Florida is home to many of the world’s top golf courses, and fortunately, you don’t have to belong to an exclusive club to play some of the best. The Sunshine State boasts numerous high-quality public courses that welcome golfers of all skill levels. This guide spotlights Florida’s top public golf courses, providing you with options for excellent, affordable golf experiences.
1. TPC Sawgrass - Dye’s Valley Course (Ponte Vedra Beach)
Overview: While the famed Stadium Course hosts The Players Championship, TPC Sawgrass also has a second 18-hole course, Dye’s Valley, which is public and offers an equally impressive challenge.
Highlights: This Pete Dye and Bobby Weed design features water hazards, challenging bunkers, and undulating greens, making it a fun, demanding course for golfers.
Tips: Book early, as this course is in high demand. Be prepared for some of Dye’s classic design elements, such as strategically placed bunkers and water features.
2. Streamsong Resort - Red and Blue Courses (Bowling Green)
Overview: Streamsong Resort has gained a reputation as a must-visit golf destination, with three courses (Red, Blue, and Black). The Red and Blue courses, designed by Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw and Tom Doak, respectively, are open to the public.
Highlights: These courses are unique in Florida for their links-style designs, complete with sand dunes, minimal water, and an emphasis on shot placement.
Tips: Plan a weekend to fully experience Streamsong. Playing both courses allows you to appreciate the differences in design and layout.
3. Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course (Palm Beach)
Overview: This 18-hole par-3 course, designed by Raymond Floyd, offers beautiful ocean and Intracoastal views, making it one of the most scenic courses in Florida.
Highlights: The short layout is perfect for beginners and those looking to practice their short game, while the oceanfront setting provides a memorable golfing experience.
Tips: Tee times fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Sunrise and sunset rounds offer the best lighting for photos and the most scenic views.
4. Orange County National - Panther Lake and Crooked Cat (Orlando)
Overview: Located just outside of Orlando, Orange County National boasts two of Florida’s best public courses: Panther Lake and Crooked Cat. Both courses are renowned for their well-maintained greens and challenging layouts.
Highlights: Panther Lake is known for its scenic views, while Crooked Cat offers a more open, links-style experience with fewer trees and plenty of rolling fairways.
Tips: Check out their massive practice facility, one of the largest in the country. Book early, especially during peak tourist season, as both courses are popular with locals and visitors.
5. World Woods Golf Club - Pine Barrens (Brooksville)
Overview: World Woods Golf Club is often referred to as the “Pine Valley of the South.” The Pine Barrens course is a Tom Fazio design that offers a mix of wooded fairways and sandy waste areas.
Highlights: This course is known for its scenic beauty and well-maintained fairways. It’s a challenging, highly-regarded course that many golfers rate as a favorite.
Tips: Pine Barrens is very popular, so book well in advance. For the full experience, consider also playing the Rolling Oaks course at World Woods.
6. Juliette Falls (Dunnellon)
Overview: Set in a peaceful, natural setting, Juliette Falls is a top-ranked public course designed by John Sanford. The course is known for its water features and scenic views, with waterfalls throughout.
Highlights: Juliette Falls offers wide fairways, beautiful landscaping, and a player-friendly design that’s still challenging enough for low-handicap golfers.
Tips: Weekday tee times are usually less crowded. Spend some time warming up on their extensive practice facility before you hit the first tee.
7. The Raven at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort (Destin)
Overview: This Robert Trent Jones Jr. design is part of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort but is open to the public, offering a championship-level experience on Florida’s panhandle.
Highlights: The Raven’s course includes beautiful water features, expansive fairways, and natural wetlands, providing a scenic and challenging experience.
Tips: The Raven is especially popular during peak tourist season, so book early if you’re visiting Destin. Check for golf packages offered by the resort to save on multiple rounds.
8. ChampionsGate Golf Club - International Course (Orlando)
Overview: ChampionsGate, designed by Greg Norman, offers two courses, with the International Course being the most popular. This links-style course is open to the public and features rugged terrain, undulating fairways, and a challenging layout.
Highlights: The International Course is unique for its open design and natural feel, with a layout that mimics traditional Scottish links courses.
Tips: Book during off-peak times for a quieter round, as ChampionsGate is a popular spot for Orlando tourists. The course is also close to many hotels, making it convenient for visitors.
9. Doral - Silver Fox (Miami)
Overview: While Doral’s Blue Monster is world-famous, the Silver Fox course offers an excellent public alternative. Designed by Jim McLean, it includes plenty of water hazards, bunkers, and beautiful landscaping.
Highlights: This course offers the resort’s signature high-quality experience, with challenging holes that demand precision and skill.
Tips: Make sure to bring plenty of golf balls, as the water hazards can be tricky. Consider a mid-week tee time for the best experience, as weekends are busy at Doral.
10. Sandridge Golf Club - Dunes and Lakes Courses (Vero Beach)
Overview: This county-owned club offers two great public courses, the Dunes and Lakes, both of which are highly rated for their quality and affordability.
Highlights: The Dunes course offers wide fairways and challenging greens, while the Lakes course has more water hazards, making it slightly more difficult.
Tips: Sandridge is a favorite among locals, so book ahead for weekend play. Rates are very affordable, especially for a course of this quality, making it a hidden gem for budget-friendly golf.
What to Expect from Florida’s Public Golf Courses
Quality: Many of Florida’s public courses are meticulously maintained and offer an experience on par with private clubs.
Accessibility: Public courses are designed to be welcoming and accessible, catering to golfers of all skill levels.
Affordability: Public courses typically offer lower rates than private clubs, with options for twilight discounts, weekday deals, and seasonal promotions.
Tips for Booking Public Courses in Florida
Book Early: Popular public courses can book up weeks in advance, especially during peak season (December to April). It’s best to reserve your tee time as early as possible.
Consider Off-Peak Times: Playing during the week or in the afternoon can save you money and avoid crowds.
Check for Discounts: Many public courses offer discounts for Florida residents, seniors, and juniors. Check for special rates or package deals, especially during the summer months.
Conclusion
Florida’s public golf courses offer top-notch experiences for players who want excellent golf without the exclusivity (or cost) of private clubs. From championship courses to scenic layouts by the ocean, Florida has a public course for every type of golfer. Book a round, grab your clubs, and enjoy some of the Sunshine State’s best courses open to all.