Spotlight on America’s Top Ten Best Golf Courses in Florida
Jan 3rd 2017
Florida is a golfer’s paradise. With warm, sunny weather year round, and hundreds of courses spread across the state, any vacation can turn into a golf extravaganza. However, with so many courses to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to spend your vacation time. These ten courses are the top-voted, popular hot spots to add to your links bucket list.
1.El Campeon at Mission Inn, Howey-in-the-Hills
Located at the award-winning Mission Inn & Resort, El Campeon is a top ranked course in Florida and in the United States. At this vacation destination with plenty of scenery and wildlife surrounding the course, the pace of play is a little slower but no less challenging. Golfers note the water hazards and bunkers contribute to the interest of the course, while their families enjoy the luxurious resort.
2.Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, Lake Buena Vista
This course may be a newcomer to the Florida golf scene (it was completed in 2009), but golfers have embraced it as an essential experience. With a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, every yard of this par 72 course is a pleasure. While the undulating greens present a great challenge, its close proximity to the iconic Orlando theme parks will ensure your family has plenty to do while you tackle them.
3.Pine Barrens at World Woods Golf Club, Brooksville
The secret is out, and golfers love this course near the Gulf Coast. The location is remote, but one of the most common reactions is that it is worth the drive! The long par 71 course with 7,259 yards of challenging elevation changes and cleverly placed bunkers is for serious players looking for their new favorite destination course.
4.Candler Hills Golf and Country Club, Ocala
Another Orlando-area entry in our top ten, Candler Hills offers a great challenge for advanced and intermediate players alike. It is often awarded for the excellent course condition, maximizing the challenge of the hilly greens. At 7,233 yards on a par 72 course, some note that it plays long, but you’ll enjoy the Florida scenery all along the way.
5.The Club at Eaglebrooke, Lakeland
Known for its restaurant almost as well as the golf, Eaglebrooke is a great golf outing for a Tampa vacation. It's 7,030 yards feature multiple forced carries and plentiful water hazards for a challenging par 72. Locals and vacation golfers enjoy the links, the wildlife, and the south central Florida scenery year round.
6.Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons, Lake Buena Vista
Four Seasons Resorts are well-known for their luxury, and their Tom Fazio designed course does not disappoint. Originally designed by Fazio in 1992, the course was tweaked again by Mr. Fazio himself in 2014 to meet the evolving needs of modern golfers. A shorter par 71 course at 6,901 yards, Tranquilo will delight any golfer while the family enjoys all the sun and fun Orlando offers.
7.Golf Club at North Hampton, Fernandina Beach
The only Arnold Palmer course appearing on our list, North Hampton is also the only course featured in northeastern Florida. Golfers of all levels will enjoy the challenge of this well-rounded course located very nearby historic Fernandina Beach. Take a cart, because this par 72 course stretches to a long 7,171 yards.
8.The Hideaway Country Club, Fort Myers
Hideaway Country Club is designated as a short, executive course, but golfers flock to the Gulf Coast beach to experience its unique play. The par 68, 5,146-yard course is short enough to fill an enjoyable afternoon but don’t underestimate the challenge of its narrow fairways and plenty of bunkers and water hazards. Also, be prepared for the occasional afternoon shower in the summer playing season.
9.New Course at Grand Cypress Resort, Orlando
“New” is a relative term as this course is one of the most established on our list, created in 1988 by golf royalty, Jack Nicklaus. Though serious golfers will enjoy the superior condition of the course, be prepared for a vacation state of mind with a pace of play that lags at times. Golf history buffs will also enjoy the St. Andrews replica holes scattered throughout the course.
10.St. James Bay, Carrabelle
Seminoles fans, this is your destination course! The only course located in the panhandle, this course offers exciting links with an easy drive to Tallahassee. Designed by Robert Walker in 2003, this short par 72 course features 6,730 yards of play that offer a good challenge for advanced players. Book a night at the resort to enjoy the course and the relaxing atmosphere.