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, stretching from the Panhandle to the Keys.
Whether you're a scratch player, a weekend warrior, or someone who likes to ride the cart and heckle politely, golf in Florida delivers. The blend of natural beauty, strategic course design, and a vibrant golf culture makes the experience memorable for every level of player.
With over 1,250 golf courses (an updated tally that includes smaller local layouts), averaging more than 200 sunny days a year in many regions, and numerous public courses consistently earning national recognition from Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and other outlets, Florida doesn’t just play the game—it sets the pace. It’s a destination that draws professionals chasing championship play and novices dreaming of their first perfect swing alike.
Need accommodations or directions to your next tee time? Check local resort sites and airport guides on this site for estimated drive times and booking options so you can get on the course without wasting time.
Florida: The Undisputed Capital of American Golf
Let’s tee this up properly. While other states have strong golf offerings, Florida consistently ranks at the top when you measure the full golf experience: quantity of courses, year-round playability, and world-class public and resort venues.
a sprawling, 18-hole golf course that seamlessly blends the distinct characteristics of Florida's diverse landscapes.
Total Golf Courses: Florida leads the nation with roughly 1,250 golf courses spread across varied terrain from the Panhandle to the Keys. That depth of choice — private clubs, municipal layouts, championship tracks, and executive courses — means accessibility for every budget and skill level. For comprehensive lists and regional searches, see the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity or trusted golf travel sites on this site.
Annual Sunshine & Playability: Many parts of Florida enjoy more than 200 days of sun annually, giving golfers extended windows for outdoor play. Mornings are often ideal even during summer storm season, and winter months deliver some of the best, most comfortable golf conditions in the country. This reliable climate draws visitors year-round — from quick weekend trips to extended golf vacations.
Top-Rated Public & Resort Courses: Florida’s public and resort courses appear frequently in national rankings, offering championship-level challenges without exclusive membership barriers. Iconic venues such as TPC Sawgrass, Streamsong, and Bay Hill Club & Lodge host major tournaments and welcome amateur play. The result is a world-class tournament pedigree paired with broad accessibility for everyday golfers.
Whether you’re near the Atlantic or the Gulf Coast, you’re usually only minutes from your next tee time — many premier courses sit within easy drives of major airports and resort hubs. That convenient geography, paired with Florida’s varied course layouts and natural features, helps explain why this destination remains a magnet for golfers chasing championship conditions and memorable rounds.
The Courses: From Majestic to Municipal and Beyond
Florida’s biggest brag is the sheer variety of golf courses across the state. From meticulously maintained private clubs and championship layouts to charming municipal nine-holers and relaxed executive tracks, there’s a course and layout for every appetite and budget.
Whether you’re chasing championship conditions that test every club in your bag or squeezing in a quick, social round with friends, Florida delivers playable options year-round — and many venues pair outstanding accommodations and spa services for a full golf getaway.
🏌️♂️ Public & Resort Course Highlights (Worth a deeper dive):
scene of women in golf, showcasing the camaraderie and athleticism of the sport. A professional LPGA player stands confidently in the foreground, mid-swing, with a fierce focus on her game.
TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra Beach): Home of THE PLAYERS Championship, TPC Sawgrass is a global draw. The iconic 17th island green is a bucket-list feature, but the stadium course as a whole — a Pete Dye masterpiece — demands precision and strategic shot-making. Nearest major airport: Jacksonville (about 30–40 minutes). Check tee times and green fee windows on the course site: learn more here.
Streamsong Resort (Polk County): Streamsong’s Red, Blue, and Black courses sit atop reclaimed land that yields dramatic elevation shifts and a links-like feel uncommon in Florida. Expect sweeping bunkers, firm surfaces, and a walking-first experience. The resort pairs championship golf with on-site accommodations and a spa — ideal for multi-day stays. Nearest airport: Tampa (roughly 60–90 minutes). More: Streamsong Resort.
Bay Hill Club & Lodge (Orlando): Arnold Palmer’s winter home and host of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bay Hill combines classic Florida fairness with tournament-level conditioning. It’s a tested championship layout with a storied tournament history; Orlando International Airport is typically within a 30–40 minute drive. Visit: Bay Hill Club & Lodge.
Juliette Falls (Dunnellon): A quieter, scenic course featuring rolling hills, water features, and waterfalls — a reminder that not all Florida golf is flat. Juliette Falls showcases how varied land and lakes can be used to craft compelling holes. Ideal for players seeking a peaceful round away from crowded resort corridors. Explore: Juliette Falls.
Winter Park 9 (Orlando Metro): Don’t underestimate this renovated municipal nine. It’s perfect for quick practice rounds, juniors, and golfers sharpening their short games. Its compact design rewards finesse and strategy over length. For tee times: Winter Park 9.
Coastal layouts & the Panhandle: The Emerald Coast blends white-sand dunes, coastal winds, and dramatic ridge lines to create memorable seaside golf where layout and natural features matter. Resorts such as Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort highlight the region’s appeal.
Casual dress and culture: Many Florida venues lean casual — collared shirts are common, but the overall vibe favors enjoyment over strict formality. That relaxed approach helps make golf here accessible to newcomers and veterans alike.
Florida golf clubhouse, specifically the '19th Hole', where the warmth of the setting sun pours in through large windows, casting a golden glow on the cozy atmosphere.
Women & community growth: Florida is seeing a rise in women-led leagues, LPGA-affiliated events, and grassroots programs that expand access and mentorship for female golfers — strengthening the game across age groups and communities. See LPGA events calendar for examples: LPGA Tour’s strong presence.
The Panhandle’s Hidden Gems: Discover coastal and inland courses of Northwest Florida that offer distinct playing conditions and calmer tee sheets.
Retiree Rounds — 55+ Friendly Courses: Communities and courses built for comfort, pace-of-play, and social golf make Florida a premier place for retiree golfers.
Glades to Greens: Play courses on the edge of the Everglades for unique wetland scenery and wildland encounters — golf on the edge of nature’s land and lakes.
The 19th Hole Diaries: Clubhouses and bars that deserve their own stories — places where course history and local hospitality meet.
Have a memorable round — a near-miss on the island green, a round interrupted by a sudden shower, or a best-ever birdie made in flip-flops? Share it with us; your story could be featured on FloridaUnwritten.com. We welcome tales that capture the world-class tournament spirit and the everyday joys that make Florida golf a destination worth repeating.
Final Thoughts: Florida Is Fore-Ever Home to Golf
Golf in Florida isn’t just a pastime—it’s a heartbeat, a direct connection to the land and the state’s vibrant golf culture. It’s walking meditation wrapped in a measured backswing, an outdoor adventure scented with magnolias and punctuated by the satisfaction of a precise chip shot.
Whether you’re relentlessly chasing eagles, steadily hunting pars, or simply out for a relaxed round with friends, pack your favorite glove, plenty of sunscreen, and a flexible sense of humor. Check local weather and book tee times early during peak season so you spend minutes on the course—not waiting. Expect stunning sunrises, occasional wildlife encounters, and courses that showcase diverse layouts and unique features across the state.
In Florida, the ball might roll funny sometimes, but the stories, the memories, and the sheer joy of the game keep rolling. For tips on accommodations, spa options near major resorts, and directions to top courses, see our site — and start planning your next Florida golf experience.
Ear Lee
