Florida is known as the “Golf Capital of the World”, offering sunny weather, palm-lined fairways, and more golf courses than any other U.S. state. Whether you’re a weekend golfer or a seasoned pro, the Sunshine State has public courses that deliver both challenge and beauty. In this 2025 guide, I’ve rounded up the top 10 public golf courses in Florida that you can actually play — no membership required. These courses are praised for their design, condition, and overall experience.
If you’re a golf fan, you already know this name. TPC Sawgrass is home to The Players Championship and one of the most famous holes in golf — the island green on hole 17.
Designed by Pete Dye, the course tests accuracy more than power. Every shot requires focus, with water hazards and tight fairways waiting for even the smallest mistake.
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Par: 72 | Yards: Around 7,200
Green Fee: Around $450–$600 depending on season
- Tip: Try to play early in the morning before the Florida heat and wind pick up.
2. Streamsong Resort – Red, Blue & Black Courses (Fort Meade)
Located between Tampa and Orlando, Streamsong Resort feels like nowhere else in Florida. Built on old mining land, it offers dramatic dunes, elevation changes, and firm, fast greens.
There are three championship courses:
Red Course (Coore & Crenshaw): Natural feel with bold bunkers.
Blue Course (Tom Doak): Wide fairways and creative design.
Black Course (Gil Hanse): Larger greens and strong visual drama.
Location: Fort Meade, FL
Green Fee: Around $250–$350
- Why play here: It’s quiet, pure golf — no houses, no crowds, just you and the game.
3. World Woods Golf Club (Brooksville)
Once known as World Woods, this site has been reimagined as Cabot Citrus Farms, a high-end public golf destination. The new layout blends rolling hills, pine forests, and sand dunes — a look you won’t find anywhere else in Florida.
Location: Brooksville, FL
Green Fee: Around $200–$350
- Highlight: The “Karoo” course is designed for creative shot-making and will officially open for full play in 2025.
4. Bay Hill Club & Lodge (Orlando)
Home to the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bay Hill is both a PGA Tour stop and a bucket-list round for many golfers. The course layout rewards smart play and precise approach shots.
While technically a semi-private club, guests staying at the Bay Hill Lodge get full access to the course and practice facilities.
Location: Orlando, FL
Green Fee: About $350–$500 (for lodge guests)
- Insider Tip: Stay overnight — it’s the only way to play. Plus, the staff’s hospitality reflects Arnold Palmer’s legendary warmth.
5. PGA National Resort – Champion Course (Palm Beach Gardens)
If you want to test yourself like the pros, the Champion Course at PGA National is your spot. This is where the PGA Tour’s Cognizant Classic (formerly Honda Classic) takes place.
The course features the Bear Trap — a brutal three-hole stretch (15–17) designed by Jack Nicklaus that has challenged even top PGA players.
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Green Fee: Around $250–$400
- Good to know: There are four other courses on-site, so it’s easy to make a weekend golf trip out of it.
6. Innisbrook Resort – Copperhead Course (Palm Harbor)
If you want to walk in the footsteps of PGA Tour pros, Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort should be on your list. It’s home to the Valspar Championship and offers one of the most challenging layouts in the state.
Expect rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways, and tricky greens that demand focus from start to finish.
Location: Palm Harbor, FL (near Tampa)
Green Fee: Around $250–$400
- Why play here: The “Snake Pit” — holes 16 to 18 — is one of Florida’s toughest finishing stretches.
7. Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course (Palm Beach)
Not every great golf experience has to be 7,000 yards long. The Palm Beach Par 3 is a scenic 18-hole short course right between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
It’s beautifully maintained and perfect for a relaxed morning round with ocean breezes and postcard views.
Location: Palm Beach, FL
Green Fee: Around $60–$90
- Highlight: Ideal for beginners or those looking to sharpen their short game without spending a full day on the course.
8. Hammock Beach Resort – Ocean Course (Palm Coast)
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Ocean Course at Hammock Beach is known for its coastal views and unique layout. Six holes play directly along the Atlantic Ocean — earning it the nickname “Pebble Beach of the East.”
After being damaged by hurricanes a few years ago, the course has been fully restored and looks better than ever.
Location: Palm Coast, FL
Green Fee: Around $200–$350
- Why play here: Ocean breeze, wide fairways, and unforgettable sunrise tee times.
9. Trump National Doral – Blue Monster (Miami)
The Blue Monster at Doral is a true test of skill and patience. Known for its long water carries and deep bunkers, it once hosted the PGA Tour’s WGC-Cadillac Championship.
Even after renovations, it remains one of Florida’s most recognizable public-access golf courses.
Location: Miami, FL
Green Fee: Around $250–$450
- Signature Hole: The 18th — a long par 4 with water running down the entire left side — is one of the toughest finishing holes in the U.S.
10. PGA Village – Wanamaker Course (Port St. Lucie)
For golfers looking for variety and solid value, PGA Village offers multiple public courses designed by Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. The Wanamaker Course is the standout — a classic Florida layout with pine trees, lakes, and strategic bunkering.
This is also a training ground for many PGA pros, so expect pristine conditions and a professional atmosphere.
Location: Port St. Lucie, FL
Green Fee: Around $120–$200
- Tip: The on-site PGA Learning Center is one of the best places in Florida to get lessons or custom fittings.
Final Thoughts
Florida truly is a golf lover’s paradise. From the prestige of TPC Sawgrass to the relaxed charm of Palm Beach Par 3, every course on this list offers a memorable experience.
Whether you’re traveling for vacation or planning a local weekend round, these top 10 public golf courses in Florida for 2025 deliver variety, scenery, and championship-quality golf — no membership required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are these courses open year-round?
Yes, all ten courses are open year-round, though summer months can be hot and humid.
2. What’s the best area in Florida for public golf?
Central and South Florida (around Orlando, Tampa, and Palm Beach) have the best variety of public-access courses.
3. Do I need to book tee times in advance?
Yes, especially between November and April — many of these fill up fast.
4. Which course is most beginner-friendly?
Palm Beach Par 3 and PGA Village are great for beginners and casual players.
5. What’s the most scenic course?
Hammock Beach’s Ocean Course has the best coastal views in Florida.
