If you are a golf lover, one state rises above the rest as a premier option. While California, Texas, and South Carolina have numerous incredible courses and host some of the biggest tournaments in the world, no state can match the volume and quality of Florida for golf. Florida has more golf courses than any other state, and the year-round warm weather, Oceanside scenery, and the large community of golf lovers that live there make it the dream place for fans of the game.
Florida is the site of some of the most impressive courses in the country, with perfectly manicured greens and luxurious clubhouses. It also hosts several of the biggest golf tournaments every year, drawing amateur and professional golfers to the state in droves. Numerous areas in Florida are hotspots for golfing, including everywhere from Palm Beach and Miami to the Panhandle and the Gulf Coast.
Let’s look at some of the great golfing options in the Panhandle, Jacksonville, and Orlando.
Florida Panhandle
The Panhandle is a skinny stretch of land on Florida’s northwest, situated on the Gulf of Mexico. It is home to cities like Destin, Panama City, and more. While not as densely populated as other Florida areas, the Panhandle is one of the most beautiful parts of Florida, with sandy beaches and turquoise waters. It also has some of the best golfing in the state.
There are countless options for golfing in the Panhandle, including some truly unique ones. The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort stands out as a unique option. This resort offers 73 holes across four championship courses located right along the waters. The courses have spectacular views, are well-maintained, and have earned several golf awards.
Windswept Dunes is a great course with 18 holes, featuring massive dunes and incredible scenery. It is located only a short drive from the Destin and Panama City waterfront. Lost Key Golf Club is a stunning 18-hole Arnold Palmer Championship public course located in Pensacola. Known to be in consistently excellent condition, this course is always a top option. These are only some of the many incredible golf locations in the Panhandle.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is one of the biggest cities in Florida, a massive sprawl of a metro area situated in the northeastern part of the state, right on the Atlantic. Jacksonville has a temperate climate and white sand beaches, making it one of the most sought-after areas of Florida. Of course, this environment also makes it a dream come true for golfers. Jacksonville has some of the best golf courses in the region and plays host to massive golf events.
Every year at Ponte Vedra, just outside of Jacksonville, one of golf’s premier events takes place. This is The Players Championship, the PGA tournament that offers the highest prize fund of any tournament in golf. This takes place at TPC Sawgrass, a stunning club with two championship courses open to the public.
There are several other great golfing options nearby. Bent Creek is an affordable, relaxing course that is open to the public, with a classic Florida look. The Blue Sky Golf Club is a highly rated public course, and the Jacksonville Golf and Country Club is a swanky, members-only golf club with a perfectly manicured course.
Orlando
Orlando is another major Florida city, and while it may not be coastal, it is no less beautiful than the other areas, surrounded by smaller bodies of water. Orlando is known for the entertainment options abound in the city, ranging from theme park attractions to pristine golf courses. Let’s explore some of the great golfing that goes on around Orlando.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is played at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge, just outside Orlando in Bay Hill. This is a prestigious event that draws out some of the top golfers in the world, and the course is famed for its pristine setting and 27 holes of tour championship golf. While the club is for members only, the course is available to those that book a stay at the lodge.
There are countless other golf courses near Orlando, including the Ventura Country Club Golf Course, the Winter Pines Golf Club, and the Country Club of Orlando. There are both public and private courses in beautiful green settings, including several situated around water. It is one of the best golfing areas in the country.
