We Know: Six Best Golf Courses in Florida

Florida hosts more golf courses than any other state in the United States and great places to stay like the Royal Plaza Hotel. Golfers flock to the Sunshine State every Winter for the opportunities to meet the big names and try their luck on the renowned courses. Six courses that will delight golfers include:

1. Westin Innisbrook Resort - Palm Harbor, Florida.

This 900-acre resort features the Copperhead Course, a favorite of Ernie Els and home of the Chrysler Championships. Overall, the resort features 72 holes of championship golf over four top-ranked courses.

  • Private course; guests of members are permitted.
  • Location: 36750 U.S. Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor, FL; 727.942.2000, reservations 877.752.1480
  • Features and amenities: pro shop, top 25 ranked golf school, 10-acre practice area at the Highlands Clubhouse which includes driving range, chipping area, putting greens, grass tees, and bunker.
  • Resort features: Fitness area, pools, spa, tennis, dining facilities
  • Fees vary and depend on the time of year:
    • Copperhead Courses: $180 off peak/$210 during peak times, including golf cart.
    • Island Course: $150 off peak/$180 peak, including golf cart.
    • Highlands North and South: $100 off peak/$130 peak, including golf cart.
  • Resort golf memberships include an initiation fee of $7500 and monthly fees of $182 per month.

2. Seminole Golf Club - Juno Beach, Florida.

This par-72, 18-hole Scottish style course overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Built in 1929, Seminole Golf Club is one of the premier courses on the East Coast, ranking in Golf Digest's Top 10. Seminole is a flat course, with lots of waterways and a small sprinkling of trees.

  • Private course.
  • Location: 901 Seminole Boulevard, Juno Beach, FL; 561.626.0280
  • Features and amenities: pro shop, driving range, putting green, sand and chipping greens, spikeless shoes; restaurant and full-service bar on premises. golf school and lessons, with restaurant snack bar, and bar on-site.
  • Fees: $200 per player

3. World Woods Golf Club - Brooksville, Florida.

The Pine Barrens course winds over wooded areas covered with pine trees. Sports Illustrated considers its practice facility to be the best.

  • Public course.
  • Location: 17590 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Brooksville, FL; 352.796.5500
  • Features and amenities: 3-hole practice course, two acre putting green, two Greenside pitch and chip areas with practice bunkers.
  • Fees for 18-holes (green fee, cart fee, and tax included):
    • Weekdays: $110 (Jan - Mar); $70 (Apr - May); $40 (May - Oct); $55 (Nov - Dec).
    • Weekends: $140 (Jan - Mar); $80 (Apr - May); $50 (May - Oct); $65 (Nov - Dec).
    • Twilight: $45 (Jan - Mar); $35 (Apr - May); $30 (May - Oct); $30 (Nov - Dec).

4. LPGA International - Daytona Beach, Florida.

The two championship courses of the LPGA International made Golf Magazines "Top Ten You Can Play Public Access Courses" list. The home course of the ladies hosts the LPGA tournament each spring.

  • Public golf course.
  • Location: 1000 Champions Drive, Daytona Beach, FL; 386.274.LPGA
  • Features and amenities: practice academy with two champion practicing holes, five putting greens and chipping areas, practice bunkers, 360-yard driving range, and clubhouse with dining facilities. Offers private instruction and golf school.
  • Fees:
    • Guest rate: $100 per player.
    • City rate and Players Club: $75 per player.
    • Florida resident: $85 per player.
    • Twilight rate: $60 guest; $50 city residents; $50 Players.
    • PGA members: $50 per player.

5. Amelia Island Plantation - Amelia Island, Florida.

Golf Magazine awarded Amelia Island the Silver Medal Golf Resort award. This par-72 course features three of the best courses in Florida (two signature courses, Oak Marsh and Ocean Links).

  • The Royal Amelia Course is open to the public.
  • Location: 6800 First Coast Highway, Amelia Island, FL; 888.261.6161
  • Features and amenities: putting green, practice bunker, driving range, beverage cart service, equipment rentals, and private instruction at the Long Point Course.
  • Resort features: 23 tennis courses, health and fitness center, your programs, shops, spas, dining facilities.
  • Fees vary according to the time of year.
    • Long Point Course: $150 (Jan - Feb); $175 (Mar - May); $150 (May - Dec).
    • Other courses: $130 (Jan - Feb); $160 (Mar - May); $130 (May - Dec).
    • Twilight: 50% off.

6. Champions Club at Summerfield - Stuart, Florida.

An affordable, open course designed by Tom Fazio. Contours and waterways define this relatively flat course.

  • Public golf course.
  • Location: 3400 S.E. Summerfield Way, Stuart, FL; 772.283.1500
  • Features and amenities: pro shop, new driving range, putting green, lessons, and snack bar. Memberships available.
  • Fees (beginning February 1, 2006) includes golf cart and practice balls:
    • Regular rates: $59
    • Twilight rates: $30


Privacy Policy | Terms of Use © ineed2know.org

Sponsored by