Top 8 Best Golf Courses in Florida for 2024

Now, before we even begin, you’re probably thinking… “another Florida golf course list?” But trust me, this one is definitely worth your time. From PGA Tour Venues you’ve seen on TV to those private getaways in the Sunshine State, these are the best golf courses in Florida. We’ve got something for every golfer here. So whether you’re a scratch golfer or someone just trying to break 100, you’ll find courses here that offer challenge, beauty, and pure golfing magic.

In this post, we’re going to look at the top 8 golf courses in Florida. Along the way, I’ll share a few pro tips as we explore the challenging yet rewarding golf courses you can find in Florida. Let’s begin!

• Explore top golf courses in Florida, from iconic PGA Tour venues to hidden private gems.

• Courses evaluated based on design, conditioning, scenery, amenities, accessibility, memorable holes, and value.

• Highlights include TPC Sawgrass with its famous Island Green, Streamsong Red’s links-style challenge, and the exclusive Calusa Pines with its dramatic elevation changes.

• Discover where the pros play and get insider tips for the ultimate golfing experience in the Sunshine State.

• Some courses offer public access, while others like Seminole Golf Club and Calusa Pines are ultra-private, invitation-only clubs.

In order to rank the best golf course in Florida, we didn’t just throw darts at a map. We evaluated these courses on a 5-point scale based on key criteria:

Course Design: How challenging is the layout?

Conditioning: Are the greens rolling true? The fairways plush?

Scenery: We all love top golf courses in Florida with the most beautiful views.

Amenities: How does the full package stack up?

Accessibility: Can you get on this course? Or is it reserved for the elite?

Memorable Holes: Can you tell buddies about that one hole on the course for years?

Value: Is the price worth it?

After looking at these key criteria carefully, we made our decision; here’s our top 8 courses in Florida:

The TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course is among the top golf course in Florida with features like these:

• Stadium Design : Raised mounds for spectators, offering clear views of the action.

• Undulating Greens : Expect tricky putts with bumps, hollows, and mounds around most greens.

• Water Hazards : Water comes into play on nearly every hole, including the infamous 17th.

• Bunkers : A mix of large sand bunkers, grass bunkers, and traditional Scottish-style bunkers.

• Trees : Surrounded by dense oaks, pines, and palms.

• Hole Layout : No two consecutive holes play in the same direction, ensuring variety.

World-class design that challenges every aspect of your game

Immaculate course conditions year-round

Chance to play where the pros compete in The Players Championship

Excellent practice facilities and on-site accommodations 

Expensive green fees (prepare to feel some wallet pain)

Can be crowded, especially during peak season

Extremely challenging for high-handicap golfers 

Design: 5/5

Conditioning: 5/5

Scenery: 4/5

Amenities: 5/5

Accessibility: 4/5 (Semi-private)

When on the lookout for top golf courses in Florida, there have been many positive things said about the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course, including that it’s demanding, visually intimidating and quite possibly one of the best golfing experiences those who’ve played a round or two there state they’ve ever had. Here’s a few notable experiences to keep in mind when it comes to the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course:

"The golf course is very demanding. You've got to drive it well, hit it well, putt it well. I mean, you've got to do everything". - Dustin Johnson

"It's a very simple formula here: Hit it good. The golf course is one that Pete has set up to intimidate you visually. You have to overcome that part of it". - Tiger Woods

"The TPC at Sawgrass was one of the best golf experiences I've ever had. The course looked and played exactly as advertised and I found myself giddy with excitement as we finished one hole and looked toward the next tee". - Golf Digest

• Peak Season (September–May) : Starting at $650 per person.

• Morning Tee Time : $900.

• Off-Season (June–August) : Starting at $450.

As one of the best golf courses in Florida, you can find more information on TPC Sawgrass here.

As Florida golf courses go, Streamsong Red is a different kind of golf experience. This experience leaves you feeling like you’ve been transported to the Scottish Highlands and have escaped the Sunshine State. This course was designed by the duo Coore & Crenshaw. It’s part of a resort trio that offers a unique opportunity to compare different design philosophies with challenging landforms, expansive lakes, and rolling terrains.

Pro Tip: Unlike other Florida courses, the gound game holds the key here, you must embrace every bump-and-run!

When it comes to the best golf courses in Florida, the Red Course at the Streamsong Resort has many features that make it standout including:

• Landforms : Dramatic elevation changes, rolling terrain, and stretches of open savannah.

• Water : Expansive lakes come into play on multiple holes.

• Greens : Large, multi-level greens with some perched like those at Pinehurst.

• Fairways : Winding fairways that meander through sand dunes, lakes, and natural bunkers.

• Holes : A mix of links-style holes and target-like water holes.

Unique links-style golf experience in Florida

Excellent course design that emphasizes strategy and creativity

Top-notch caddies and exceptional service

Stunning natural scenery and isolation from distractions

Remote location can be difficult to access

Challenging for high-handicap golfers, especially in windy conditions

Can be extremely hot during summer months

Design: 5/5

Conditioning: 5/5

Scenery: 5/5

Amenities: 5/5

Accessibility: 4/5 (Resort course)

When it comes to golf courses in Florida that are worthwhile, golfers are saying that the Red Course at Streamsong Resort is a favorite. They proclaim it’s a masterpiece that’s fun and gives a bit of added variety with its challenging holes. Some players say the holes on the course are the toughest they’ve ever seen. As far as the overall experience, others are claiming that no trip is complete without playing the Red Course:

“In addition to a challenging course with scenic views you don't get in Florida, the staff could not have been friendlier and more accomodating. Playing alongside my cousin, we particularly enjoyed our caddie, Michael Bradley. Yep, the four-time PGA Tour winner. He could not have been more gracious and personable, adding to a very memorable occasion.” - GOLFPASS REVIEWER

When it comes to the prices for courses in Florida, here’s Streamsong Red’s cost:

• Green Fees : $125–$330 depending on the season.

• Caddie Fees : Walking caddies $90–$100 plus gratuity; carts $35 per person.

For Florida golf courses like this, you can find out more about Streamsong Red at the Streamsong Resort website .

This isn’t among the top public golf courses in Florida, because it’s a private golf club, by invitation only. Located in Naples, it’s often named among the top private clubs in the country. This course is known for its dramatic elevation changes that are quite rare for Florida, along with design that blends into the natural surroundings.

Pro Tip: If you ever get an invite, drop whatever you’re doing and GO! This is a once in a lifetime chance you don’t want to miss!

Private Florida golf courses like Calusa Pines Golf Club in Naples have some swell features including:

• Elevation Changes : Unique for Florida, with sweeping ridges that influence play on multiple holes.

• Sand : Numerous sand bunkers, native scrub areas, and a massive nine-acre waste area.

• Water Features : Water hazards seamlessly connect with sand and waste bunkers.

• Greens : Firm, fast Bermuda greens with well-defined target areas.

• Holes : A variety of layouts, including drivable par 4s and demanding finishes.

Unique and dramatic course design unlike any other in Florida

Excellent conditioning and pristine playing surfaces

Secluded, peaceful atmosphere with no homes on the course

Challenging layout that rewards strategic thinking

Extremely difficult to access (private club with limited outside play)

Can be overly challenging for high-handicap golfers

Expensive if you can secure a tee time

Design: 5/5

Conditioning: 5/5

Scenery: 4/5

Amenities: 5/5

Accessibility: 2/5 (Private)

When looking at the best golf courses in Florida that are private, golfers state that Calusa Pines Golf Club is an exclusive course with a fun atmosphere that has some of the most challenging greens on a championship course. Many golfers state that the greens are fast and sloped, so aiming at the pin is a bad play. When it comes to the fairways, they are huge and beautiful. Overall, golfers state that this is an experience you shouldn’t miss out on, and you should place on your bucket list:

“Might be the best golf course in the state of Florida. Don't pass up on an opportunity to play this bucket list course.” -Jonathan W, Google Review

As courses in Florida go, this one is completely private and by invitation only. However, if you wish to check out the website and take a look at it for yourself, you can view it here.

When looking at the best golf courses in Florida that are by invitation-only, the price shows with initiation fees and annual dues, however the experience is priceless:

• Initiation Fee : $245,000.

• Annual Dues : $33,300.

Designed as the first outstanding course to be built in the 1920s in America’s deep South by Donald Ross, is the Seminole Golf Club. Located in Juno Beach Florida, Seminole Golf Club has a reputation for being among the best golf courses in Florida and in the country. Membership is limited, ranks as the 21st most expensive golf club memberships according to the SwingU Clubhouse. Some of the most notorious PGA Tour players to play at Seminole are Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler, Cameron Young, and Matt Fitzpatrick. Famous stars who played at Seminole this year included Tiger Woods and Tom Brady among others according to a recent Bleacher Report.

The Seminole Golf Club is pretty exclusive, as the property is owned by former U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Forbes, the Seminole Golf Club is loathed near the Atlantic Ocean, and is so incredibly exclusive that it was once known to turn down golf legend, Jack Nicklaus. Guests of the club have included presidents like JFK and royalty.

Pro Tip: If you get an invite, arrive early, take in the history and atmosphere of the club. The clubhouse alone is worth the trip.

When it comes to private Florida golf courses, the Seminole Golf Club has many features that make it one of the best and most challenging in the country:

• Design: Classic Donald Ross layout with challenging green complexes and strategic bunkering.

• Location: Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views and coastal breezes that impact play.

• Greens: Known for their turtleback design, requiring accurate approach shots and precise putting.

• Bunkers: Deep, well-placed bunkers that demand careful shot placement.

• History: Rich history with connections to some of the game’s greatest players and moments.

Classic Donald Ross design that has stood the test of time

Stunning ocean views and constant sea breezes

Challenging yet fair test of golf for players of all skill levels

Rich history and connection to golf's greatest players 

Extremely difficult to access (ultra-private club)

Can be brutally difficult in windy conditions

Relatively short by modern standards (but no less challenging) 

Design: 5/5

Conditioning: 5/5

Scenery: 5/5

Amenities: 5/5

Accessibility: 1/5 (Ultra-private)

The Seminole Golf Club is celebrated and has a reputation as one of the finest old-school golf clubs in the country. Reviewers who’ve had the privilege of getting in highlight the atmosphere and challenge of the play. Players do note that the coastal winds can make the course almost unplayable at times since the greens are firm and fast, with nothing to shield them from the ocean breeze. However, many consider Seminole a masterpiece, praising the strong back nine.

As one of the best golf courses in Florida, the Seminole Golf Club is a private beach club that offers membership to a limited group of people. The membership initiation fee is expensive at $100,000.

Although it’s highly exclusive, even online, you can find the website for the Seminole Golf Club here. With the best golf courses in Florida that are extremely private, you must login as a member to gain access to the private portion of the website.

Up next for best golf courses in Florida is the Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Club & Lodge. This private golf club and resort is a bucket list destination for many and was the Winter home of Arnold palmer. Located in Orlando, Florida, this club offers a world-class championship golf course, which hosts the PGA Tour’s Arnold Palmer Invitational every March.

Pro Tip: Stay at the lodge to get access to the course. This is your way to secure a tee time and experience everything Bay Hill has to offer.

As one of the private and best golf courses in Florida, the Bay Hill Club & Lodge has many features for golfers that include:

• Design: Challenging layout with water hazards, bunkers, and doglegs that test all aspects of your game.

• Signature Holes: The par-5 6th hole with its risk-reward decision to go for the green in two is a highlight.

• Greens: Smooth, fast Bermuda greens that require a deft touch.

• Amenities: World-class practice facilities, dining options, and a sense of history that permeates the club.

Chance to play a PGA Tour venue

More accessible than many top-tier courses

Challenging layout with many risk-reward opportunities

Rich history and connection to Arnold Palmer

Can be crowded during peak season

Relatively expensive for a public-access course

May be too difficult for high-handicap golfers

Design: 4/5

Conditioning: 5/5

Scenery: 4/5

Amenities: 5/5

Accessibility: 3/5 (Resort course)

Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge holds a strong reputation among golfers who’ve had the chance to play here. They state its challenging yet rewarding, and a must-play for any golfer visiting Florida.

As the best Florida golf courses go, membership fee is reportedly around $30,000. Annual fees are upwards of approximately $7,000.

If you’d like to play golf at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, you can learn more here.

When it comes to golf courses in Florida, the Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster in Miami, FL has a reputation that surely precedes it. It’s notorious for its length, water hazards, and demanding greens. In 2014, the course underwent significant renovation but still retains the characteristics that made it quite famous: long, straight fairways, deep bunkers, and water hazards.

Pro Tip: Bring your “A” game. The Blue Monster is known for eating up even the best golfers.

As one of the best golf courses in Florida, the Blue Monster Golf Course at Trump National Doral in Miami has many notable features including:

• Length: Over 7,500 yards from the back tees, making it one of the longest courses in Florida.

• Water Hazards: Water comes into play on 15 of the 18 holes, including the daunting 18th, which is one of the most famous finishing holes in golf.

• Bunkers: Deep, strategically placed bunkers that protect the greens and fairways.

• Greens: Large, undulating greens that are fast and true.

• Facilities: World-class practice facilities, spa, and luxury accommodations at the resort.

Chance to play a course with significant tournament history

Challenging layout that tests every aspect of your game

Excellent conditioning and resort amenities

Iconic holes, especially the famous 18th

Can be extremely difficult for average golfers

Expensive green fees

Can be crowded, especially during peak season

Design: 5/5

Conditioning: 5/5

Scenery: 4/5

Amenities: 5/5

Accessibility: 4/5 (Resort course)

The Trump National Doral in Miami stands out for its Blue Monster course with its top-notch amenities. The property, staff, and golf course live up to its reputation. Many golfers note its beauty and challenge making it worthwhile among golf courses in Florida.

As the best golf courses in Florida go, the Blue Monster prices are as follows:

• Green Fees: $250–$450, depending on the season and time of day.

• Resort Stay: Packages start at $500 per night, which includes access to the course.

If you’re up for the challenge, you can check out the best course in Florida, the Trump National Doral Golf Club, here .

Located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the Champion Course at PGA National Resort is most notable for its series of three holes (15-17) known as the “Bear Trap”. It’s considered to be one of the most invigorating and challenging courses.

Pro Tip: The Bear Trap is as tough as it looks. Play it smart, and don’t be afraid to lay up.

When it comes to Florida golf courses, the Champion Course at the PGA National Resort has features that are noteworthy:

• The Bear Trap: Three-hole stretch that requires precise shot-making and nerves of steel.

• Water Hazards: Water is in play on 16 of the 18 holes, making for a challenging round.

• Greens: Fast, undulating greens that can make or break your score.

• Bunkers: Deep, strategically placed bunkers that require accurate approach shots.

• Facilities: Top-notch practice facilities, a luxury spa, and dining options.

Chance to play a PGA Tour venue

Challenging layout that tests every aspect of your game

Excellent conditioning and resort amenities

Iconic "Bear Trap" provides a memorable finish

Can be extremely difficult for average golfers

Expensive green fees

Can be crowded, especially during peak season

Design: 5/5

Conditioning: 5/5

Scenery: 4/5

Amenities: 5/5

Accessibility: 4/5 (Resort course)

The Champion Course at PGA National Resort has received mixed reviews due to its challenging layout and conditions. Some players enjoy the course’s layout and variety, while others feel it could be improved with more diverse par-3 holes.

For the best courses in Florida, resort stay packages may offer a better price than simple green fees. Here’s the prices for the Champion PGA Course:

• Green Fees: $200–$400, depending on the season and time of day.

• Resort Stay: Packages start at $450 per night, which includes access to the course.

You can find out more about the Champion Course here.

If you’re a serious golfer, you should try your luck on the Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course. As one of the best public courses in Florida, it’s best known as the host of the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship. The course is renowned for its beauty, tree-lined fairways, rolling terrain, and challenging water hazards. The “Snake Pit” (holes 16. 17, and 18) are one of the toughest finishes on the Tour.

Pro Tip: Play conservatively through the Snake Pit. Par is a good score on any of those holes.

The Copperhead Course in Palm Harbor, FL has some features that test your skills and your nerves:

• The Snake Pit: The closing three holes are some of the toughest on the PGA Tour, requiring precise shot-making.

• Design: Rolling terrain, elevation changes, and tree-lined fairways that make you feel like you’re in the Carolinas rather than Florida.

• Water Hazards: Water comes into play on several holes, adding to the challenge.

• Greens: Fast, undulating greens that require a good touch with the putter.

• Facilities: Full resort amenities, including multiple courses, a spa, and dining options.

Unique layout for Florida with tree-lined fairways and elevation changes

Challenging design that rewards accuracy and course management

Excellent conditioning and resort amenities

Chance to play a PGA Tour venue 

Can be very difficult for high-handicap golfers

Less scenic than some Florida courses (fewer water views)

Can be crowded during peak season

Design: 5/5

Conditioning: 5/5

Scenery: 4/5

Amenities: 5/5

Accessibility: 4/5 (Resort course)

The Copperhead Course is highly regarded as one of the best in the state for serious golfers. As best golf courses in Florida go, reviewers state that the course design, playing conditions, and the challenge is what makes the overall experience at the Copperhead Course.

Monday to Thursday: Copperhead $95, Island $75, North & South $65. Friday to Sunday: Copperhead & Island course $125, North & South Courses $75. These prices depend on if you’re a resort guest or a course member.

You can go find out why this is among the top golf courses in Florida by booking your stay at the Innisbrook Golf Resort on the Calendar at their website.

As one of the top golf courses in Florida, the Old Memorial Golf Club is located in Tampa, Florida and boasts many positive reviews. It’s considered challenging but friendly, while giving players a bit of variety. As clubs go, this club is very exclusive and requires a guest pass.

This course is located in Bowling Green, Florida, and some say is unlike any other in Florida. The Streamsong (Black Course) is most notable for its unique features, rugged terrain, and challenging greens. The demand on players at this course is all about carries along with do-or-die decisions.

As one of the best golf courses in Florida, the Black Diamond Ranch is located in Lecanto, Florida. The towering pines within the community make for a beautiful backdrop at one of the most private country clubs that features 45 holes of world-class golf.

For top golf courses in Florida that are private, this is the only collaboration between two of golf’s most incredible legends: Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. This 18-hole golf course, dubbed, the World Golf Village , is located in Augustine, Florida, and showcases the wooded pines, wetlands, and the natural beauty you find in north Florida.

The best time to golf is going to really depend on the region and what you’re looking for. Most golfers find cooler, drier months (November-April) provide the best conditions.

Green fees for the best golf courses in Florida will vary greatly depending on season and time of day. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from $150-$500 or more per round at the most prestigious locations.

While many of these courses can be quite challenging, they do provide multiple tee boxes that offer golfers of all skill levels a way to enjoy the experiences. Golfers with a high handicap may find some of the courses a tad-bit demanding, but for the most part, they’re designed to be enjoyable for all players.

Of course, the private and invitation-only can’t be booked. However, it’s advisable for those that can be booked to book tee times as far in advance as possible, especially during peak season. Some courses may require you to book several months ahead, especially if you’re planning on playing during a popular time during the year.

Dress codes will vary by course. Typically, you should wear traditional golf attire. This includes collared shirts, golf slacks, or shorts, and proper footwear. Be sure to check the dress code policies of the course you plan to visit so you can make sure you’re in compliance.