Best 30 Public Golf Courses in Florida

There’s something about playing golf in Florida that seems almost poetic. Between the great weather and the state’s beauty, it’s easy to imagine yourself enjoying all that sunshine while playing golf on a beautiful course that offers lots of greenery and ambiance.

Florida has thousands of golf courses throughout the state, and whether you’re a newbie or have been playing for years, you should have no problems finding a course that will suit your needs.

While most are 18-hole courses, many are even more significant. They seem to compete to ensure their attention to detail and treatment of the customers is better than the next person’s.

If you’d like to research some of the best public courses throughout South Florida, below are a handful to help get you started.

In this article, we choose the most popular 30 golf courses in Florida for you below to have a great golf game easily. Let’s check them out!

Crooked Cat at Orange County National (Winter Garden)

Crooked Cat at Orange County National (Winter Garden)

With close to 7,500 yards of golfing opportunity, the Crooked Cat golf course was built in 1998 and designed by Phil Ritson, David Harman, and Isao Aoki.

You’ll get access to a practice hole and a driving range, and the course has lots of trees, bushes, water, and lush greenery to help you make the most out of your time on the green.

It is perfect for players of all experience levels and even offers drinks and brunch on the 19th hole.

Golf Course Information:

Grand Cypress – New (Orlando)

Grand Cypress – New (Orlando)

Built-in 1988 and designed by Jack Nicklaus and Gus Grantham, this golf course has luxurious Bermuda grass on the fairways and the greens. It is so well-designed that you can use the facility for banquets and meetings if you like.

It has also won numerous awards given out by Golf Advisor, including a golfers’ choice award in 2015, one of the top courses in Florida in 2015 and 2017, and one of the best course conditions in the United States in 2015.

You’ll have access to a clubhouse and restaurant, and you can walk the course instead of the ride if you like.

Golf Course Information:

King and Bear Golf Course at World Golf Village (St. Augustine)

King and Bear Golf Course at World Golf Village (St. Augustine)

It’s an 18-hole golf course with 7,279 yards of playing fun.

It was built in 2000 and is the only golf course designed by two great legends – Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. 

When you complete your game, you can enjoy a fabulous clubhouse with a jacuzzi. There is also a restaurant if you get hungry.

This golf course offers a driving range, golf simulator, and indoor practice area. The system itself dots with palm trees, water, and lots of lush greenery, making it fun and aesthetically pleasing.

Golf Course Information:

Las Colinas at Mission Inn Resort and Club

Las Colinas at Mission Inn Resort and Club

With a total of 7,230 yards of playing room, this golf course truly offers something for all enthusiasts, regardless of why you’re there in the first place.

It has 18 holes and builds in 1992. It has beautiful Bermuda grass in both the fairways and the greens, and Gary Koch designed it.

At this golf course, you’ll have access to both a putting green and a driving range, and there is even a teaching pro on staff who is always happy to help you improve your game.

You can enjoy brunch and drinks on the 19th hole, and golfers tend to love playing on multiple courses there and the fact that it is an excellent course for more advanced players.

Golf Course Information:

Mission Inn Resort and Club – El Campeon Course (Howey in the Hills)

With 18 holes and a total of 7,015 yards to enjoy, the El Campeon Course at the Mission Inn Resort is a sight to behold.

It’s an old course built-in in 1917 by George O’Neil, and you can enjoy beautiful Bermuda grass on the fairways and the greens.

You’ll have access to both a putting green and a driving range, and you can stay onsite and enjoy snacks, a full restaurant, and a spa, and a fabulous clubhouse.

With small bridges, waterfalls, and tall palm trees, this course is nothing short of spectacular. It is the perfect place to be when you need a weekend getaway, especially if you’re an advanced player who likes more of a challenge in your playtime.

Golf Course Information:

Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course (Palm Beach)

Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course (Palm Beach)

When you think of playing golf in Florida, what could be better than playing in Palm Beach?

This golf course is an 18-hole public/municipal course that offers nearly 2,600 yards of playing opportunity. It is always one of the top-rated par-three golf courses in the entire country.

It locates near the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, so you get some breezes that could affect your game.

Nevertheless, golf enthusiasts love this course for the challenges and the beauty of the entire area.

Built in 1961 and designed by Joe Lee and Dick Wilson, this is one golf course you’ll never regret visiting.

Golf Course Information:

Pine Barrens at World Woods Golf Club (Brooksville)

Pine Barrens at World Woods Golf Club (Brooksville)

When you play on this course, the dozens of pine trees will make you think you’re far away from the coastline, lure you in, and make you feel more welcome there.

It is considered some of Tom Fazio’s best work and one of the best golf courses in the entire state of Florida.

It has been around since 1993 and designs by Fazio and Dennis Wise. Winter ryegrass covers the fairways, while the greens consist of Tifdwarf grass for ultimate beauty and comfort.

It is truly a spectacular course for both newbies and more experienced golfers.

Golf Course Information:

Ritz Carlton Golf Club – Grande Lakes

With a name like Ritz Carlton, you already know this will be a great golf course, and this one is nothing short of spectacular.

It has 18 holes and 7,122 yards of playing opportunity, and it is perfect for both newbies and more advanced players.

The course was built in 2003 and designed by Greg Norman, and you get access to a driving range and putting green, not to mention a teaching pro, unless you want to improve your game.

You can rent carts and even clubs if you have none. And not only do you have access to a spa and a fabulous clubhouse, but lodging facilities are also available.

Golf Course Information:

Rolling Oaks at World Woods Golf Club (Brooksville)

The course was built in 1993 and designed by Tom Fazio and Dennis Wise.

It has winter ryegrass on the fairways and Tifdwarf grass on the greens for you to enjoy.

You can rent carts and clubs if you like, and the course itself has so many trees that you might think you were right in the middle of the forest.

You also get access to a driving range, a practice hole, snacks, and a fabulous clubhouse.

This golf club has won numerous Golf Advisor awards, including being voted one of the top courses in Florida in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

It is an unforgettable golf course that offers no disappointment to golfers.

Golf Course Information:

Streamsong Golf Resort – Red Course (Fort Meade)

You can play on this 18-hole golf course all year round, and its 7,148 yards of playing opportunity means you’ll enjoy every minute of it.

Some of the many perks include Bermuda grass on the fairways. An on-staff teaching pro for those you wish to improve your game, carts, and even clubs you can rent, and a putting green whenever you need it.

It also has an excellent clubhouse and a spa, not to mention a view that includes hills, water areas, and lots of trees and greenery.

The 19th hole is great for enjoying drinks and dinner. It is excellent for weekend getaways, especially if you’re a walker on the course.

Golf Course Information:

TPC Sawgrass – Dye’s Valley Course (Ponte Vedra Beach)

With lots of trees and water to enjoy, this is a delightful golf course that offers 6,847 yards of beautiful playing areas.

It renovated the course in 2006, and lots more trees add, allowing you to enjoy even more beautiful than before.

The 18-hole course is second to none when it comes to beauty and the challenges of the system. So whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced player, you’ll get a lot out of it every time you play.

It was built in 1987 and had Bermuda grass on both the greens and the fairways, and when you’re ready for a snack or even a meal, you won’t have to travel far to get it.

Golf Course Information:

TPC Sawgrass – THE PLAYERS Stadium Course (Ponte Vedra Beach)

This golf course was created for the spectators’ pleasure and had perks such as clear views to see everything going on there.

Hole 17 consists of a treacherous island green, and it consists of sandy waste areas, lots of water hazards, and lots of oaks, palms, and pines to see along the way.

It is such a unique course that no two consecutive holes ever face the same direction. With 7,245 yards of playing areas, you’ll enjoy the system from beginning to end.

It has been around since 1981 and offers Bermuda grass on fairways and the greens. And it has top-ranking votes by Golf Advisor in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Golf Course Information:

Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort (Orlando)

With a little more than 6,900 yards of playing fun, this golf course has Bermuda grass on both the fairways and the greens, and you can play there all year long.

It was built in 1992 and designed by Tom Fazio and Dennis Wise, and it was voted one of the friendliest golf courses in the country by Golf Advisor in 2015 and 2017.

You can rent carts, clubs, and a GPS device if you like, and the course itself has lots of trees, water, and even a quaint bridge or two.

It is a great place to play for both newbies and more experienced players, and you can even enjoy outdoor dining and drinks on the 19th hole.

Golf Course Information:

Trump National Doral Miami – Red Tiger Course (Miami)

Formerly called the Red Course, this golf course offers 18 holes and nearly 6,400 yards of play opportunity.

It has strategically placed bunkers to make the course a bit more challenging. It is one of five great golf courses at this resort.

You get access to a golf school and a chipping area, not to mention a putting green, and you can enjoy some very challenging greens on the sixth and 14th holes.

Best of all, you can play on this golf course regardless of your experience level. Between the lakes and water hazards, not to mention the greenery and the trees, this is one course you’ll be able to enjoy more each time you visit it.

Golf Course Information:

Waldorf Astoria Golf Club (Orlando)

Built in 2009 and designed by Rees Jones and Steve Weisser, this golf course offers a golf school academy and a teaching pro unless you’d like to get some help improving your game.

You’ll get access to a driving range and putting green, and you can rent carts, clubs, and even a GPS device along the way.

The course is open all year long, thanks to its being in sunny Florida. It has won tons of awards handed out by Golf Advisor, including top courses in Florida, best off-course amenities, friendliest courses, and golfers’ choice awards. So, you know you’re getting many perks when you decide to play golf here.

Golf Course Information:

The Bridges at Springtree Golf Club (Sunrise)

This 18-hole golf course offers an executive-style design and more than 4,000 yards of playing opportunities. It has been around since 1972 and is open all year long.

Supreme paspalum grass covers the fairways, while Premium paspalum grass covers the greens. Although there is no driving range, you get a cutting garden if you’d like to practice first.

The golf club provides a bar, grill, snacks, and a nice clubhouse that lets you relax after golf games.

Golf Course Information:

The Club at Eaglebrooke (Winter Haven)

This course is exquisite and often considered one of Florida’s most beautiful golf courses.

It is an 18-hole course with 7,030 yards of playing opportunity and lots of beautiful green grass and trees to make each experience unique. Luxurious Bermuda grass covers the greens, and you can play here 12 months a year.

The course has been around since 1996 and designs by Ron Garl. In addition, it was the first golf course to use Greg Norman’s GN 1 grass, which is known for being some of the greenest grass around. It was a Golf Advisor Golfers’ Choice Award in 2015, just one of its many awards.

Golf Course Information:

Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne (Key Biscayne)

An 18-hole golf course offering more than 7,300 yards of incredible golfing opportunity was built in 1972 but got an update in 1993.

It’s 10 minutes from downtown Miami, the world’s most oversized tee, sandtraps, seven saltwater lakes. And many holes that overlook Biscayne Bay, which means you can enjoy a beautiful view regardless of which role you’re in it. 

Don’t be surprised animals you might see dashing across the course, including lizards, egrets, pelicans, and even crocodiles.

Golf Course Information:

Sebring Municipal Golf Course – 18-Hole Course (Sebring)

This 18-hole golf course provides 6,300 yards of golfing opportunities. The system has been around since 1958 and designs by Dick Wilson.

You can play on it all year long, which is a considerable advantage. In addition, there is soft, gorgeous Bermuda grass covering the fairways for easy playing ability.

You’ll have access to a teaching pro if you’d like to improve your game; you also get access to a putting green and a driving range.

Golf Course Information:

Lake Wales Country Club

Lake Wales Country Club, one of the best golf courses in Lake Wales, offers its guests a beautiful tree-lined golf course, a golf practice facility, a sit-down restaurant, and a premier tennis program in Florida.

An excellent restaurant and clubhouse are on-site, and your cart costs include the green fees.

It is a lovely course that provides drinks and a great view of the 19th hole. Some of the things players love the most about it include the bunkers, water hazards, and the exceptional ideas you can enjoy every time you play.

You can also have a great time whether you’re just learning to play golf or you’ve been playing for years, and past players have also claimed this is one of those courses that are worth the drive.

Golf Course Information:

Highlands Ridge Golf Club – North Course (Avon Park)

With 18 holes and 7,141 total yards to play on, this course is covered with Tift Eagle grass on the greens and has been around since 2002.

A nice restaurant and clubhouse is on the site, and your cart costs include the green fees. It is a lovely course that provides drinks and a great view of the 19th hole. Some of the things players love the most about it include the bunkers, water hazards, and the exceptional ideas you can enjoy every time you play.

You can also have a great time whether you’re just learning to play golf or you’ve been playing for years, and past players have also claimed this is one of those courses that are worth the drive.

Golf Course Information:

The Preserve at Highlands Ridge Golf Course

This course has 18 holes and 6,176 yards of playing fun. Steve Smyers and built-in 1990 designed it; you can play on the system all year. Tift eagle grass covers the greens and makes for a lovely green indeed, and it even has a driving range in case you need it.

There is an excellent on-site restaurant and a clubhouse to help you relax after your game is complete. The green boasts large trees, lots of greenery, and a great place to enjoy the beautiful sunsets common in this part of the country.

Your cart costs include the green fees, and you get a restaurant and fabulous clubhouse to enjoy once your game is over.

Golf Course Information:

Lake Bess Country Club (Winter Haven)

Located east of Tampa, Winter Haven is an excellent place for a golf course. The golf course in this facility is a nine-hole course that boasts over 2,200 yards of playing fun.

It was built in 1994 and designed by Bill Degonda and John Olson, and you can play on it all year long. Trees, water, and lots of greenery await you on the course. And they even offer a driving range and putting green in case you’d like to get in a bit of practice before you start playing.

If you need to, you can rent carts, pull carts, and even clubs if you don’t have your own, and you can even enjoy some food and drinks on-site once your golf game is complete.

For a nine-hole course, this course truly offers something for everyone, including a teaching pro if you’d like to improve your game.

Golf Course Information:

Placid Lakes Country Club

Placid Lakes Golf Course is one of the newest golf facilities in the Lake Placid / Sebring area. With our opening in 2005, longtime residents and many lucky newcomers have come to enjoy our beautiful central Florida course in the heart of lake country.

At Placid Lakes, we offer options for public play and memberships. Memberships are still available and represent the best value for serious golfers. Please visit our Membership page for a complete list of memberships and prices.

Golf outings remain the best opportunity to enjoy the game of golf with friends and colleagues. Placid Lakes Golf Course offers some of the most memorable golf events you’ll ever experience. Superb course conditions and our delightful Restaurant & Bar combine for a full-service golfing adventure.

Golf Course Information:

Lily Lake Golf Resort (Frostproof)

With lots of trees, bushes, and lush greenery, the Lily Lake Golf Resort provides 2,270 yards of playing opportunity covering a total of nine holes. It was built in 1989 and contained beautiful Bermuda grass on both the fairways and the greens.

You can also play here all year long, which is one of the most significant advantages of installing a golf course in South Florida.

There is a putting green and driving range, and if you’d prefer to walk the course instead of taking a cart, you are welcome to do so.

You can also lease carts, pull carts, and even clubs if you don’t have your own, and when you finished playing, you can stop and enjoy some snacks or even a meal at the on-site restaurant.

Golf Course Information:

Miami Beach Golf Club (Miami Beach)

This golf club was built in 1923 but got an update in 2002. It is an 18-hole course with lakes placed strategically so that its beauty is highlighted and enjoyed every time you play.

Paspalum grass covers the fairways and the greens, and because of where it, you can play on this course all year long.

It has locker rooms, showers, and an excellent clubhouse for convenience. And not to mention amenities such as beverage carts, snacks, a full restaurant, and even catering services if you need them.

Golf Course Information:

Normandy Shores Golf Course (Miami Beach)

Built-in 1941 but updated in 2008, this golf course consists of 18 holes and is open all year long. Beautiful paspalum grass covers the fairways and the greens, and if you need to rent carts or even clubs, you can do so easily. 

You’ll also get access to a putting green and a driving range. If you’d like to improve your golf game, you can efficiently utilize the services of their on-staff teaching pro.

Bright green with lots of water and trees, this is one course you’ll always enjoy playing on.

Golf Course Information:

Oakwood Golf Course (Lake Wales)

It’s an 18-hole golf course with 6,681 yards of playing opportunity for golfers of all skill levels. Karl Litten helped develop and design the system in 1993; you can play there all year.

The fairways and greens are all covered with luxurious Bermuda grass; therefore, both look great and feel great as you play.

Past players have given this course mostly “excellent” and “good” ratings in pace, value, layout, and amenities, among others. 

And the fact it’s accommodates for both inexperienced golfers and those players who are playing for years.

It is a beautiful course that is still popular because it stays well-maintained and takes great care of it.

Golf Course Information:

Sebring Golf Club (Sebring)

This golf course has been around since 1928 but received a facelift in 2009, and the 18-hole course provides more than 6,200 yards of playing opportunity.

You get a driving range and a putting green if you need them, and if you choose to walk the course instead of taking a cart, you can do so any time.

You can rent carts and even clubs if you don’t have any of your own, and you’ll even have access to a pro in case you’d like to take a lesson or two to become a better player.

Previous golfers love the layout of the course and the fact that it is so well-maintained. Luxurious Bermuda grass covers the fairways and greens, so you can enjoy a challenging and aesthetically pleasing system.

Golf Course Information:

Westgate River Ranch Resort (River Ranch)

It is an executive-style golf course with nine holes and 6,642 yards of golfing opportunity. Therefore, it was built in 2005 and is a relatively new golf course, and Joe Lee designed it.

Beautiful Bermuda grass covers the fairways and the greens, and as long as the weather is fine, you can play here 12 months a year.

Whether you’re just learning the sport of golf or considering yourself right up there with Arnold Palmer, you can enjoy courses like this one because they work hard to accommodate everyone.

If you’re looking at other fun stuff to do while you’re there, you can play mini-golf, tennis, and even basketball.

Golf Course Information:

Conclusion

In addition to all of the other beautiful things to do in Florida, it’s good to know you can add some time on the golf course to that list.

Florida has hundreds of golf courses throughout the state, and thanks to the weather the state can boast about, you can enjoy most of these outings any time of the year. 

If you love golf, Florida is the perfect place to go for your next vacation. These golf courses and others are there to help you enjoy every moment of your time there and are sure never to disappoint.

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