Best Golf Courses in Florida
In the sunshine state, there’s no shortage of great golf courses to play. Offering everything from all-inclusive resort courses to some of the most challenging and enjoyable public golf courses in the southeast, Florida is one of the must-visit states for serious golfers and casual players alike. Below we’ve rounded up five golf courses in Florida that players consistently rank as their favorites, and that they have recommended to everyone, including longtime locals and traveling golfers looking for a new golf course to try.
Orange County National – Crooked Cat
One of two 18-hole courses available at Orange County National, Crooked Cat is a unique beast all its own. With elements of a traditional Scottish links layout, combined with an open, flowy design, Crooked Cat is a one-of-a-kind golf course in Florida. Native heather grass and other vegetation helps to create challenging angles on some of your wayward shots, but hit it straight and you’ll be rewarded with a good look at generous, sloped greens.
Course management and careful shot selection are the name of the game at PGA Golf Club’s Dye Course. Bunkers abound in this well-regarded Pete Dye design, along with undulating greens and plenty of rough that beckons to any golfer with a tendency to overshoot. But if you are looking for a challenge and a chance to test your club selection, this is one of the best golf courses in Florida to try.
Vero Beach, Florida’s Sandridge Golf Club offers two great golf courses to play, and the Dunes course is among the favorites among local residents and golfers from all over the state. Winding around an old ridge once used for mining many years ago, the Dunes course combines rolling hills on the back half with a tough island green on the front nine and plenty of challenges in between to help you keep your game sharp.
The Florida Club, located in Stuart, Florida, brings together classic Florida golf course layout and style with undulating fairways, well-placed water hazards and bunkers, and even a peninsula green on 16 for an added bit of challenge. Multiple tee options make it a great course for golfers of any skill level who want to test their game.
For championship golf just about one hour outside of Tampa, Florida, Waterlefe Golf & River Club is a highly recommended choice. Generous, rolling fairways offer golfers a comfortable view, but don’t be fooled – nearly 60 sand traps and several water hazards scattered throughout the course will help you keep your shots in check. Golfers can ease in from the first tee, but as your round progresses the challenges get trickier along the way. An outstanding course for anyone looking to play a rewarding round of golf in Florida.
