Florida is one of the most diverse golf destinations in the country, offering everything from oceanfront fairways and historic championship venues to modern resort layouts that attract players from around the world. Golfweek has released their top choices for golf courses across the nation. Ranking 30 public-access courses, here’s a little bit about the best.
Whether you’re planning your next golf trip or searching for a bucket-list round, these are the courses that stand above the rest in the Sunshine State.
1. TPC Sawgrass (Player’s Stadium)
Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, TPC Sawgrass has two separate courses, the Players Stadium and Dye’s Valley Courses, for players to choose. The Players Stadium Course is consistently named among the best in the world with its island green on the 17th hole one of the most recognized in golf. Prices range based on the season from $550-$775 per player for the Players Stadium course, including greens fee, cart fee, forecaddie and practice balls.
2. Streamsong Resort
Streamsong claims spots 2-4 according to Golfweek’s latest rankings.
The course resort is in Bowling Green. Streamsong Red (No. 2), Streamsong Blue (No. 3), Streamsong Black (No. 4), and The Chain are all courses located at Streamsong Resort, a stunning 16,000-acre property also accompanied by a spa resort and hotel. Based on day passes, resort guests, and season times, green fees start at $150 and can run up to $425 without including the $35 cart fee or caddie services.
Streamsong Red is best known for its 7th and 16th holes along with having an organic and links-like course. Streamsong Blue seems to have aggressive, brawler style routes with a notable 7th hole. This course demands precision and strategic play. Streamsong Black offers creative greens, multiple recovery options and a variety of shot options.
5. The Park West Palm
West Palm Beach’s The Park offers open golf, where anyone can experience the game and play, no matter what their level. The Park has three options: The Course, The Lit 9, and The Range with out-of-state prices range from $100-$350 based on the season. The Park offers savings for Florida residents, West Palm Beach residents and juniors. Prices for locals range based on the course, but they can be as low as $20.
6. Cabot Citrus Farms (Karoo)
Cabot Citrus Farms has four world-class golf courses in Brooksville. The Karoo Course is known for its expansive fairways, dramatic contours, massive greens, and a rugged aesthetic that feels more like a links course than a traditional Florida layout. Green fees generally range from $250-$425 depending on the season and resort package. One of the most talked-about holes on the course is the 3rd, which stretches nearly 300 yards from the back tees and offers multiple ways to attack the green.
7. Bay Hill Club and Lodge
Located in Orlando, Bay Hill Club and Lodge is best known as the longtime home of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Access is generally limited to lodge guests and members, with peak-season rates often ranging from $300-$500 per round. The 16th is one of the course’s signature holes, offering players a risk-reward opportunity late in the round with water guarding much of the approach.
8. PGA National Resort (Champion)
The Champion Course at PGA National, located in Palm Beach Gardens, is home to the Cognizant Classic and one of the most difficult stretches in professional golf. Green fees typically range from $250-$400 depending on the season and resort package. The course is most famous for “The Bear Trap,” a daunting three-hole stretch spanning holes 15 through 17.
9. Innisbrook (Copperhead)
The Copperhead course is home to the “Snake Pit,” holes 16 through 18, a demanding finishing trio that consistently ranks among the toughest closing stretches on the PGA Tour. This course is located at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor and host of the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship. Rates generally range from $200-$400 depending on the season and stay-and-play packages.
10. Seminole Legacy Golf Course
Home to Florida State University, located in Tallahassee, the Seminole Legacy Golf Course has reopened as one of the state’s premier public-access university courses. Green fees generally range from $75-$150 depending on the season and residency discounts. The 8th is among the most notable holes, requiring a precise shot over water to a well-protected green.
11. Cabot Citrus Farms (Roost)
Also located in Brooksville, the Roost Course is Karoo’s sister course at Cabot Citrus Farms. Green fees generally mirror Karoo, ranging from $250-$425 depending on season and availability. Roost offers a slightly more traditional design while still incorporating significant elevation changes, broad fairways and strategic shot values.
12. Hammock Beach Resort (Ocean)
The Ocean Course, located at Hammock Beach Resort on the Palm Coast, is one of the few true oceanfront golf courses in Florida. Green fees typically range from $175-$350 depending on the season and resort stay. Six holes are played directly along the Atlantic Ocean with the 8th hole being particularly memorable with a stunning ocean view through the hole.
13. Trump National Doral Miami (Blue Monster)
Miami is home to the Trump National Doral Miami with multiple courses, including the Blue Monster. Green fees generally range from $300-$600 depending on the season and resort package. The course is famous for its length, water hazards, and is one of the most recognizable resort courses. The signature 18th features water running down the entire left side and has challenged professionals for decades during PGA Tour events.
14. PGA Golf Club (Dye)
Port St. Lucie is home to the Dye Course at PGA Golf Club. Green fees generally range from $125-$250 depending on the season. The course is known for its visually intimidating layout, with the 6th standing out as a demanding hole that requires accuracy from tee to green.
15. Camp Creek
Along Florida’s Emerald Coast, Camp Creek is known for its secluded setting in Watersound. Guest access and season impact the green fees but they generally range from $200-$350. The course features significant elevation changes, pine forests, and large greens. The 11th is one of the course’s standout holes, requiring a careful shot over wetlands to a well-guarded green.
16. Hammock Beach Resort (Conservatory)
The Conservatory Course of Hammock Beach Resort offers a distinctly different experience from the Ocean Course. Green fees typically range from $150-$300 depending on the season. The layout features waterfalls, streams and oversized bunkers throughout. The 18th is a memorable finishing hole, as you navigate the water to green shot.
17. Juliette Falls
Located in Dunnellon, Juliette Falls is a public course known for its pristine conditions and natural Florida setting. Depending on the season, fees range from $70-$150. The course feels more secluded than many Florida courses as it runs through native vegetation. The signature 7th features a dramatic waterfall backdrop that gives the course its name.
18. TPC Sawgrass (Dye’s Valley)
TPC Sawgrass’ second course, Dye’s Valley, is adjacent to the Players Stadium course and has been home to many Korn Ferry events. Pricing ranges are based on the season from $250-$350 per player, including the greens fee, cart fee, forecaddie and practice balls.
19. JW Marriott Marco Island (Hammock Bay)
In between Naples and Marco Island, Hammock Bay is a course at JW Marriott Marco Island. The fees range from $100-$250 depending on the season and resort package. The 14th is one of the highlights, offering players a chance to reach the green in two while navigating multiple hazards.
T20. Sandestin (Burnt Pine)
Known as “Crown Jewel of Florida Golf,” the Burnt Pine course of Sandestin is located in Miramar Beach. Depending on the time of year, visitors can expect to pay between $150 and $300 for a round. The 6th offers stunning views of Choctawhatchee Bay and is one of the most photographed holes on the property.
T20. PGA Golf Club (Wanamaker)
PGA Golf Club locked in another course in the rankings. The Wanamaker Course is named after Rodman Wanamaker, founder of the PGA of America. Rates fluctuate seasonally but generally fall between $125 and $250. With water hazards influencing both the layup and approach, the 18th provides a memorable finish.
T20. Omni Amelia Island (Oak Marsh)
Situated at Omni Amelia Island, Oak Marsh takes you through marshlands, live oaks, and tidal wetlands. A round typically costs anywhere from $100 to $225 depending on demand and season. The course is known for its scenic beauty and strategic layout, while the closing stretch along the marshes delivers some of the best views on the island.
23. Dunedin Golf Club
Just outside Tampa Bay, Dunedin Golf Club recently underwent a restoration that returned many of its original architectural features. Resident and visitor pricing generally falls between $75 and $150. The course hosted the PGA Tour for nearly two decades. The 10th is a standout hole that rewards careful positioning and precision.
24. Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne
Set along the shores of Biscayne Bay, Crandon Golf is one of the few public courses in Florida with a true tropical island setting. Seasonal rates generally range from $100 to $250 per round. Mangroves, saltwater lakes and tropical scenery give the course a distinct South Florida feel unlike any other in the state.
25. Southern Dunes
In the hills of Haines City, Southern Dunes is consistently ranked among Florida’s top public golf courses. Greens fees often start around $75 and can climb to approximately $175 during peak periods. The 6th is among its most memorable holes among the 180 bunkers and elevation changes with a standout elevated tee and panoramic views across the property.
26. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry (Soffer)
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry’s Soffer Course recently underwent a major renovation and has become one of South Florida’s most recognizable layouts. Players can expect rates in the $200-$400 range depending on the season and resort package. The course is highlighted by the famous waterfall backdrop surrounding the 18th.
27. Orange County National (Panther Lake)
Among the two championship layouts at Orange County National in Winter Garden, Panther Lake is widely considered the more demanding test. Rounds range from $75 to $175 throughout the year. The 18th offers a risk-reward conclusion with water hazards waiting for players attempting to reach the green in two.
28. Gasparilla Inn & Club
Tucked away on Boca Grande, Gasparilla Inn & Club offers a classic Old Florida golf experience. Access is generally reserved for resort guests and members, with rates commonly falling between $150 and $300. The course features tree-lined fairways, subtle green complexes and a traditional layout that complements the island’s historic atmosphere.
29. Omni Amelia Island Resort (Long Point)
Omni Amelia Island Resort’s Long Point course stretches across Amelia Island’s marshes, dunes, and maritime forests. Depending on the season, green fees are usually priced between $100 and $225. The course is known for its diverse landscapes and natural beauty with the 3rd having the best views.
30. Trump National Doral Miami (Golden Palm)
One of four championship layouts at Trump National Doral, Golden Palm delivers a more player-friendly experience than its famous Blue Monster counterpart. A round generally costs between $175 and $350 depending on the time of year. The course still presents plenty of strategic challenges, making it a popular option among resort guests.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: These are the top public golf courses in Florida
Reporting by Samantha Guillotte, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Samantha Guillotte, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union | USA TODAY Network
