Best Places to Go Golfing in Florida
Florida is one of the nation’s premier golf destinations, with everything from famous championship venues to resort layouts, scenic coastal rounds, and highly regarded public courses. Golfers can tee it up at iconic spots such as TPC Sawgrass, Bay Hill, Streamsong, and Palm Beach Gardens while also finding excellent options in Naples, Orlando, Amelia Island, and beyond. Whether you’re planning a bucket-list golf trip or just looking for a memorable round on vacation, Florida offers standout courses for a wide range of skill levels and travel styles.
Best Golf Destinations in Florida
- TPC Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra Beach
- Highlights: Best known for THE PLAYERS Championship and the famous island-green 17th on the Stadium Course, this Pete Dye design is one of Florida’s most recognizable golf experiences.
- Visitor Tips: Tee times and tour availability can fill quickly, especially around major tournament dates, so reserve well ahead when possible.
- Nearby Lodging: Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is a popular nearby stay for golfers visiting the area.
- Bay Hill Club & Lodge – Orlando
- Highlights: Arnold Palmer’s famed course features beautiful lakeside holes, demanding approach shots, and a long-standing place on the PGA Tour schedule.
- Events: Bay Hill is known for hosting the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard.
- Amenities: Lodging, dining, and club amenities make it a strong option for travelers seeking a golf-focused stay. Access policies may vary by season and guest status.
- Trump National Doral Miami – Miami
- Highlights: The famous Blue Monster remains one of Florida’s best-known resort courses, with length, water, and demanding finishing holes that test experienced players.
- Nearby Attractions: The resort is convenient to Miami-area dining, shopping, nightlife, and major travel routes.
- Visitor Tips: Golf packages and resort stays can be a practical way to secure access and enjoy on-site amenities.
- Streamsong Resort – Bowling Green
- Highlights: Streamsong is known for its dramatic sand-dune-style terrain and acclaimed courses by top architects including Tom Doak, Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw, and Gil Hanse.
- Visitor Tips: Early and late tee times can be more comfortable in warmer months. Caddies or forecaddies may enhance the experience on these strategic layouts.
- Accommodation: The on-site lodge makes it easy to plan a multi-round golf getaway with dining and outdoor recreation.
- PGA National Resort – Palm Beach Gardens
- Highlights: The Champion Course and its intimidating “Bear Trap” are among the best-known tests in Florida golf.
- Visitor Tips: Tee-time demand can rise around major event weeks. Lessons, clinics, and resort golf packages may be available depending on the season.
- Nearby Lodging: Staying on-site can provide the easiest access to the resort’s courses, dining, and spa amenities.
- The Breakers Ocean Course – Palm Beach
- Highlights: This historic Palm Beach course delivers a classic resort-golf feel with coastal breezes, mature landscaping, and a prestigious setting.
- Visitor Tips: Morning rounds are especially popular, and resort guests may have priority access depending on availability.
- Dining and Lodging: The Breakers Hotel is a luxury base for golf, dining, and oceanfront relaxation.
- Cabot Citrus Farms – Brooksville
- Highlights: Formerly known as World Woods, this reimagined golf destination in the Brooksville area has drawn major attention for its bold course redesigns and distinctive Florida landscape.
- Visitor Tips: Course offerings, access, and booking options may evolve as the property continues to develop, so check current tee-time and stay-and-play details before visiting.
- Nearby Options: Brooksville and nearby Spring Hill offer additional lodging choices for golf trips on the Nature Coast.
- Innisbrook Resort – Copperhead Course – Palm Harbor
- Highlights: Home of the Valspar Championship, Copperhead is a favorite among serious golfers thanks to its rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways, and strong finishing stretch.
- Visitor Tips: Spring is especially popular, but the resort offers year-round golf appeal. Availability for public play can vary by package and season.
- On-Site Stays: Innisbrook Resort offers rooms, dining, and access to multiple courses for travelers planning a golf-centered getaway.
- The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes – Orlando
- Highlights: This Greg Norman-designed course is known for a polished resort setting, well-kept conditions, and a layout that can be enjoyable for a range of skill levels.
- Visitor Tips: Lessons and practice facilities can make this a good option for both dedicated golfers and vacationing beginners.
- On-Site Dining and Lodging: Staying at Grande Lakes provides easy access to golf, dining, spa facilities, and other resort amenities.
- Omni Amelia Island Resort & Club – Amelia Island
- Highlights: Fairways wind through maritime forest, marsh scenery, and coastal landscapes, creating one of Florida’s most scenic resort golf settings.
- Visitor Tips: Golf-and-stay packages can be a convenient option, especially if you want to combine beach time with multiple rounds.
- Nearby Stays: Omni Amelia Island Resort offers direct access to golf along with tennis, dining, and other outdoor activities.
- Tiburón Golf Club – Naples
- Highlights: The Gold and Black courses, designed by Greg Norman, have hosted top professional events and are among Naples’ most notable golf experiences.
- Visitor Tips: Peak-season tee times are in demand, so reserving ahead is wise. Access and package options may vary by date.
- Nearby Stays: The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón offers convenient luxury accommodations close to the courses.
- Treviso Bay Golf Club – Naples
- Highlights: This Arthur Hills-designed course is known for extensive water features, attractive conditioning, and a private-club feel in the Naples area.
- Visitor Tips: Access is more limited than at traditional public courses, so check current guest-play or package arrangements before making plans.
- Nearby Stays: South Naples vacation rentals and resort accommodations can provide convenient access to this part of the city.
- Lely Resort Golf & Country Club – Naples
- Highlights: Lely is a long-running Naples golf destination with multiple well-known courses and a reputation for attractive resort-style play.
- Visitor Tips: Course access can depend on the specific course and current club policies, so verify public or resort-play options ahead of time.
- Nearby Stays: Vacation rentals and resort communities in the Lely area make it a convenient base for a Naples golf trip.
- ArrowHead Golf Club – Naples
- Highlights: A popular public option in the Naples area, ArrowHead is known for approachable pricing, water-lined holes, and a layout that suits a broad range of players.
- Visitor Tips: It can be a good choice for golfers looking for a less intimidating round while still enjoying solid South Florida conditions.
- Nearby Stays: Hotels and vacation rentals near I-75 offer practical options for golfers visiting Naples.
These destinations highlight the range of golf experiences available across Florida, from famous championship venues and luxury resorts to scenic public courses and private clubs with limited guest access. Hours, tee-time availability, and access rules can vary by date and season, so it’s smart to confirm current details before you go.
