Florida Golf Course Statistics
- Total Golf Courses: Florida boasts 1,262 golf courses, the most in the U.S.
- Oldest Golf Course: Belleair Country Club, founded in 1897, holds the title as Florida’s oldest golf course.
- Longest Golf Course: The Panther Lake Course at Orange County National in Winter Garden stretches to 7,350 yards, making it one of the longest in the state.
- Easiest Golf Courses: Courses like Southwinds in Boca Raton are known for being beginner-friendly, with forgiving layouts that help build confidence for new golfers.
- Hardest Golf Course: TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach is one of the toughest, especially with its famous “Island Green” 17th hole, which tests even the best golfers.
Florida Public vs Private Golf Courses
- Public Courses: Comprising 661 of the total, Florida’s public courses are accessible to all, offering a range of experiences from beginner-friendly layouts to challenging designs. Top public golf courses include Ibis Landing Golf & Country Club, and Heron’s Glen Golf Course in Fort Myers, FL both celebrated for their well-maintained fairways and welcoming atmospheres.
- Municipal Courses: With 135 municipal courses, Florida’s local governments provide affordable golfing options that cater to community members. Courses like Granada Golf Course in Coral Gables offer quality play without the hefty price tag, making golf more accessible to a broader audience.
- Private Courses: For those seeking exclusivity and premium amenities, Florida’s 466 private courses deliver exceptional experiences. Clubs such as Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach and Calusa Pines Golf Club in Naples are renowned for their pristine conditions and top-tier facilities, attracting golfers who value a more exclusive environment.
Florida’s Unique Golf Course Features
Florida courses have some distinct features that make golfing here an experience unlike any other:
- Water Hazards: With its low-lying geography, Florida courses have no shortage of water hazards. From lakes and ponds to winding creeks, water can add both beauty and challenge to your round.
- Bermuda Grass: Bermuda grass is common on fairways and greens in Florida. Its grainy texture impacts everything from chip shots to putting, adding a unique twist for golfers who aren’t used to it.
- Windy Conditions: Many of Florida’s courses are coastal or in open areas, meaning wind often becomes a factor in your game. The Atlantic breeze can change your shot strategy completely, especially on coastal courses like those in Miami and Jacksonville.
Top Florida Golf Courses to Play
Florida is home to some of the most iconic courses in the country, and each offers something unique. Here are a few must-plays:- Osprey Point Golf Course (Boca Raton, FL): A top public golf course in Florida, Osprey Point has three nine-hole layouts, with well-manicured fairways and water hazards that add a level of challenge.
- Palm Beach National (Lake Worth): Known for its laid-back vibe, Palm Beach National is a favorite for its forgiving fairways and great pace of play.
- Shula’s Golf Club (Miami Lakes): This course has a rich history and is known for its challenging layout, which includes tight fairways and strategically placed water hazards.
- TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra Beach): Known for the 17th “Island Green,” TPC Sawgrass is on most golfers’ bucket lists. It’s a challenging course, but the experience and scenery make it well worth the effort.
Historic Golf Events in Florida
Florida’s golf scene isn’t just about recreational play; it’s also known for hosting some of golf’s biggest tournaments:
- The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass: This event brings in the world’s best golfers every year, and the infamous 17th hole keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
- The Honda Classic at PGA National Resort: Held in Palm Beach Gardens, this tournament is known for “The Bear Trap”—a challenging three-hole stretch that tests even the best.
- The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club in Orlando: This annual event celebrates the legacy of Arnold Palmer and brings together top talent to compete on a beautifully maintained course.
- WGC-Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral: This championship, held at the Blue Monster, offers high drama with water hazards and long, difficult fairways.
These events not only showcase Florida’s courses but also draw in fans from around the world, adding to the state’s reputation as a top golf destination.
Golfer Statistics in Florida
Florida’s warm climate and wealth of courses make it a top choice for golfers year-round. Here’s a snapshot of Florida’s golf scene:
- Golf Course Usage: Florida’s courses see high demand, especially during the winter months when snowbirds and tourists flock to the state. An estimated 48 million rounds were played on Florida courses in 2021 alone.
- Number of Golfers: Florida is home to approximately 1.2 million male golfers and nearly 393,000 female golfers, making it one of the most golf-active states in the country.
- Average Handicap Index of Male Golfers: Approximately 14.2
- Average Handicap Index of Female Golfers: Approximately 27.5
Famous Golfers from Florida
Florida has produced some of the biggest names in golf, and many pros continue to call the state home, taking advantage of its top-notch courses and training facilities. Here are a few legendary golfers who have helped put Florida on the golf map:
- Tiger Woods: Though originally from California, Tiger Woods has called Florida home for years. Known as one of the greatest golfers of all time, Tiger has numerous PGA Tour victories and 15 major championships to his name. He lives in Jupiter, where he trains and perfects his game in the Florida sunshine.
- Brooks Koepka: Born in West Palm Beach, Koepka has made a name for himself as one of the most dominant players in recent years, with multiple major titles under his belt. Koepka’s aggressive style and powerful drives have made him a fan favorite, and he’s inspired a new generation of Florida golfers.
- Lexi Thompson: One of the top female golfers in the world, Lexi was born in Coral Springs and started playing professionally at just 15. She has since built an impressive LPGA career and continues to represent Florida with her competitive spirit and powerful game.
- Billy Horschel: A native of Grant, Florida, Horschel is known for his consistency and strong mental game. With multiple PGA Tour victories, including a FedEx Cup Championship, he’s solidified his place as one of Florida’s top talents.
- Daniel Berger: Born and raised in South Florida, Berger is another big name in the PGA Tour lineup. Known for his smooth swing and calm demeanor, Berger has racked up several PGA Tour wins and frequently competes at the top of the leaderboard.
These golfers represent the talent, dedication, and competitive spirit that Florida brings to the game. With its strong golf culture and world-class courses, Florida continues to be a breeding ground for golf’s elite players.
Economic Impact of Golf in Florida
- Number of Jobs: According to the PGA of America, the Florida golf industry supports approximately 132,532 jobs.
- Golf Tourism: Florida’s golf industry generates an estimated $11 billion in total economic impact, including direct, indirect, and induced effects.
- Golf Businesses: As of 2024, the revenue of golf courses and country clubs in Florida is projected to amount to approximately $3.53 billion (from Statista). Florida’s direct golf economy is larger than the amusement and theme park industry ($5.4 billion) and the medical equipment and supplies industry ($6.5 billion) and the golf industry supports $3.6 billion in wages in Florida.
Golf Courses By City
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to questions about the golf courses on TeeTime Golf Pass below:
Florida is home to approximately 1,262 golf courses, the highest number in the U.S. With such a variety, golfers of all levels have endless options.
Courses like Southwinds in Boca Raton are known for their forgiving layouts, making them great choices for beginners or those looking for a relaxed round.
Some of the best public courses include Osprey Point in Boca Raton, TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, and Palm Beach National in Lake Worth. These courses are known for their quality conditions and scenic layouts.
Florida courses are famous for water hazards, Bermuda grass, and fast, firm greens. The coastal wind can also play a big role, making for an exciting and unique golfing experience.
Yes! The TeeTime Golf Pass provides deals for many Florida courses, and the golf deals app makes it easy to find discounted tee times across the state.