Florida is more than just a tropical paradise for sun-worshippers and beach-goers. It’s a golfer’s paradise, with an impressive array of golf courses scattered throughout the state. With palm trees swaying in the breeze, golfers are spoilt for choice regarding the fairways and greens that line the Floridian landscape. But How many Golf Courses are in Florida?

Florida has something for everyone when it comes to golf courses. Whether you’re looking for a coastal gem with stunning ocean views or an inland course surrounded by nature reserves, there’s a golf course for everyone. Whether you’re visiting a bustling city like Miami or Orlando or a sleepy coastal community, you’re sure to find a golf course that’s perfect for you.

Let’s look at the number and quality of Florida’s golf courses and dive into the stories behind each one.

How Many Golf Courses Are In Florida?

Golf courses in Florida are one of the most popular in the United States. With over 1,300 courses, Florida is home to some of the best golf courses in the country. Whether you’re looking for a coastal course with stunning ocean views or an inland course with lush greenery, there’s a golf course in Florida.

Some of the greatest golf course designers have designed Florida golf courses. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, a course in Florida will surely challenge you.

Suppose you’re looking for the most up-to-date and accurate count of Florida golf courses. In that case, you should check with your local golf associations, tourism boards, or golf course directories. All of these sources regularly update their numbers to reflect the changing golfing landscape in Florida.

Best Golf Courses in Florida:

Florida has some of the world’s most iconic and well-known golf courses. Golf courses in Florida are known for their unique design, challenging terrain, and great overall golf experience. However, according to Golf Digest, the top-ranked golf courses in 2024 are the following:

Situated on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean in the picturesque town of Jupiter, Florida, the Seminole golf course is one of the world’s finest golf clubs. Established in 1929 by Donald Ross, this private club oozes elegance and golf tradition. Considered one of the world’s best golf courses, the club is renowned for its strategic design, featuring crowned greens, challenging bunkers, and rolling greens.

The club’s coastal setting adds to the beauty of the course, and the club’s commitment to maintaining its original character makes it all the more attractive. With a distinguished membership and a rich history of hosting world champions, the club continues to be a symbol of golf excellence, combining classic design principles with a commitment to the pure pleasure of the game.

TPC Sawgrass is home to the world’s most prestigious golf tournament, The Players Championship. It’s also one of the most sought-after golf courses in the world, boasting a championship course designed by Pete Dye.

TPC Sawgrass is best known for its Stadium Course and the 17th hole, also known as the “Island Green.” The Stadium Course features strategic bunkering, twisting fairways, and water hazards that make every round an exercise in skill and precision.

TPC Sawgrass has long been one of the top golf destinations in the world and continues to rank as one of the best. The course’s Mediterranean-style clubhouse and on-site PGA Tour headquarters add to TPC Sawgrass’ allure.

Budget-Friendly Golf Course in Florida: 

Florida has a wide selection of golf courses designed to meet the needs of golfers looking for a golf course that won’t break the bank. Here are Florida’s best budget golf courses:

Dubsdead Golf Course, Orlando 

Dubsdread Golf Course in Orlando stands out as a budget-friendly gem, providing an exceptional golfing experience without breaking the bank. Managed by the city, this historic municipal course offers affordable rates, making it accessible to golf enthusiasts of all levels.

Originally designed in 1923 by Tom Bendelow, the course boasts a classic layout with tree-lined fairways and well-manicured greens. Dubsdread’s affordability, rich history, and challenging yet enjoyable design make it a go-to destination for those seeking a budget-friendly round in the heart of Orlando’s golfing landscape.

San Carlos Golf Club – Fort Myers

San Carlos Golf Club is a great option for budget-savvy golfers looking for a great round without breaking a sweat. This public course is accessible to all levels of golfers and offers great value for money with its low green fees.

The course features beautifully maintained fairways and greens that create a relaxed atmosphere while taking in the beauty of Fort Myers. San Carlos offers a great round of golf at an affordable price, making it a great choice for golfers who want quality golf without the high price tag.

TPC Golf Courses in Florida: 

The TPC network is owned and operated by the PGA Tour and consists of some of the world’s finest golf courses built specifically to host PGA Tour golf events. Here are some of the best TPC courses located in Florida:

The Sawgrass, Blue Monster, and Tampa Bay areas are public lands, while the Treviso Bay, Eagle Trace, and Prestancia areas are private.

Factors That Contribute To An Abundance Of Golf courses

Florida is home to an incredible number of golf courses, all of which contribute to the rich history of golf in the Sunshine State. Several and following factors combine to make Florida a paradise for golfers and shape the game’s landscape throughout the state. 

Climate 

Florida’s unique climate is at the heart of its appeal to golfers. The Sunshine State’s subtropical climate means mild winters and warm summers. This temperate climate means golf can be played nearly daily, making it a popular choice for locals and tourists seeking year-round golf.

The lack of harsh winter conditions means that golf courses can be maintained and played all year round, creating an environment conducive to golf course development and maintenance.

Geographical Diversity

Florida’s unique geography makes golf in the Sunshine State even more appealing to golfers. From the Florida panhandle to the southern tip, the Sunshine State has many different landscapes that can be used as golf courses.

Whether you’re looking for a coastal course with an ocean view, a course tucked away in a wooded area, or a course nestled in a high-end residential community, the Sunshine State has something for everyone. With so many different types of terrain, golf course designers can create unique and demanding courses that meet various requirements.

Golf Course Designer

Florida is home to some of the world’s most renowned golf course architects. From Donald Ross to Pete Dye to Tom Fazio, these masters of the craft have crafted courses that are as stunning as they are difficult.

The combination of architectural innovation and the beauty of Florida’s natural environment has created golf courses that are a testament to the sport’s popularity and the state’s dedication to providing world-class golf experiences.

Golfing Culture 

Golf isn’t just a game in Florida; it’s a lifestyle. The state’s rich golf heritage is reflected in the abundance of golf tournaments, events, and golf-centric activities that saturate every corner of the Sunshine State.

Whether you’re attending a local charity golf tournament or a marquee professional tournament, a golfing culture resonates across the state. That culture fuels a constant need for well-designed, challenging golf courses, which fuels a cycle of growth and development.

Tourism and Real Estate Integration

Tourism and golf go hand in hand. Golf tourism is an integral part of the overall tourism industry in Florida. Not only do people from all over the world want to visit Florida, but they also want to play golf.

Golf course communities that feature properties close to or within a golf course carry a premium because of the added recreational value and aesthetics. This integration between tourism and property helps to fund the development and upkeep of golf courses throughout the state.

Final Thoughts 

To sum up, Florida’s vast array of golf courses results from a unique combination of factors. From the year-round sun to the variety of landscapes, world-class course designers, and built-in golf culture, Florida is home to golfers of all levels. Whether you’re looking for an iconic championship layout or a hidden gem in a residential community, Florida has the golf oasis you’ve been searching for.

Golf significantly impacts Florida’s tourism, economy, and real estate. It’s an integral part of the state’s fabric. Florida’s golf courses continue to evolve with environmental concerns, changing demographics, and technological advances. The state’s commitment to high standards and players’ needs ensures that golf’s oasis will continue to thrive for years.

Whether hosting a prestigious tournament or simply looking for a fun day out on the links, Florida golf courses beckon enthusiasts to play amid the beauty and warmth of the Sunshine State’s surroundings.

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