Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Florida
Best Golf Courses in Florida: Are you dreaming of hitting the links on your next Florida vacation? Look no further than these top 10 golf courses, each offering a unique and memorable golfing experience.
Here are the top 10 Best Golf Courses in Florida:
Are you a golf enthusiast planning a trip to Florida? Look no further than these top 10 best golf courses in Florida’s Sunshine State!
- TPC Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra Beach
- Streamsong Resort – Bowling Green
- Bay Hill Club & Lodge – Orlando
- PGA National Resort & Spa – Palm Beach Gardens
- Doral Golf Resort & Spa – Miami
- Innisbrook Resort – Tampa Bay
- World Woods Golf Club – Brooksville
- Trump National Doral Miami – Miami
- Black Diamond Ranch – Lecanto
- Hammock Beach Resort – Palm Coast
Whether you’re looking for challenging championship courses, stunning views, or luxurious amenities, these top golf courses in Florida have something for everyone. So pack your clubs and get ready to tee off in the Sunshine State!
Please note that rankings can vary depending on different sources and criteria used.
1. TPC Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra Beach
TPC Sawgrass is a premier golf course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. It is widely considered one of the top golf courses in Florida and the world. The course is best known for its signature hole, the par-3 17th hole, which features an island green surrounded by water.
Designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1980, TPC Sawgrass has hosted numerous high-profile golf events, including The Players Championship, often called the “fifth major” in professional golf. The course has also hosted the Ryder Cup, the U.S. Amateur, and the U.S. Senior Open.
In addition to the championship golf course, TPC Sawgrass also features a clubhouse, practice facilities, and a resort with accommodations and amenities for guests. The course is open to the public for play, although reservations are required.
2. Streamsong Resort – Bowling Green
Streamsong Resort is a luxury golf resort located in Bowling Green, Florida. It features three championship golf courses designed by some of the world’s most renowned golf course architects: Streamsong Red, Streamsong Blue, and Streamsong Black.
Streamsong Red and Streamsong Blue were designed by Tom Doak, while Gil Hanse designed Streamsong Black. All three courses are built on reclaimed mining land, which has resulted in a unique and dramatic landscape that includes towering dunes, expansive lakes, and sweeping vistas.
In addition to the golf courses, Streamsong Resort also features a luxurious lodge with various accommodations, multiple dining options, a full-service spa, and numerous outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and clay shooting.
Streamsong Resort has received numerous accolades, including being named the #1 Best Golf Resort in Florida by Golf Digest and one of the Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World by Golf Magazine.
3. Bay Hill Club & Lodge – Orlando
Bay Hill Club & Lodge is a premier golf resort in Orlando, Florida. The resort features a championship golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, known for its challenging layout and beautiful scenery.
The Bay Hill Club & Lodge course is a par-72, 7,381-yard layout that has hosted the Arnold Palmer Invitational since 1979. The course features rolling fairways, numerous water hazards, and fast, undulating greens that test the skills of even the most experienced golfers.
In addition to the golf course, Bay Hill Club & Lodge also features a luxurious lodge with various accommodations, multiple dining options, a full-service spa, and a fitness center. Guests can also take advantage of the resort’s tennis courts, swimming pool, and marina.
Bay Hill Club & Lodge has received numerous accolades, including being named the #1 Best Golf Resort in Florida by Golfweek and one of the Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Magazine.
4. PGA National Resort & Spa – Palm Beach Gardens
PGA National Resort & Spa is a world-renowned golf resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The resort features five championship golf courses, each designed by a different golf course architect, including the famous Champion Course, which has hosted the Honda Classic since 2007.
The Champion Course at PGA National Resort & Spa was designed by Jack Nicklaus and featured the notorious “Bear Trap,” a three-hole stretch known for being one of the most challenging stretches of holes in professional golf. The resort’s other courses were designed by Tom Fazio, Arnold Palmer, Karl Litten, and George and Tom Fazio.
In addition to the golf courses, PGA National Resort & Spa also features a luxurious spa, multiple dining options, a fitness center, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. Guests can also take advantage of the resort’s proximity to Palm Beach, which offers world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
PGA National Resort & Spa has received numerous accolades, including being named the #1 Best Golf Resort in Florida by Travel + Leisure and one of the Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Magazine.
5. Doral Golf Resort & Spa – Miami
Doral Golf Resort & Spa is a premier golf resort in Miami, Florida. The resort features five championship golf courses, each designed by a different golf course architect, including the famous Blue Monster Course, which has hosted the World Golf Championship since 2007.
The Blue Monster Course at Doral Golf Resort & Spa was designed by Dick Wilson and later updated by Raymond Floyd. The course features numerous water hazards, deep bunkers, and challenging greens that test the skills of even the most experienced golfers. Greg Norman, Tom Fazio, Jim McLean, and Arthur Hills designed the resort’s other courses.
In addition to the golf courses, Doral Golf Resort & Spa also features a luxurious spa, multiple dining options, a fitness center, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. Guests can also take advantage of the resort’s proximity to Miami, which offers world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Doral Golf Resort & Spa has received numerous accolades, including being named the #1 Best Golf Resort in Florida by Golf Magazine and one of the Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Digest.
6. Innisbrook Resort – Tampa Bay
Innisbrook Resort is a luxury golf resort located in Palm Harbor, Florida, just north of Tampa Bay. The resort features four championship golf courses, each designed by a different golf course architect.
The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort is the most famous of the four courses and has hosted the Valspar Championship since 2000. The course was designed by Lawrence Packard and featured rolling fairways, towering pines, and small, fast greens that require precise shot-making.
The resort’s other courses were designed by E. Lawrence Packard, J. Rodney Dangerfield, and Larry Packard. All four courses offer unique challenges and stunning scenery, making Innisbrook Resort a top golf destination in Florida.
In addition to the golf courses, Innisbrook Resort also features a luxurious spa, multiple dining options, a fitness center, tennis courts, and multiple swimming pools. Guests can also take advantage of the resort’s proximity to Tampa Bay, which offers world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Innisbrook Resort has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 10 Golf Resorts in Florida by Golf Digest and one of the Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Magazine.
7. World Woods Golf Club – Brooksville
World Woods Golf Club is a premier golf destination in Brooksville, Florida. The club features two championship golf courses designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio.
The Pine Barrens Course at World Woods Golf Club is considered one of the unique golf courses in Florida, as it features a rugged, sand-based terrain that resembles a Pine Barrens course from the Northeastern United States. The Rolling Oaks Course at World Woods Golf Club is also challenging, with undulating terrain, deep bunkers, and water hazards.
In addition to the golf courses, World Woods Golf Club also features a state-of-the-art practice facility, a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, and a pro shop.
World Woods Golf Club has received numerous accolades, including being named the #1 Public Golf Course in Florida by Golf Digest and one of the Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Magazine.
8. Trump National Doral Miami – Miami
Trump National Doral Miami is a luxury golf resort in Miami, Florida. The resort features five championship golf courses, including the famous Blue Monster Course, which has hosted the PGA Tour and WGC events for over 50 years.
The Blue Monster Course at Trump National Doral Miami was initially designed by Dick Wilson and later updated by Gil Hanse. The course is known for its challenging layout, numerous water hazards, and signature 18th hole, which requires a precise approach shot over water to reach the green.
The resort’s other courses were designed by Greg Norman, Jim McLean, and Rick Smith and offered a variety of challenges and unique features for golfers of all skill levels.
In addition to the golf courses, Trump National Doral Miami also features luxurious accommodations, multiple dining options, a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, and a beautiful pool area.
Trump National Doral Miami has received numerous accolades, including being named the #1 Best Golf Resort in Florida by Golf Digest and one of the Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Magazine.
9. Black Diamond Ranch – Lecanto
Black Diamond Ranch is a premier golf resort in Lecanto, Florida, about an hour north of Tampa Bay. The resort features three championship golf courses, each designed by a different golf course architect.
The Quarry Course at Black Diamond Ranch is the most famous of the three courses and has been consistently ranked among the top golf courses in Florida. The course was designed by Tom Fazio and featured dramatic elevation changes, stunning rock formations, and challenging shot angles.
The resort’s other courses were designed by Rees Jones and Charles Ankrom and offered unique challenges and stunning scenery.
In addition to the golf courses, Black Diamond Ranch also features a luxurious clubhouse with multiple dining options, a state-of-the-art practice facility, and a fitness center.
Black Diamond Ranch has received numerous accolades, including being named the #1 Best Golf Course in Florida by Golf Magazine and one of the Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Digest.
10. Hammock Beach Resort – Palm Coast
Hammock Beach Resort is a luxury golf resort located in Palm Coast, Florida, about 30 minutes south of St. Augustine. The resort features two championship golf courses designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus.
The Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort is the most famous of the two courses and is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean. The course features six holes along the coastline, offering stunning views and challenging shot angles. The Conservatory Course at Hammock Beach Resort is a more traditional layout, with undulating fairways, large greens, and numerous water hazards.
In addition to the golf courses, Hammock Beach Resort also features luxurious accommodations, multiple dining options, a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, and multiple swimming pools.
Hammock Beach Resort has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Magazine and one of the Top 10 Family-Friendly Resorts in the United States by Travel + Leisure.
Conclusion:
Florida is a paradise for golf enthusiasts, with a wide range of world-class golf courses. Whether you’re looking for challenging championship courses, stunning views, or luxurious amenities, these top 10 best golf courses in Florida have something for everyone. From TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach to Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, each course offers a unique and memorable golfing experience. So pack your clubs, book tee times, and get ready to tee off in the Sunshine State!
FAQ
Q: What are the top 10 golf courses in Florida?
A: The top 10 golf courses in Florida are TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green, Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, Innisbrook Resort in Tampa Bay, World Woods Golf Club in Brooksville, Trump National Doral Miami in Miami, Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, and Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast.
Q: Are these courses suitable for all skill levels?
A: Yes, these courses offer a range of difficulty levels and are suitable for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.
Q: Do these courses offer accommodations and other amenities?
A: Most of these courses are part of resorts and offer luxurious accommodations, spa and fitness facilities, dining options, and other amenities.
Q: Are these courses open year-round?
A: Yes, most of these courses are open year-round, although checking with the course ahead of time is recommended for any seasonal closures or maintenance schedules.
Q: Can I book tee times in advance?
A: Yes, it’s recommended to book tee times in advance, especially during peak golfing seasons or if you have a specific course or time in mind. Many courses offer online booking options or allow you to book through their resort or pro shop.
