Florida is famed for its golf offerings. The year-round sunshine, waterfront scenery, and massive number of golf enthusiasts in the state contribute to its status as a mecca for golf travel and experiences.
Central and North Florida provide idyllic settings for golfers and an array of public and private courses, each presenting to players something new and exciting. There are hundreds of courses across these two regions of the state, some of which host PGA Tour events, have long-standing histories, and offer unique challenges.
Golf season runs throughout the year in Florida, and while scoring the opportunity to play at some of its most famous and exciting courses isn’t always easy, it is well worth the effort.
Top Golf Courses
Let’s look at some of the golf courses and clubs across Central and North Florida with an ideal combination of course design, aesthetics, and prestige.
TPC Sawgrass, Stadium Course, Ponte Vedra Beach: This is the region’s most famous golf course, and it hosts the Players Championship, which is largely considered the fifth major on the PGA Tour. It is located in scenic Ponte Vedra Beach near Jacksonville and provides 18 holes of unique challenges. The 17th hole is one of the most notorious in golf, with a small island green presenting an immensely difficult water challenge.
Lake Nona Golf and Country Club, Orlando: This is a private residential country club that spans over 600 acres in Orlando’s trendy Lake Nona area. This club offers 18 holes of championship golf with a design from renowned course architect Tom Fazio. The course is often played by professional golfers, and it has hosted some impressive tournaments, such as the U.S. Open Qualifiers and the World Cup of Golf.
Seminole Legacy Golf Club, Tallahassee: Seminole Legacy is located on Florida State University’s campus in Tallahassee and is where the FSU men’s and women’s golf teams practice. It is a par-73 course that the Nicklaus Design company has recently redesigned, and it offers memberships to students, faculty, and staff of the university. This makes it difficult for the public to access, but this incredible course stands out for its 7,800-yard length, elevation changes, and scenic trees.
Timuquana Country Club, Jacksonville: This historical private club has been open for 100 years, first offering memberships in 1923. The original course was designed by famed course architect Donald Ross and has been updated by other designers over the years. The course was fully renovated in 2022. Renovations consisted of adding more bunkers, removing trees, and re-grassing fairways. It is now a pristine 18-hole course with a fresh enhancement that makes it stand out.
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Orlando: Arnold Palmer is a legend of the sport, and his Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando is one of Florida’s most renowned golf destinations. Many world-famous golfers go there to play on its Champion Course, which is also where the PGA Tour hosts the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational, one of golf’s premier events. This course runs across the stunning Butler Chain of Lakes, offering an 18-hole, par-72 experience that stretches for 7,239 yards.
Reunion Resort, Orlando: Orlando is known for its resorts, and Reunion Resort provides an ideal experience for golf lovers. With three immaculate golf courses, this huge resort brings some uniquely challenging experiences, particularly with its most difficult, the Watson Course. Designed by eight-time major winner Tom Watson, this course will make golfers use every club in their bag to navigate difficult obstacles.
