While the rest of the country is bundling up for fall and winter, Floridians are slipping into shorts and polos and enjoying golf year-round thanks to the state’s endless sunshine and mild temps. And the best part? Your warm-weather escape is just one flight (and club shipment) away!
From family-friendly resorts with plenty of activities for the kids to PGA Tour stops where you can play like a pro, these are the best golf courses in Florida you can enjoy all year long.
Best Golf Courses in Florida
1. Seminole Golf Club
Juno Beach
Seminole Golf Club may be a private, members-only course, but it’s impossible to leave it off any list of Florida’s best. Designed by the iconic Donald Ross, the course boasts a clever routing where each hole faces a new wind direction, keeping golfers on their toes. Though the original greens were replaced years ago and the bunkers redesigned by Dick Wilson and later Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw, the course retains its timeless charm. Seminole recently captured national attention when it hosted the 2020 TaylorMade Driving Relief match and the 2021 Walker Cup.
2. TPC Sawgrass
Ponte Vedra Beach
Home of the iconic Players Championship, TPC Sawgrass is one of the best golf courses in Florida. Designed by Pete Dye in 1980, this course was built to challenge even the best. The highlight? The infamous 17th island green, with no bailout and plenty of drama, especially when the Atlantic winds kick in. Recently remodeled by Steve Wenzloff, including a thrilling new drivable par 4 at the 12th, TPC Sawgrass offers a golf experience that’s as exciting as it is challenging.
3. Calusa Pines Golf Club
Naples
Calusa Pines is one of Florida’s most exclusive and unique golf clubs. Known for its dramatic elevation changes, some of the most striking in the state, the course’s design involved a $1 million investment in dynamite to shape the land. The result is a layout that combines strategic bunkering, undulating greens, and wide fairways that offer plenty of room for recovery. What truly sets Calusa Pines apart, though, is its serene atmosphere. The towering oaks and pines, reminiscent of the Sandhills of the Carolinas, transport golfers far from the hustle and bustle of South Florida, creating an experience that feels truly a world away.
4. Streamsong Resort
Bowling Green
Nestled in the quiet, undulating hills of Central Florida, Streamsong Resort offers a golf experience unlike any other in the state. The resort’s dramatic terrain – featuring sandy dunes, native grasses, and vast, open spaces – creates a setting that feels more reminiscent of a classic links course than typical Florida fare. With four distinct courses now to choose from, Red, Blue, Black, and recently-added The Chain, Streamsong provides a rare and unforgettable variety of golf.
5. The Concession Golf Club
Bradenton
The Concession Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in Florida, but it’s also one of the most private. Founded by Tony Jacklin, who persuaded Jack Nicklaus to design the course, it carries a unique connection to golf history. The club’s name pays tribute to the legendary 1969 Ryder Cup moment when Nicklaus conceded a final putt to Jacklin, which resulted in a tie and a symbolic victory for the Europeans. Set across diverse landscapes of meadows, wetlands, oak hammocks, and pine forests, The Concession is a rare Nicklaus design free of surrounding residential development.
6. Jupiter Hills Club
Tequesta
Tucked between the Intracoastal Waterway and Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Jupiter Hills Club lives up to its name with dramatic elevation changes that set it apart from other Florida courses. George Fazio, inspired by his experiences at Pine Valley and Merion, crafted Jupiter Hills Club with an eye for blending the best features of both iconic courses. Situated on a unique sand ridge just north of West Palm Beach, the course was designed with minimal disruption to the land, moving just 87,000 cubic yards of earth. Its layout takes full advantage of the natural terrain, with the sand ridge playing a key role in the course’s routing.
7. Medalist Golf Club
Hobe Sound
Medalist Golf Club may not have the flashy reputation of Florida’s top courses, but for golf purists, it’s a hidden treasure…with teeth. Co-founded by Greg Norman and Pete Dye, the course stretches to nearly 7,600 yards, offering a stern test that meets the high standards of its elite members – Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Koepka among them. Medalist’s appeal lies in its rugged, untamed setting, tucked within a sanctuary of wetlands, palmettos, and native scrub, where strong Atlantic crosswinds add an unpredictable edge.
8. PGA National Resort
Palm Beach Gardens
PGA National Resort is Florida golf at its finest, boasting not one, but five championship courses that promise an unforgettable experience for golfers of every skill level. At the heart of it all is the legendary Champion Course, home to the Cognizant Classic, where pros are famously challenged by “The Bear Trap,” a fearsome trio of holes (15, 16, and 17) designed to test every ounce of a golfer’s precision, patience, and nerve. Jack Nicklaus himself crafted this stretch to separate contenders from pretenders.
9. Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge
Orlando
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge is more than a golf course; it’s a tribute to the legend himself. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and rich history, Bay Hill combines Florida charm with simply great golf. The crown jewel, of course, is the Champion/Challenger Course, which hosts the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational each year. The course is classic Palmer: long, strategic, and demanding, with water hazards, tightly bunkered greens, and narrow fairways that force players to bring their A-game on every shot. Beyond the course, Bay Hill offers a welcoming clubhouse, elegant accommodations, and the distinct personal touch of Arnold Palmer himself, still felt in every corner of the club.
10. Innisbrook Golf Resort
Palm Harbor
Jumping back to the other side of the state is one of the best golf courses in Florida: the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Golf Resort, host of the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship each April. Twisting through hilly terrain, cypress-lined fairways, and glistening lakes, Copperhead is as beautiful as it is challenging. The famed “Snake Pit” (holes 16, 17, and 18) has dashed the hopes of many tour pros, cementing Copperhead’s place as one of the PGA TOUR’s most fearsome closing stretches. Innisbrook’s other courses – the Island, North, and South – offer a fun mix of challenges that keep things fresh even for frequent visitors.
11. McArthur Golf Club
Hobe Sound
If there’s a hidden gem in the Florida golf scene, it’s McArthur Golf Club. This under-the-radar masterpiece by Tom Fazio, co-designed with PGA Tour legend Nick Price, may seem overshadowed by its high-profile neighbors like Jupiter Hills and Medalist. But those who know, know. Set on a stretch of rolling sand ridges, McArthur feels rugged and refined all at once. Each hole is framed by wide swaths of exposed white sand, natural dunes, and striking, untamed terrain. Quiet, secluded, and thoughtfully designed, McArthur doesn’t flaunt itself; it lets the golf speak for itself. For those lucky enough to find their way there, it’s an experience that lingers.
12. Naples National
Naples
Naples National Golf Club, one of the best golf courses in Florida, has character around every corner. Designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, this course may be Calusa Pines’ more modest older sibling, but it’s no less memorable. Built on flat, swampy land, Naples National has completely transformed thanks to lakes uncovered during construction and sandy contours that add subtle elevation. But its standout feature is the coral rock walls, made from excavated site material, that snake along the fairways, greens, and bunkers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Golf Courses in Florida
How many golf courses are in Florida?
Home of the PGA Tour headquarters, the state of Florida boasts 1,300 golf courses – the most of any state in the U.S.
What’s the best time of year to golf in Florida?
Florida’s year-round warm weather makes it a great golf destination any time of the year. However, the best time for golf is typically in the fall and winter months (October to April) when temperatures are milder and humidity is lower. Many golfers flock to Florida in the winter to enjoy ideal conditions while much of the country experiences colder weather.
How do I ship my golf clubs to Florida?
With ShipSticks, shipping your golf clubs to the best golf courses in Florida is easy and convenient. Simply schedule a shipment online, pack your clubs, and ShipSticks will handle the rest. Your clubs will be delivered safely and on time to your golf destination, so you don’t have to worry about lugging them through airports or risking damage.
Are there golf courses in Florida for all skill levels?
Absolutely. Florida offers a wide range of golf courses, from beginner-friendly public courses to challenging championship-level courses like PGA National and TPC Sawgrass. Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced golfer, you’ll find plenty of options.
Do I need to book tee times in advance?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to book tee times in advance, especially during peak seasons (fall and winter). The best golf courses in Florida can fill up quickly, so reserving your spot ensures you get the best times and avoid any disappointment.
What should I pack for a golf trip to Florida?
In addition to your golf clubs, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. It’s also a good idea to bring a rain jacket, as Florida’s weather can be unpredictable with sudden rain showers, particularly in the summer months.
What makes Florida a popular golf destination?
Florida’s year-round warm weather, abundance of high-quality golf courses, and wide range of off-the-course activities make it a top destination for golfers.
Ship Your Golf Clubs to Florida Stress-Free
Traveling with your clubs can be a hassle, but with ShipSticks, you can have them waiting for you at the best golf courses in Florida. Forget about lugging heavy gear through airports and enjoy a seamless golf vacation.
