Best Golf Courses in Miami

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

If you’ve never been to Miami, you’ve been missing out.  There’s so much culture, cuisine, and of course golf that it’ll blow your mind.  And the weather is darn near perfect most of the year. 

I was in Miami a few years ago for a work conference and was fortunate enough to sneak in a couple rounds of golf.  Even though I haven’t played a ton of golf in this tropical paradise, I have a number of close friends and readers of Golfer’s Authority that have.  It’s with their recommendations that I’ve compiled a top ten list of the best courses you can play in this great city.

 

Nestled along the striking Miami coastline, Miami Beach Golf Club invites golf enthusiasts to experience a challenging and historic course with the soothing backdrop of the ocean breeze and swaying palm trees. Originally opened in 1923 as Bayshore Golf Course, this public golf gem still retains many of its original characteristics, offering golfers a unique and timeless experience.

The course was designed by legendary golf architects Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones, ensuring a top-notch layout that provides both a test of skill and a beautiful setting. The thick Bermuda rough, overhanging palm trees, and small greens make for a challenging yet enjoyable round. The club also offers golfers the opportunity to receive instruction at the Jim McLean golf school, perfect for those looking to improve their game.

Additionally, the club’s rich history adds to its allure, having served as a training ground for soldiers during World War II. With great food, reasonable prices, and free parking for visitors, Miami Beach Golf Club is a popular choice for golfers seeking a memorable experience in the South Beach area.

 

As you make your way from Miami Beach Golf Club, the next must-visit destination for avid golfers is The Club at Emerald Hills, a renowned course that has earned the distinction of being rated as the #1 course in Southern Florida by the USGA.

Located near the Ft. Lauderdale airport, this championship layout measures over 7,800 yards from the back tees. The course offers generous fairways and plenty of water hazards, providing a challenging yet enjoyable round for golf enthusiasts of all levels. Designed by the legendary golf course architect Dick Wilson, The Club at Emerald Hills has received high praise for its exceptional design and playability.

Golfers at The Club at Emerald Hills can expect an unforgettable experience on the greens. The course boasts a signature hole and has attracted the attention of notable figures in the golfing world, such as Raymond Floyd and Jim McLean.

With its remarkable reputation, convenient location, and reasonable pricing, The Club at Emerald Hills stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking an exceptional golfing experience in Southern Florida.

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You’ll find Biltmore Golf Course, a classic gem designed by Donald Ross in 1925, known for its narrow fairways and small greens, offering a challenging and historic golfing experience. The course is highly recommended for guests staying at the historic hotel and offers top-notch amenities and delicious food.

Biltmore Golf Course has plenty of water hazards for added challenge and is home to the #1 Golf School in the world, offering instruction and top-tier amenities. Moreover, the course features laser-leveled tees and USGA-specified greens, providing a challenging and well-maintained golfing experience. Biltmore Golf Course has a classic design, offering an original movement of the Ross design, and a sales, fitting, and repair center available on site.

• Classic gem designed by Donald Ross in 1925
• Narrow fairways and small greens offer a challenging and historic golfing experience
• Home to the #1 Golf School in the world

Biltmore Golf Course is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts seeking an exceptional and challenging golfing experience in the heart of Coral Gables.

Briar Bay Golf Course, like Biltmore, offers golfers a unique and delightful experience with its nine-hole executive course playing to a par of 31. Situated in South Florida, this course is renowned for its exceptional condition and great value, providing an ideal opportunity to work on precision and iron play.

The layout features holes that play in all directions, offering a varied challenge to golfers, particularly in dealing with different wind conditions. If you’re looking for an enjoyable round of golf, consider joining the Twilight League on Wednesday afternoons.

Briar Bay Golf Course provides an excellent setting to practice precision and iron play, making it a popular choice for golfers seeking to enhance their skills. The course’s undulating fairways and small greens, reminiscent of the classic designs by Robert Trent Jones, present a delightful test for players of all levels.

Whether you’re a local or visiting Miami Beach, Briar Bay Golf Course is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable golfing experience.

Situated in the heart of Trump National Doral, the Blue Monster Course offers golfers a thrilling and impressive experience in a setting renowned for its world-class amenities. Renowned architect Gil Hanse redesigned the course, known for its lush green surroundings and challenging layout. The course, with its thick Bermuda rough and excellent greens, provides a chance to play where the pros play.

The signature hole, the par four 18th, boasts water along the left side, adding to the course’s allure and challenge. Constantly impeccable conditions make the Blue Monster Course at Trump National Doral a must-play for golf enthusiasts. It offers an opportunity to experience a world-class golfing experience in a stunning setting. And being conveniently located near the Miami International Airport, it’s easily accessible for golfers visiting the city of Miami.

• The course was redesigned by renowned architect Gil Hanse, providing a challenging golfing experience.
• The signature hole, the par four 18th, features water along the left side, adding to the course’s allure and challenge.
• Known for its lush green surroundings and constantly impeccable conditions, the Blue Monster Course at Trump National Doral is a must-play for golf enthusiasts.

Just because this track is a country club, doesn’t mean you can’t play it.  While the club does have a private membership, it’s open to the public too.

Voted “Best Place to Play in Sarasota”, this pristine course meanders through mangroves and waterways.  Strategically placed fairway bunkers put a premium on hitting it straight.

The greens are firm and fast so make sure to play for a firm first bounce on your approach shots. 

Once you get to the green, the fun begins.  The surfaces are pure – you can really get it going with the flat stick. 

 

One of the best kept secrets in the Miami area is the Bridges at Springtree Golf Club.

Owned by the city of Sunrise, locals say this course is always in excellent shape.  Unlike most courses in Miami that have Bermuda, the tees, fairways, and greens are Paspalum at the Bridges.  The ball sits on top of this turf and it’s a dream to play off of.

Rolling terrain and crystalline lakes can make navigating this course a little tricky.  Even though this course only plays to a par of 62, it has plenty of challenging holes and there’s plenty of trouble to be found.

The par three 4^th hole is the signature hole.  A tee shot over water is played to a bulkhead island green.   

If you’re looking for a round to work on precision and iron play, this track fits the bill.

One of the most iconic public courses in the city is Miami Shores Country Club.

Built in 1923 and designed by Louis Wilson and Red Lawrence, Miami Shores is classic old-style Florida golf.  Tree lined fairways and small greens mean precision is the name of the game.

A 2011 renovation converted the greens to Mini Verde Bermuda.  These surfaces have a lot less grain and are easier to maintain.

The course’s close proximity to downtown and Miami International Airport make it easily accessible.

A must play for a great price. 

Maybe the best value in all of Miami is Riviera Country Club.

Built in 1953, Riviera is another track that doesn’t require a ton of length off the tee.  Instead, accuracy and course management are the keys to playing well.

Golf Digest has consistently given this track the “Best Places to Play” recognition and it’s not hard to see why. 

At $35 for 18 holes with a cart, why wouldn’t you give this course a shot?

Palmetto Golf Course sits on 121 acres of Florida lowlands.  Designed by Dick Wilson, this par 70 opened its doors in 1959. 

A serpentine canal system winds through the course and can prove a pesky hazard for errant shots.

While there’s a few holes where you can hit driver, your best bet is to keep the ball in the fairway.

The greens here are small and undulating.  Make sure you don’t short-side yourself and stay below the hole. 

When you’re done with your round, grab a cold brew and a bite to eat in the sports bar where plenty of TV’s have all your favorite games on.

Conclusion

There’s more to do in the city of Miami than you could possibly squeeze into a single trip.  Between food, culture, and beaches, your days are sure to be full.  Miami is also a great golf city too.  Make sure you bring your sticks and schedule a couple of tee times. 

Having been to Miami myself, I can’t wait to get back.  If you’ve played golf in Miami, let us know about some of your favorite spots in the comments down below.