Book Florida’s green and gorgeous courses for your next golf getaway
The iconic blue of Florida’s crystal water is only matched by the pristine fairways and greens of the state’s golf courses and resorts.
From the most advanced golfer to an absolute novice will find a course to excite, challenge and thrill them. As you plan your next Florida vacation, this guide will help you make the most of your visit, with course recommendations for each part of the state.
Whether you mix and match courses or stay for days at one multi-course resort, we’ll help you plan the perfect Florida golf getaway.
North Florida
Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Just south of St. Augustine, Hammock Beach offers the best of play and locale with its waterfront, Jack Nicklaus-designed Ocean Course. While Ocean Course is one of the country’s finest set of links, the resort’s play options don’t stop there — it’s also home to the PGA player-designed Watson Conservatory Course.
Hammock Beach resort guests can purchase golf packages for their stays, enjoy rejuvenating treatments at the onsite spa and feast on fine and casual dining options alike.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
The stunning Sandestin features four award-winning northwest Florida golf courses:
Bordered by Choctawhatchee Bay — and just minutes from the white sands of Miramar Beach and Destin — Sandestin resort offers a stay-and-play package with access to all four courses or public access to three incredible courses. The resort itself is home to hotels and rentals on the beach or bay, along with a bevy of restaurant options for all occasions.
TPC Sawgrass
Iconic championship golf lives at TPC Sawgrass, where avid putters can enjoy THE PLAYERS Stadium Course — home to THE PLAYERS Championship — and the Dye’s Valley Course.
The Ponte Vedra Beach courses come at a slightly higher rate than other Florida links, but they are bucket-list worthy. Stay-and-play guests will find accommodations at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa, while award-winning cuisine awaits any player at NINETEEN.
Central Florida
Hilton Vacation Club Mystic Dunes Orlando Resort & Golf Club
A PGA Tour winner designed the 18-hole Mystic Dunes Golf Club, which is situated just miles from your favorite Florida theme parks. It offers sloping greens guarded by bunkers and features onsite accommodations at the adjoining resort.
The package deal is too good to pass up — hotel guests of two or more nights get two rounds of golf on the house (otherwise, green fees can start as low as $40 per player). The course’s clubhouse offers refreshing post-course fare at Kenzie’s Restaurant and Lounge.
Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge
Even pros will find a worthy challenge at Orange County National’s two 18-hole courses. The winding Crooked Cat and the bunker-laden Panther Lake offer scenic views of sprawling central Florida landscapes and access to premier instruction at the center’s Golf Academy. Avid golfers can stay onsite at the Winter Garden facility or at a partner property that offers Orange County stay-and-play deals. Orange County’s green fees are a steal at as low as $59.
Streamsong Golf Resort
Streamsong is a new but nationally-recognized resort that features three of Florida’s best golf courses. With incredible accommodations at a 12-room Clubhouse or a 216-room Lodge and additional entertainment like guided bass fishing and sport shooting, Streamsong is perfect for the golf enthusiast — and the rest of the family, too. Not far from Orlando or Tampa, Streamsong makes for a great day stop (with public play starting at $189) or a relaxing vacation ($139 green fees for guests).
The Villages
Central Florida’s premier 55+ community is also a destination for more than 50 golf courses. Nearby Interstate 75 travelers can take a quick — or extended — detour for shopping, tennis, disc golf, dining and golf with a resident.
Southwest Florida
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
Nestled just between Naples and Fort Myers, the show-stopping LaPlaya Golf Club course takes players past lakes and gentle hills over its 18 holes. Named one of Condé Nast’s Top 12 Florida Resorts in 2022, LaPlaya Resort is a tropical paradise that offers play-and-stay packages and guest access to activities from beachfront yoga to dolphin-watching tours.
Tiburón Golf Club
Tiburón’s top-rated Gold Course and Black Course are nearly eclipsed by the stately elegance of the adjacent Ritz-Carlton Naples, where guests can stay and play in luxury. Green fees are just over $100 apiece and enjoy world-class instruction at Tiburón Golf Academy, then return to The Ritz for refreshing spa treatments, mouthwatering meals, and beachfront relaxation.
South Florida
Normandy Shores Golf Club
Normandy Shores’ 18-hole course is tucked away on Biscayne Bay island, offering players the perfect blend of Miami’s exciting glamour and North Beach’s quiet luxury. If your visit includes the whole family, treat the kids to a day on the new U.S. Kids Family Course, the perfect starter course for the aspiring golfer. Normandy Shores course players can enjoy a $103 tee time during the summer season and stay at any number of iconic Miami Beach accommodations.
With this lengthy list of world-class golf clubs and resorts, Florida should easily top your list of dream golf vacation destinations.
This story was originally published August 12, 2024 at 6:12 PM.