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Florida Is Still Number 1 For Golfing

Author Joe Winner
General view of signage on the course prior to The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches at PGA National Resort And Spa on February 28, 2024 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

It looks like Florida is home to more than some of America’s favorite make out spots, it’s home to the best golfing in the country & has been ranked as the # 1 best state in the U.S. for golfers. But with so much negative attention being focused on Florida’s golf courses in the news, let’s look at all the positives.

  • Florida has more golf courses than any other state in the country; 1,154. 
  • 5 courses in FL have been featured in Golf Digest’s “Greatest Public Golf Courses” 
  • 101 sunny days on average each year. 
  • Streamsong Resort, The Park West Palm, and TPC Sawgrass are some of the state’s best courses. 

Florida Golfing

According to HotSpring/Watkins Wellness’ latest rankings report on the Top U.S. States for Golf in 2024, you can’t do any better than Florida for golf. There are 5 Florida courses on Golf Digest’s list of America’s greatest public golf courses. They include:

TPC Sawgrass

Located near the white sands in Ponte Vedra Beach, it hosts the annual Players Championship on the PGA Tour.

Wyndham Clark of the United States plays a shot on the 18th green during the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass on March 17, 2024 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Wyndham Clark of the United States plays a shot on the 18th green during the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass on March 17, 2024 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Bay Hill Club & Lodge

Renovated by Arnold Palmer in 2009, Bay Hill Club & Lodge captures the vibrant tropical beauty of Central Florida.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States hits out of a greenside bunker on the 17th hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 10, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.
Scottie Scheffler of the United States hits out of a greenside bunker on the 17th hole while golfing during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 10, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Getty Images)

Streamsong Resort

 According to course architect Bill Coore, it has “some of the most unusual, interesting and dramatic landforms we have ever encountered, from its towering dunes, sandy fields, and pristine lakes.”

The Park West Palm

Completely different than the other courses on the list, this course is all about embracing golfing at all skill levels. It’s also very affordable. The also have a course called “The Lit 9” which is designed to play at night. Certainly a break from the hot South Florida sun.

Artist DJ Khaled plays a shot on the range during Capital One's The Match IX at The Park West Palm on February 26, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Artist DJ Khaled plays a shot on the range during Capital One’s The Match IX at The Park West Palm on February 26, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images for The Match)

PGA National Resort

In Palm Beach Gardens, the resort is famous for its Champion Course, which is home to the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic.

Min Woo Lee of Australia lines up a putt on the second hole during the final round of The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches at PGA National Resort And Spa on March 03, 2024 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Min Woo Lee of Australia lines up a putt on the second hole during the final round of The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches at PGA National Resort on March 03, 2024 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Getty Images)

Southwest Florida Golfing

Florida is still number 1 for golfing, but I am partial to the courses of Southwest Florida with my main spot being Stoneybrook in Estero. Another advantage we have is the quality of public golf courses we have.

The 9 Best Public Golf Courses in Southwest Florida: Ranked

The 9 Best Public Golf Courses in Southwest Florida. Fort Myers and Naples have some of the nicest golf courses in the country – the only problem is, to play these, you either need a rich friend who belongs at one of the courses, or you need to part ways with a couple hundred thousand to become a member yourself.

Don’t have either? You’re still in luck!   Southwest Florida has a litany of fun and challenging public courses open year-round to the average bloke. They may not offer the luxury amenities such as iced towels, golf carts outfitted with GPS and speakers, and Pro-V1 range balls, but the beers are just as cold and often times the cart girls are better looking!

I put these courses through a screening process and am basing this on certain criteria – first and foremost, they need to be open year-round for public play. After that, I judged them on: Layout (fun vs challenging), Condition and Amenities, Rates, Cart Girls (when applicable), and of course, the 19th hole. So, text your buddies, wash your balls, and tee up at these local favorites year round.  

These are The 9 Best Public Golf Courses in Southwest Florida

  • 9. San Carlos Golf Club

    Don’t sleep on this muni – affordable rates and easy to score. I am listing this course for the golfers who like to have a good time playing. Pack a few beers, grab a transfusion at the turn, and swing away with no regard! Don’t come here if you’re bougie – but if you enjoy a good buzz and a good time without breaking the bank, San Carlos Golf Club is a great option.   

  • 8. Eagle Ridge Country Club

    Eagle Ridge has great rates year round – even during season (October through May). Decent layout and can score if you’re playing well. The are several downsides though – you could easily get stuck behind several slow foursomes, the 19th hole is more reminiscent of a small deli, and if it rains for a few days make sure wear your mud boots as the drainage is poor.    

     

  • 7. Palmetto-Pine Country Club

    A hidden gem in Cape Coral. They don’t allow coolers, but not sure that has ever stopped anyone. Not the cheapest during season, but you can find good deals sometimes on golfnow.com  

     

  • 6. River Hall Country Club

    River Hall is a little hike from Fort Myers or Naples, and that is probably why this course is still public, but if you can make it out there you won’t be disappointed. Great layout, nice amenities, and the course is usually in great shape.  

  • 5. Eastwood Golf Course

    Once a top 50 Public Golf Course in the Country, Eastwood Golf Course is a staple if you grew up in Fort Myers. This course is one of two public courses owned and maintained by the City of Fort Myers. Next to a nature center and it’s not uncommon to see Bald Eagles, Alligators, and Snakes along the track.  

  • 4. Shell Point

    Shell Point is easily one of the most fun courses on the list. The different tee boxes can make this course very scorable or very challenging. It’s always in great shape, but the problem is…it’s a dry course. I can’t stress this enough – pack your own drinks, if you’re into that kind of thing.  

  • 3. Old Corkscrew

    Old Corkscrew is actually the nicest course on this list, however, the price keeps it at #3. This Jack Nicholas layout and the greens will certainly challenge the best golfers, but will make you feel like a pro if you can shoot a low round. Just watch out for the alligators, seriously…. 

  • 2. Stoneybrook Golf Club

    Pretty fun layout on this tract. Not always in the best shape but it’s affordable, fun, has great drinks (thanks to having Duffy’s at the turn), and can be quite challenging if the wind is blowing. A lot of water on this course – starting with the water range. Runner up for best 19th hole also! 

    Stoneybrook

  • 1. Fort Myers Country Club Golf Course

    Sure, I’m a little biased because I grew up here and have played Fort Myers 1,000 times – but it never gets old. Some holes were actually redesigned a few years ago (5th Tee Box used to give slicers nightmares). This course has great rates, fun to play (several drivable par 4s), cart girls, and by far the best 19th hole in the area, The Edison! Always a fun time at “The Fort.”  

Joe Winner spends his days combing through memes and off beat stories to bring you the side of Florida not always seen.

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