How to pick the best Florida golf courses
Florida offers more than 1,250 courses with a mild climate that keeps play going year-round. The state features a solid mix of public and private access, ranging from historic layouts to modern builds. Using a ranked shortlist helps you skip the guesswork and focus on courses that match your access needs and style preferences.
What you need
- Golf Digest rankings list
- Course details sheet
Steps
- Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, a Donald Ross design from 1929, is often considered the best in Florida. TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course, home of The Players Championship, and Streamsong's Red, Blue, and Black courses also rank highly.
- TPC Sawgrass and the Streamsong trio are public. Private venues like Tiburón, Medalist, The Concession, McArthur, and Jupiter Hills require membership or guest arrangements, so confirm availability first.
- Seminole offers classic Donald Ross work. TPC Sawgrass and Medalist feature Pete Dye designs. Streamsong showcases Coore & Crenshaw, Tom Doak, and Gil Hanse. You can also find Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and Greg Norman layouts among the private rankings.
- Palm Beach County holds the highest course concentration. Other highly-rated options include Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead, Bay Hill, and PGA National's Champion Course, giving you solid alternatives if top picks fill up.
Why it works
Volume and climate
With over 1,250 courses, a rankings-based filter cuts the workload. Florida's weather supports scheduling flexibility, and the design diversity ensures options for different tastes.
Access reality
The top list includes both public and private venues. Distinguishing access early prevents wasted effort on courses you can't reach.
Related on Golfing Bible: How to pick a winter golf spot for 2026, How to Play Alternate Shot Golf, How to Select the Best Golf Driver for 2026, How to Store Golf Clubs for the Off-Season.
If it goes wrong
Private access denied
Streamsong Red, Streamsong Blue, Streamsong Black, and TPC Sawgrass are public options that hold top rankings.
Design preference unclear
Start with Seminole for a classic experience or Streamsong for a modern take on the game.
