South Florida is synonymous with sunshine, sandy beaches, and a relaxed way of life. But for golf enthusiasts, the region offers much more—some of the finest golf courses in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, South Florida's courses provide a perfect blend of challenging play, stunning scenery, and impeccable service. In this article, we’ll dive into five of the best golf courses in South Florida, examining what makes each one unique, the characteristics that set them apart, and why they should be on your must-play list.
1. Seminole Golf Club: The Pinnacle of Tradition and Prestige
Overview
Located in Juno Beach, the Seminole Golf Club is not only one of the best golf courses in South Florida but also one of the most prestigious in the entire country. Founded in 1929, this private club has been a sanctuary for the elite, with a membership roster that includes some of the most influential names in business and politics.
Course Characteristics
The course itself is a Donald Ross masterpiece, designed with his characteristic attention to detail and deep respect for the natural landscape. Set on a sandy coastal ridge, Seminole offers a blend of pine trees, dunes, and ocean views that create a serene and challenging golfing experience. The layout is as demanding as it is beautiful, with Ross’s trademark small, elevated greens that require precision on approach shots. The course's routing is also notable, as Ross designed it so that golfers face varying wind conditions on nearly every hole, adding to the challenge.
What Makes It Unique?
What sets Seminole apart is its adherence to tradition and exclusivity. The club maintains a strict membership policy, and the course is only accessible to members and their guests. This exclusivity, combined with the course's rich history, has earned Seminole a legendary status among golfers. The course’s design also emphasizes strategic play over brute strength, rewarding those who can think their way around the course.
Signature Hole: 6th Hole
The signature hole at Seminole is the par-4 6th hole. This hole plays along the highest ridge on the course, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The fairway is narrow, with out-of-bounds areas on both sides, and the green is elevated and well-protected by bunkers. The wind can be a major factor here, making club selection critical. It’s a hole that demands both accuracy and strategy, perfectly encapsulating the essence of Seminole Golf Club.
Fun Fact
Seminole is famously known as a favorite course of Ben Hogan, one of golf's all-time greats. Hogan would spend weeks at Seminole each year preparing for the Masters, referring to the course as the best practice ground he could find.
2. The Bear's Club: A Golfer’s Dream Designed by a Legend
Overview
Situated in Jupiter, The Bear's Club is the brainchild of golf legend Jack Nicklaus, designed to be the ultimate golfing experience for serious players. Opened in 1999, this private club has quickly risen to prominence, known for its impeccable course conditions, luxurious facilities, and a strong connection to the game’s greatest players.
Course Characteristics
The Bear's Club features a par-72, 7,164-yard course that reflects Nicklaus’s vision of the perfect golfing test. The layout includes wide fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and large, undulating greens. The course is designed to challenge players of all skill levels, with multiple tee boxes allowing for a varied experience. The Bear's Club is also known for its pristine conditioning, with fast greens and lush fairways that provide an exceptional playing surface year-round.
What Makes It Unique?
One of the most distinctive aspects of The Bear's Club is its focus on providing a pure golfing experience. The course design is minimalistic, with very few houses visible from the fairways, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the game. The club also boasts a world-class practice facility, which is often used by PGA Tour professionals who call the club home. The exclusivity and privacy of The Bear's Club make it a haven for those who are passionate about golf.
Signature Hole: 11th Hole
The signature hole at The Bear's Club is the par-3 11th hole. This hole is a classic Nicklaus design, with a large, well-guarded green that slopes from back to front. Water comes into play on the right side, while deep bunkers protect the left. The green is deceptively tricky, with subtle breaks that can make putting a challenge. It’s a hole that requires precision and a delicate touch, embodying the strategic nature of the entire course.
Fun Fact
The Bear's Club is home to several high-profile members, including many current and former PGA Tour players. The club’s proximity to the PGA National headquarters and its elite membership roster make it a hub of professional golf activity in South Florida.
3. Trump National Doral Miami: The Blue Monster Awaits
Overview
Trump National Doral Miami, located in Doral, is one of the most famous golf resorts in the world, largely due to its iconic Blue Monster course. Originally opened in 1962 and designed by Dick Wilson, the course has undergone several renovations, the most recent being under the direction of golf course architect Gil Hanse. The Blue Monster is part of a sprawling resort that features multiple courses, but it’s the star of the show.
Course Characteristics
The Blue Monster is a par-72 course stretching over 7,500 yards from the back tees. The course lives up to its name, with long, challenging holes, deep bunkers, and water hazards that come into play on almost every hole. The fairways are generous, but the approach shots demand precision, as the greens are fast and undulating. The course is known for its tough finishing stretch, particularly the 18th hole, which has been the site of many dramatic moments in professional golf tournaments.
What Makes It Unique?
The Blue Monster is synonymous with championship golf. It has hosted PGA Tour events for over 50 years, with many of the game’s greatest players having competed here. The course’s difficulty and the caliber of tournaments it has hosted have made it a must-play for serious golfers. In addition to the course itself, the resort offers a comprehensive golf experience, with state-of-the-art practice facilities, a golf academy, and luxurious accommodations.
Signature Hole: 18th Hole
The signature hole at the Blue Monster is the par-4 18th hole, one of the most famous finishing holes in golf. This hole measures 473 yards from the back tees and requires a tee shot over water to a narrow fairway. The approach shot is equally daunting, with water on the left and bunkers on the right protecting a green that slopes toward the hazard. It’s a hole that has ended many a tournament dream and is the ultimate test of nerve and skill.
Fun Fact
The Blue Monster is named not only for its difficulty but also for its vast expanses of water. The course has 12 lakes, and water hazards are a factor on 14 of the 18 holes. The name was popularized by golfers who found the course to be an imposing challenge, one that has stood the test of time.
4. Jupiter Hills Club: A Hidden Gem of Golfing Excellence
Overview
Nestled in the coastal town of Tequesta, Jupiter Hills Club is one of South Florida’s best-kept secrets. Founded in 1970 by George Fazio, Tom Fazio, and William Clay Ford, the club was designed to be a world-class golfing retreat for those who appreciate the finer points of the game. The club features two courses—the Hills Course and the Village Course—with the former being the crown jewel.
Course Characteristics
The Hills Course at Jupiter Hills is a par-72 layout that measures 7,344 yards from the back tees. The course is characterized by its rolling terrain, which is unusual for South Florida, where most courses are relatively flat. The elevation changes create a dynamic playing experience, with uphill and downhill shots, as well as panoramic views of the surrounding area. The course is also known for its challenging greens, which are fast and undulating, requiring a deft touch to navigate successfully.
What Makes It Unique?
Jupiter Hills Club is unique in its setting and design. The elevation changes are reminiscent of courses in the Carolinas or the Northeast, providing a different style of golf than what is typically found in South Florida. The club is also known for its low membership and intimate atmosphere, making it a peaceful retreat for those who value privacy. The Hills Course has a reputation for being one of the most challenging in the region, with a layout that tests every aspect of a player’s game.
Signature Hole: 6th Hole
The signature hole at the Hills Course is the par-3 6th hole. This hole plays 215 yards from the back tees and features a dramatic drop in elevation from tee to green. The green is surrounded by bunkers and slopes from back to front, making it difficult to hold the putting surface. The views from the tee are spectacular, with the surrounding landscape providing a beautiful backdrop. It’s a hole that requires both accuracy and distance control, making it one of the most memorable on the course.
Fun Fact
Jupiter Hills was originally intended to be a private course for its founders and their friends, and it was only later that the decision was made to develop it into a full-fledged club. The course has retained its exclusive feel, with a small membership and a focus on maintaining the highest standards of course conditions.
5. PGA National Resort & Spa: The Champion Course and the Bear Trap
Overview
Located in Palm Beach Gardens, PGA National Resort & Spa is home to five championship golf courses, but none is more famous than the Champion Course. Originally designed by Tom and George Fazio and later redesigned by Jack Nicklaus, the Champion Course is the centerpiece of this iconic resort, which has hosted the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic since 2007.
Course Characteristics
The Champion Course is a par-72, 7,140-yard layout that is known for its challenging design and demanding conditions. The course features wide fairways, large bunkers, and fast, firm greens that test even the best players. The most famous stretch of holes is the Bear Trap, comprising the 15th, 16th, and 17th holes. This trio of holes is considered one of the toughest stretches in golf, with water hazards, narrow landing areas, and difficult greens.
What Makes It Unique?
The Champion Course is unique for its combination of historical significance and modern-day challenges. It has been the site of many dramatic moments in professional golf, particularly during the Honda Classic, where the Bear Trap often plays a decisive role. The course is also known for its impeccable conditioning and the high standards maintained by the resort. For those looking to test their skills against the same course played by the pros, the Champion Course offers a true examination of golfing ability.
Signature Hole: 17th Hole
The signature hole on the Champion Course is the par-3 17th hole, part of the Bear Trap. This hole plays 190 yards from the back tees, with water guarding the entire right side and a large bunker on the left. The green is narrow and slopes toward the water, making it difficult to hold with anything less than a perfect shot. The 17th has been the site of many memorable moments in the Honda Classic, and it’s a hole that can make or break a round.
Fun Fact
The Bear Trap is named after Jack Nicklaus, who redesigned the course in 1990. Nicklaus famously said that the Bear Trap “is about guts,” emphasizing the mental and physical challenge posed by this stretch of holes. It’s a nickname that has stuck and become part of the lore of the Champion Course.
South Florida is a golfer’s paradise, with courses that offer a range of experiences, from the traditional and prestigious to the challenging and modern. Whether you’re seeking the history and exclusivity of Seminole Golf Club, the player-centric design of The Bear’s Club, the iconic difficulty of the Blue Monster, the unique terrain of Jupiter Hills, or the championship pedigree of PGA National’s Champion Course, each of these top courses offers something special. Playing any one of them is a memorable experience, but for those lucky enough to experience all five, it’s a journey through some of the finest golfing terrain in the world.
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📍 Boca Raton/Delray Beach/Palm Beach, Florida
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