The Five Best Public Golf Courses in Florida
Florida, known as the Sunshine State, is a golfer’s paradise, offering year-round playability, stunning landscapes, and some of the finest public golf courses in the United States. With its flat terrain, coastal beauty, and ideal climate, the state attracts players of all skill levels. Here, we explore five of the best public golf courses in Florida, each offering a distinct experience that blends challenge, scenery, and accessibility.
1. TPC Sawgrass – The Players Stadium Course (Ponte Vedra Beach)
Arguably the crown jewel of public golf in Florida, the TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium Course is a bucket-list destination for any golfer. Designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1980, this course gained fame as the host of The Players Championship, often dubbed the “fifth major.” Its most iconic feature is the par-3 17th hole, the “Island Green,” a treacherous 137-yard shot surrounded by water that tests nerves and precision. The course spans 7,245 yards with a par of 72, blending strategic bunkering, undulating fairways, and pristine conditions. Public access is available year-round, though tee times can be competitive and pricey—starting around $500 depending on the season. The combination of championship pedigree and dramatic design makes TPC Sawgrass a must-play.
2. Streamsong Resort – Red Course (Bowling Green)
Nestled in central Florida’s Polk County, Streamsong Resort offers a trio of acclaimed courses, with the Red Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, standing out as a public favorite. Opened in 2012, this 7,148-yard, par-72 layout takes inspiration from classic links-style courses, featuring wide fairways, rugged bunkers, and dramatic elevation changes—a rarity in Florida’s typically flat landscape. The course’s sandy soil and natural contours, remnants of a former phosphate mining site, create a unique aesthetic and playing experience. Golfers rave about its walkability and the strategic options it offers, making it both challenging and enjoyable. Rates vary by season, typically ranging from $150 to $300, and the remote location adds to its allure as a golfing retreat.
3. Bay Hill Club & Lodge – Champion/Challenger Course (Orlando)
Made famous by Arnold Palmer, who purchased the property in 1974, Bay Hill’s Champion/Challenger Course is a public gem in the heart of Orlando. This 7,381-yard, par-72 layout hosts the PGA Tour’s Arnold Palmer Invitational annually, showcasing its pedigree. Designed by Dick Wilson and later refined by Palmer, the course features tight fairways, water hazards on half the holes, and devilishly fast greens. The par-5 6th, with its sweeping dogleg around a lake, and the par-3 17th, guarded by bunkers and water, are standout challenges. Public play is available through stay-and-play packages at the lodge, with rates starting around $200 in the off-season. Bay Hill’s blend of history, difficulty, and Palmer’s legacy makes it unforgettable.
4. The Concession Golf Club (Bradenton)
A relative newcomer, The Concession Golf Club opened in 2006 and was co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin, commemorating Nicklaus’s sportsmanlike concession in the 1969 Ryder Cup. Located in Bradenton, this 7,474-yard, par-72 course is a beast, with sprawling fairways, massive greens, and deep bunkers set amid oak trees and wetlands. It’s known for its difficulty—rated among the toughest in Florida—but also its pristine conditioning and scenic beauty. Public access is limited, typically through special arrangements or charity events, with green fees often exceeding $300. The Concession’s exclusivity and championship caliber make it a hidden gem for those willing to seek it out.
5. Trump National Doral – Blue Monster (Miami)
Rounding out the list is the Blue Monster at Trump National Doral, a South Florida icon redesigned by Gil Hanse in 2014. This 7,590-yard, par-72 course, originally crafted by Dick Wilson in 1962, has hosted numerous PGA Tour events, including the WGC-Cadillac Championship. Its nickname comes from its punishing length, abundant water hazards, and wind-exposed layout. The par-4 18th, with its water-lined fairway and bunker-framed green, is a dramatic finisher. Public tee times are available, with rates ranging from $150 to $400 depending on the season and time of day. The Blue Monster’s bold design and Miami flair make it a thrilling public option.
Florida’s public golf courses offer something for everyone, from the historic charm of Bay Hill to the modern mastery of Streamsong Red. TPC Sawgrass brings global prestige, The Concession offers a stern test, and the Blue Monster delivers resort-style excitement. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these courses showcase the state’s diverse golfing landscape. Tee times and costs vary, so planning ahead is key—but the reward is a golfing experience that rivals any in the world.
