Why Florida and Golf Go Together
Because when you've got sunshine, fairways, and a gator or two, you're playing in paradise.
If there’s one place in the U.S. where the golf gods feel right at home sipping lemonade under a palm tree, it’s Florida. This isn’t just a state—it’s a golfer’s sanctuary, equal parts challenge and charm.
Whether you're a scratch player, a weekend warrior, or someone who likes to ride the cart and heckle politely, golf in Florida hits different. It's a unique blend of natural beauty, strategic design, and a vibrant culture that truly sets it apart.
With over 1,250 golf courses (a slight increase from your original count, reflecting more recent data and including smaller local courses), often boasting more than 200 sunny days a year (a more accurate average for most regions of Florida,
allowing for partially cloudy days but still abundant sunshine), and numerous public courses consistently ranked among the best in the nation by Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and various other publications,
Florida doesn’t just play the game—it sets the pace. It’s a destination that beckons professionals seeking peak performance and novices dreaming of their first perfect swing alike.
Florida: The Undisputed Capital of American Golf
Let’s tee this up properly. While other states boast impressive golf landscapes, Florida consistently outperforms them when evaluating the overall golf experience. We sized up the entire country using key metrics that define a premier golf destination:
Florrida Unwritten “What Locals Read”
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Florrida Unwritten “What Locals Read” 〰️
Total Golf Courses: Florida leads by a significant margin, with approximately 1,250 courses spread across its diverse landscapes, from the Panhandle to the Keys. This sheer volume means variety, accessibility, and a course for every skill level and budget. You can often find a comprehensive list via the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity or dedicated golf travel sites.
Annual Sunshine & Playability: Averaging over 200 days a year with abundant sunshine and mild temperatures, Florida’s climate ensures year-round playability. While summer afternoons bring humidity and thunderstorms, consistent morning play is almost always an option, and the winter months offer arguably the best golf weather found anywhere in the country. This consistent climate attracts golfers from colder regions seeking an escape, making Florida a perennial golfing haven.
Top-Rated Public & Resort Courses: Consistently, Florida features a strong contingent of public and resort courses in national rankings. These aren't just private enclaves for the elite; rather, they are accessible masterpieces that offer championship-level challenges and breathtaking scenery. Venues like TPC Sawgrass, Streamsong, and Bay Hill Club & Lodge are not only high-profile tournament hosts but also offer public access, allowing amateur golfers to walk the same fairways as their idols.
This unbeatable combination makes the Sunshine State not just ideal—it makes it inevitable for serious golfers and casual players alike.
Whether you're near the Atlantic, Gulf Coast, or nestled in citrus country, you're rarely more than a short drive from your next tee time. The state's geography is practically designed for golf, with diverse terrains providing unique course designs.
And in a state where your ball might share space with sandhill cranes, wild boars, or the occasional gator, the experience is unlike anywhere else.
These encounters with Florida's unique wildlife add an unscripted, memorable dimension to every round, turning a simple game into an authentic outdoor adventure.
The Courses: From Majestic to Municipal and Beyond
Florida’s biggest brag might be its unparalleled range of golf courses.
From meticulously manicured private clubs to charming municipal layouts, and from challenging championship tracks to leisurely executive courses, there’s truly something for every golfer’s preference and budget.
Whether you’re chasing a PGA-caliber challenge that tests every club in your bag or just playing for laughs with friends and plenty of sunscreen, the perfect course awaits.
🏌️♂️ Public & Resort Course Highlights (Worth a deeper dive):
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TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra Beach): Home of THE PLAYERS Championship, the "fifth major," this course is renowned globally. Its iconic 17th hole, the island green, is a true bucket-list experience that consistently haunts even the pros. Beyond the 17th, the entire stadium course (learn more here) is a masterpiece of Pete Dye's design, demanding precision and strategic play on every shot. Just playing here, regardless of your score, is an unforgettable experience.
Streamsong Resort (Polk County): Unique among Florida courses, Streamsong offers three distinct, award-winning layouts (Red, Blue, and Black) built atop a reclaimed phosphate mine.
This creates a Scottish links-style feel with dramatic elevation changes, expansive bunkers, and minimal tree interference – a stark contrast to typical Florida courses. Surreal. Sublime. It’s an immersive golf experience designed for walking, encouraging players to connect with the raw beauty of the land truly. Find out more at Streamsong Resort.
Bay Hill Club & Lodge (Orlando): Arnold Palmer’s winter home and the host of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bay Hill exudes a classic elegance.
Featuring immaculate conditions and challenging holes, it's a course where precision and shot-making are paramount. Playing here is to walk in the footsteps of "The King," feeling his spirit in every perfectly kept bunker and verdant fairway. Visit their site at Bay Hill Club & Lodge.
Juliette Falls (Dunnellon): A hidden beauty often overlooked, Juliette Falls offers a more tranquil, picturesque experience.
With rolling hills, strategically placed water features, and stunning waterfalls, it provides a challenging yet rewarding round amidst a serene natural setting. It’s a testament to Florida’s diverse topography beyond the flatlands. Explore this gem at Juliette Falls.
Winter Park 9 (Orlando Metro): Don't let the "9" fool you. This short, sweet, and surprisingly strategic municipal course is a local gem.
Its recent renovation has made it a favorite for quick rounds, junior golfers, and anyone looking to hone their short game on a beautifully designed layout that rewards finesse over power. It embodies the fun, accessible side of Florida golf. Check out Winter Park 9.
Coastal Breezes and Sand Dunes in the Panhandle: The Emerald Coast offers courses that blend the beauty of white sand dunes with the clear, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, providing a distinct coastal golf experience with stunning views and challenging winds off the water. Destinations like Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort are prime examples.
Casual Dress Codes: While most courses appreciate neat attire, these more relaxed venues often have more forgiving dress codes (though collared shirts and appropriate footwear are still generally appreciated and recommended, y’all!). It’s about enjoyment, not strict formality.
Empowering Women in Golf: The state is seeing a significant rise in women-led leagues, professional events (like the LPGA Tour’s strong presence), and initiatives aimed at attracting more women and girls to the sport. Programs focus on mentorship, skill development, and fostering supportive environments for female golfers of all ages and abilities.
The Panhandle’s Hidden Gems: Discover the stunning coastal courses and charming inland layouts of Northwest Florida that often fly under the radar.
Retiree Rounds: The Best 55+ Friendly Courses: A guide to courses and communities perfectly suited for the senior golfer, blending great golf with a fantastic lifestyle.
Golf & Ghosts: Haunted Fairways of Northern Florida: For those who like a side of spooky with their birdies, we’ll explore courses rumored to have spectral visitors.
Glades to Greens: Golfing on the Edge of the Everglades: Experience the untamed beauty and unique challenges of courses bordering Florida’s wild wetlands.
The 19th Hole Diaries: Clubhouses That Deserve Their Own Show: A tour of Florida’s most iconic clubhouses, renowned for their history, ambiance, and legendary post-round hospitality.
And if you’ve got a wild story about golfing through unexpected rainstorms, sharing a fairway with a particularly grumpy gator, or your best-ever birdie made in flip-flops (we’re not judging!), hit us up. Your story might just be the next feature on FloridaUnwritten.com (using your provided site for the call to action). We love hearing about the unwritten moments that make Florida golf unforgettable.
Final Thoughts: Florida Is Fore-Ever Home to Golf
Golf in Florida isn’t just a pastime—it’s a heartbeat, a rhythmic connection to the land and its vibrant culture. It’s a walking meditation wrapped in a perfectly executed backswing, an outdoor adventure laced with the scent of magnolias and the challenge of a precise chip shot.
Whether you’re relentlessly chasing eagles, diligently hunting pars, or simply happy to be out there under a live oak canopy, Florida provides the unique environment that gives the game its very soul.
So pack your favorite glove, a generous supply of sunscreen, and a flexible sense of humor. Be prepared for stunning sunrises, unexpected wildlife, and courses that are as diverse as the state itself.
Because in this state, the ball might occasionally roll funny—but the stories, the memories, and the sheer joy of the game roll on forever. Florida isn't just where you play golf; it's where golf comes alive.
Ear Lee
