Golfing Outdoors in Florida: Best Courses and Experiences

Florida is known for its sunshine, sandy beaches, and outdoor lifestyle—and when it comes to outdoor recreation, few activities rival the popularity of golf. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, Florida offers a wealth of golfing opportunities that cater to players of all skill levels. With its ideal weather, world-class courses, and picturesque landscapes, the Sunshine State is a premier destination for golfers from all around the world.

Why Golf in Florida?

Before diving into the specifics of where to play, let’s talk about why Florida is such a fantastic place to enjoy the game of golf.

Perfect Weather Year-Round

Florida’s subtropical climate offers ideal conditions for golfing throughout the year. With mild winters, warm summers, and plenty of sunshine, the state’s weather makes it a perfect year-round golfing destination. Whether you’re seeking a winter getaway or want to escape the cold of northern states, Florida’s courses are always open and ready for play.

Variety of Courses for All Skill Levels

Florida boasts a wide variety of golf courses, from beginner-friendly public tracks to challenging, world-renowned championship courses. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing round with beautiful views or a challenging test of skill, you’ll find a course that suits your needs.

World-Class Golf Resorts and Tournaments

Florida is home to some of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, including the The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass and the Honda Classic at PGA National. The state also features a number of luxurious golf resorts that offer the perfect combination of world-class golfing and relaxation.

Top Golf Courses in Florida

Now, let’s dive into some of the best golf courses that Florida has to offer. These courses are highly regarded not only for their challenging layouts but also for their stunning natural beauty and impeccable maintenance.

1. TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra Beach)

• Course Type: Championship
• Designer: Pete Dye
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,245 yards

Address:

TPC Sawgrass
110 TPC Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

TPC Sawgrass is one of the most iconic golf courses in the world, known for its challenging layout and the famous 17th hole, also known as the “Island Green”. This par-3 hole, with water surrounding the green, is among the most photographed and talked-about holes in the sport, making it a must-play for any golf enthusiast. Designed by legendary golf course architect Pete Dye, the course is a true test of skill. It features narrow fairways, strategic water hazards, and fast, tricky greens, providing a formidable challenge for even the most skilled golfers. TPC Sawgrass is not only famous for its incredible design but also for being the home of The Players Championship, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour.

Why Play Here:

• Famous Hole: The 17th hole is arguably one of the most famous holes in golf, providing a unique challenge with its island green surrounded by water.
• PGA Tour: Home to The Players Championship, the course has hosted some of the best golfers in the world, making it a site of major historical golf moments.
• Incredible Scenery: The course is set amidst marshlands and natural wetlands, offering stunning views of Florida’s natural beauty while navigating challenging holes. The landscape itself is as much a part of the experience as the course design.

What to Expect:

• An unforgettable round of golf on one of the most famous courses in the world.
• Challenging water hazards and narrow fairways, making it a true test of precision and skill.
• The chance to walk in the footsteps of PGA Tour professionals and experience the course as they do during The Players Championship.

2. Streamsong Resort (Bowling Green)

• Course Type: Resort/Private
• Designers: Tom Doak, Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,000+ yards

Address:

Streamsong Resort
1000 Streamsong Dr, Bowling Green, FL 33834

Located in Bowling Green, Streamsong Resort is considered one of Florida’s hidden gems for golf enthusiasts. The resort offers a truly unique golfing experience with three world-renowned courses: Red, designed by Tom Doak; Blue, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw; and the newly opened Black course. Set on over 16,000 acres of pristine, natural land, the resort is located in the heart of central Florida. It offers a distinctly links-style experience, which contrasts with the more traditional parkland courses often found in the state. The design of the courses is seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, with rolling sand dunes, wetlands, and sprawling vistas that create a tranquil and challenging experience.

Why Play Here:

• World-Class Design: The courses at Streamsong are designed by some of the most respected names in golf course design, providing a challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
• Rustic Beauty: The courses are set amidst the natural beauty of Florida’s sand dunes, wetlands, and lakes. The rustic setting makes it one of the most serene and picturesque golf resorts in the state.
• Resort Amenities: After a round of golf, golfers can enjoy the resort’s luxurious amenities, including world-class accommodations, fine dining, and a spa. It’s a full golf-and-leisure experience.

What to Expect:

• A links-style golfing experience that incorporates rolling hills, natural sand dunes, and wetlands into the course design.
• An exclusive resort experience with three highly acclaimed courses and top-notch amenities.
• Peaceful, secluded surroundings where the focus is on the natural landscape, creating a tranquil environment to enjoy your game.

3. The Breakers (Palm Beach)

• Course Type: Resort
• Designer: Rees Jones
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,100 yards

Address:

The Breakers
1 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Located in the heart of Palm Beach, The Breakers is a historic and luxurious resort that features two incredible golf courses: the Ocean Course and the Rees Jones Course. This stunning resort, which opened its doors in 1896, combines old-world charm with modern luxury, providing a golfing experience unlike any other in Florida. Both courses offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, with the Ocean Course running along the coast, providing spectacular vistas as you play. The course’s design incorporates lush fairways, challenging bunkers, and tricky greens, ensuring a test of skill for golfers of all levels.

Why Play Here:

• Stunning Ocean Views: The Ocean Course offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a memorable and visually stunning place to play.
• Exclusive Experience: As part of one of Florida’s most prestigious resorts, playing here gives you access to world-class service, accommodations, and amenities both on and off the course.
• Historical Significance: The Breakers has long been one of the most renowned resorts in the United States. As a golf destination, it holds historical significance and offers golfers a chance to experience luxury, tradition, and history all in one.

What to Expect:

• A luxurious, historic resort with two golf courses designed by renowned architect Rees Jones.
• Atlantic Ocean views throughout your round, with the Ocean Course offering spectacular vistas of the coastline.
• Top-tier amenities at The Breakers, including fine dining, spa treatments, and high-end accommodations, ensuring a complete and unforgettable golfing getaway.

4. Bay Hill Club & Lodge (Orlando)

• Course Type: Private
• Designer: Arnold Palmer
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,019 yards

Address:

Bay Hill Club & Lodge
9000 Bay Hill Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

Bay Hill Club & Lodge, located in the heart of Orlando, is one of Florida’s most prestigious and storied golf courses. Founded by golfing legend Arnold Palmer in 1961, Bay Hill is home to the famous Arnold Palmer Invitational, a PGA Tour event that has been hosted here every year since 1979. The course is widely known for its meticulously maintained greens and fairways, as well as its challenging layout, which includes numerous water hazards, strategic doglegs, and tricky bunkers. Designed by Palmer himself, the course reflects his vision for a challenging yet playable experience for golfers of all skill levels.

Bay Hill’s exclusive, members-only atmosphere provides a more intimate golfing experience, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a refined and private environment to enjoy their round of golf. Many professionals and golf enthusiasts flock here to test their skills, and it’s often described as one of the best courses in Florida.

Why Play Here:

• Arnold Palmer Legacy: As the course designed by one of the greatest legends in golf, you’ll be playing on a course that reflects Palmer’s design philosophy—challenging yet fun for all skill levels.
• Challenging Layout: Bay Hill features a diverse range of holes that require precision and strategy, including several water hazards and tricky doglegs. Its layout tests both accuracy and distance, challenging golfers of all levels.
• Exclusive Club: As a private club, Bay Hill offers an intimate and high-end golfing experience, ensuring a quiet atmosphere where players can focus on their game without distractions.
• Historic Tournament Venue: Bay Hill is famous for hosting the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a major PGA Tour event, adding an extra layer of prestige for golfers who wish to experience the same course that professional players compete on.

What to Expect:

• A challenging course with water features and strategically placed bunkers.
• A beautiful and well-maintained course with stunning landscaping and views.
• Access to a historic venue where the world’s best golfers play.
• Exclusive services at the private club, including luxury accommodations and dining.

5. Pinehurst Resort (North Carolina) – Note: Popular Among Floridians

• Course Type: Resort
• Designer: Donald Ross
• Par: 71
• Yardage: 7,130 yards

Address:

Pinehurst Resort
80 Carolina Vista Dr, Pinehurst, NC 28374

While not located in Florida, Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina is a golfing destination that is immensely popular among Floridians. Known for its historic and prestigious golf courses, Pinehurst No. 2, designed by the legendary Donald Ross, is one of the most famous courses in the world. It has hosted multiple U.S. Open tournaments and continues to be a top choice for golfers from all over the country, including many from Florida.

The course is known for its stunning beauty, featuring rolling sandhills, pine trees, and strategic bunkers. The natural terrain has been masterfully incorporated into the course design, providing an immersive golfing experience. Pinehurst is more than just a golf course; it’s an upscale resort with multiple courses, dining options, luxurious accommodations, and more, making it an ideal getaway for golf enthusiasts who seek both quality courses and first-class amenities.

Why Play Here:

• Historical Importance: Pinehurst No. 2 is one of the most historically significant courses in the U.S., having hosted several U.S. Open tournaments. It’s a chance to play on a course that has seen many of the greatest golfers in history.
• Natural Beauty: The course is designed with the natural landscape of the sandhills, pine trees, and native grasses, making it a visually stunning course to play while offering a true test of skill.
• Exclusive Resort: Pinehurst Resort offers luxury accommodations, world-class dining, and a range of amenities, making it the perfect golf getaway. For Floridians seeking a change of scenery, it provides an exclusive and refined experience.
• Multiple Courses: In addition to the famous Pinehurst No. 2, the resort offers several other highly regarded courses, all designed to provide a diverse and memorable golfing experience.

What to Expect:

• A challenging round of golf on one of the most iconic courses in the world.
• Stunning natural landscapes with rolling hills, pine trees, and strategic bunkers.
• A resort experience that includes luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and spa services, making it perfect for a relaxing golf vacation.
• The opportunity to walk in the footsteps of golfing legends, as many greats have competed at this famous venue.

Comparison of the Top Florida Golf Courses

Here’s a quick comparison of the golf courses mentioned above, highlighting their key features and what makes them unique:

Tips for Golfing Outdoors in Florida

1. Stay Hydrated

Florida’s hot and humid weather can be intense, especially during the summer months. Always carry water with you on the course to stay hydrated and avoid heatstroke.

2. Wear Sun Protection

With the state’s abundant sunshine, protecting yourself from UV rays is essential. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the sun.

3. Check the Weather

Florida is known for its sudden rain showers, particularly in the summer. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out for a round and bring along a rain jacket or umbrella just in case.

4. Consider the Best Time to Visit

For the best golfing experience, try to plan your trip during Florida’s off-season (typically in the spring or fall) when the courses are less crowded, and the weather is more comfortable.

Final Words

Florida truly stands out as one of the best golfing destinations in the world, offering a wide array of courses that cater to every type of golfer. From the iconic TPC Sawgrass to the serene landscapes of Streamsong Resort, the Sunshine State provides everything a golfer could dream of. Whether you’re looking for a challenging championship course, a relaxing resort experience, or simply a round of golf with stunning views, Florida has it all.

So, next time you’re planning a golf trip, make sure to consider the wealth of options available in Florida. With its perfect weather, world-class courses, and abundant opportunities for fun and relaxation, golfing outdoors in Florida is an experience you won’t soon forget.