Best golf courses in Florida.

Bay Hill Club & Lodge

Orlando, FL

Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, is an iconic course with a rich history, originally designed by Dick Wilson in 1961 and later shaped by Arnold Palmer. Wilson's design philosophy was rooted in strategic, aerial play, utilizing elevation changes and natural Florida terrain. Palmer, who purchased the club in 1975, transformed it into a demanding championship test, making it home to the Arnold Palmer Invitational since 1979. The course is renowned for its challenging layout, particularly its formidable finishing holes. While the 18th hole is arguably one of the best finishing holes in golf, the 13th, a 356-yard par 4, is considered the number one handicap hole. Bay Hill has hosted numerous PGA Tour events and witnessed victories from golf legends like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Its blend of strategic design, championship history, and the enduring legacy of Arnold Palmer makes Bay Hill a premier golf destination.

TPC Sawgrass - Stadium Course

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Pete Dye's revolutionary vision for the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, opened in 1980, was to create a venue that not only challenged the world's best golfers but also dramatically enhanced the spectator experience. His design philosophy embraced a raw, almost intimidating aesthetic, featuring mounding and strategic hazards that frame every shot, ensuring that precision is paramount and mistakes are severely penalized. The course is famously home to The Players Championship, often dubbed the 'fifth major,' a testament to its consistent ability to identify golf's most complete players. Its iconic 17th hole, a par-3 with an intimidating island green, is arguably the most recognizable and nerve-wracking short hole in golf, demanding absolute commitment and accuracy. Equally formidable is the closing 18th, a long par-4 with water down the left, requiring a powerful and precise drive followed by an equally demanding approach. The overall playing experience is a relentless test of strategy, nerve, and execution, where every club in the bag is challenged, making it a truly unique and unforgettable round for those brave enough to take on Dye's masterpiece.

Streamsong Resort - Red

Bowling Green, FL

Streamsong Resort (Black)

Bowling Green, FL

Streamsong Resort's Black course, a bold and unforgettable creation by Gil Hanse, is defined by its immense scale and powerful landscape. Hanse's design philosophy for the Black course was to create a distinct experience that complements Streamsong's existing offerings, challenging golfers with strategic rolls and tumbles across terrain that evokes the famed Melbourne Sandbelt. The course is celebrated for its expansive fairways, massive undulating greens, and a unique, fun-to-play character. While the entire course is a testament to Hanse's vision, the 2nd hole, a short par 4, stands out as a test of course management with its large bunkering and an elevated green featuring false edges. The dramatic closing 18th hole, a 586-yard par 5, is often cited as one of the best finishing holes in golf, demanding strategic play to conclude a round. Streamsong Black offers a truly unique and creative golf experience, where the land itself dictates the challenge and beauty of each shot.

Streamsong Resort - Blue

Bowling Green, FL

Trump National Doral Miami - Blue Monster

Miami, FL

The Blue Monster at Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida, is an iconic championship course originally designed by Dick Wilson in 1962. Wilson's design philosophy emphasized strategic play and challenging layouts, a characteristic that the Blue Monster embodies with its formidable length and numerous water hazards. The course has undergone significant renovations, but its essence as a demanding test of golf remains. Its most famous feature is the 18th hole, a 473-yard par-4, recognized by GOLF Magazine as one of the Top 100 Holes in the World. This finishing hole has witnessed countless dramatic moments in professional golf, with its green protected by water and bunkers, making it a true risk-reward challenge. The Blue Monster has a storied history, having hosted a PGA Tour event annually from 1962 to 2016, including the Doral Open. Its championship pedigree and legendary status make it a must-play for golfers seeking a world-class experience.

PGA National Resort (Champion)

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

The Champion course at PGA National Resort, originally conceived by Tom and George Fazio for major tournament play and later redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 2014, stands as one of golf's most formidable challenges. Known as 'The Champ,' this 7,045-yard layout is a true test of skill, characterized by tricky South Florida winds and pervasive water hazards that demand precision. Its legendary 'Bear Trap'—a daunting three-hole stretch comprising holes 15, 16, and 17—is widely regarded as one of the toughest finishing sequences in golf. The course's design philosophy, as described by The New York Times, evokes a 'king cobra of a course that rises without warning to strike down the world’s best golfers.' Despite its reputation for difficulty, five sets of tees ensure playability for all skill levels, offering generous landing areas and spacious TifEagle greens while still presenting strategic course management challenges. Hosting the PGA TOUR’s Cognizant Classic each spring, The Champion is an essential experience for any avid golfer seeking to test their mettle against a course steeped in championship history.

Innisbrook Resort - Copperhead

Palm Harbor, FL

The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida, designed by Lawrence Packard in 1972, is a celebrated championship layout renowned for its challenging yet fair play. Packard's design philosophy emphasized creating courses that were accessible to the masses while still offering a rigorous test for professionals. The Copperhead is characterized by its tree-lined fairways, undulating terrain, and strategic bunkering, often featuring Packard's signature double-dogleg par 5s. The course is famously home to the Valspar Championship, a PGA Tour event, since 2000, solidifying its reputation as a true championship venue. The finishing stretch, known as 'The Snake Pit,' comprising holes 16, 17, and 18, is one of the most formidable closing sequences in golf, demanding precision and nerve. The 14th hole, a 590-yard par 5, is also a signature challenge. Its consistent presence on the PGA Tour and its demanding layout make the Copperhead Course a must-play for golfers seeking a world-class experience.

Turnberry Isle Resort - Soffer Course

Aventura, FL

The Soffer Course at Turnberry Isle Resort (now JW Marriott Turnberry Resort), redesigned by Raymond Floyd, is the more challenging of the two resort courses. Features strategic water hazards, tropical landscaping, and the demanding design that has made Turnberry Isle a staple of South Florida resort golf.

Mission Inn Resort - El Campeón

Howey-in-the-Hills, FL

Orange County National (Panther Lake)

Winter Garden, FL

Hammock Beach Golf Resort (Ocean)

Palm Coast, FL

Grand Cypress Golf Club (New)

Orlando, FL

PGA National Resort (Palmer)

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Named in honor of its legendary designer, Arnold Palmer, The Palmer course at PGA National Resort offers a more forgiving yet equally engaging championship experience. Palmer's design philosophy, evident in the course's risk-reward strategies and fair playability for high-handicappers, shines through its picturesque layout. Following a comprehensive renovation by Palmer himself in 2006, the course continues to embody his gambling style, encouraging creative shot-making and offering numerous opportunities for dramatic approach shots. The Palmer is celebrated for its stunning series of finishing holes, culminating in a memorable par 5 on the 18th. This course holds a special place in golf history, as Arnold Palmer famously won the PGA Seniors Championship here in 1984, delivering a legendary performance that included a record-breaking 63. Playing The Palmer is not just a round of golf; it's an emotional journey through a course designed by 'The King,' offering genuine fun and a chance to experience golf as he envisioned it.

Orange County National (Crooked Cat)

Winter Garden, FL

Biltmore Golf Course

Coral Gables, FL

Historic Donald Ross design at the iconic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. A National Historic Landmark and one of Florida's most storied golf venues.

Lely Resort Golf & Country Club (Mustang)

Naples, FL

Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne, FL

Iconic public course on Key Biscayne with stunning Biscayne Bay views. Former site of the PGA Tour's Doral Ryder Open satellite event. One of the best public courses in South Florida.

Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club of Sarasota

Sarasota, FL

Well-regarded semi-private course in south Sarasota designed by Arthur Hills and Kipp Schulties. Consistent conditions and a welcoming atmosphere.

TPC Tampa Bay

Lutz, FL

TPC Sawgrass (Valley)

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Waldorf Astoria Golf Club

Orlando, FL

Rees Jones design at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, adjacent to Walt Disney World. One of the finest resort courses in Central Florida with impeccable conditioning and service.

Reunion Resort (Watson)

Reunion, FL

Westchase Golf Club

Tampa, FL