of bunkers on the right, provides a thrilling finish to an unforgettable round.
6. The Bear’s Club, Jupiter
The Bear’s Club represents the vision of Jack Nicklaus, providing golfers a world-class, signature-designed experience. This private club offers a challenging but fair round, with a mix of pines, palmettos, and wetlands adding to the beauty and difficulty of the course. The Bear’s Club’s exclusivity makes it a bucket-list destination for those lucky enough to receive an invitation to play.
7. PGA National Resort & Spa – The Champion Course, Palm Beach Gardens
Best known for hosting the Honda Classic, The Champion Course at PGA National Resort & Spa is a testament to Florida golf. With recent renovations by Jack Nicklaus, the course delivers a tour-quality experience with its series of holes, “The Bear Trap,” that are widely considered among the most difficult stretches on the PGA Tour. The Champion Course requires thoughtful shot placement, nerve, and precision to navigate its challenging waters and bunkers.
8. Black Diamond Ranch – Quarry Course, Lecanto
The Quarry Course at Black Diamond Ranch offers one of the most unique and visually stunning playing experiences in Florida. Carved out of an abandoned limestone quarry, the course features dramatic changes in elevation, especially in the signature quarry holes which are set against sheer rock-face cliffs. Designed by Tom Fazio, the Quarry Course has a spectacular back nine that will challenge and delight any passionate golfer.
9. Innisbrook Resort – Copperhead Course, Palm Harbor
The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort is a favorite among PGA Tour players when it plays host to the annual Valspar Championship. With tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain, the Copperhead Course feels distinctly different from the typical Florida layout. Natural beauty abounds, and the notorious “Snake Pit” final three-hole stretch offers an exciting finish, making the course both beloved and feared among players.
10. Calusa Pines Golf Club, Naples
Calusa Pines is a private, high-end club that consistently ranks among the best in the state. The course represents the collaborative design efforts of Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, who utilized the natural landscapes and even imported sand to construct the dramatic hills that make this course unique in Florida. With no two holes alike and a variety of elevation changes, Calusa Pines offers members a superb and exclusive golfing experience.
Florida’s top golf courses are distinguished by their unique designs, challenging layouts, and picturesque settings. From iconic greens frequented by professionals to hidden gems that echo the natural beauty of the state, these courses provide unforgettable experiences that cater to every golfer’s dream. Each course, with its distinctive characteristics, reaffirms Florida’s status as a premiere golfing destination.