Best Golf Courses in Tampa

I’ve never been to Tampa but I’d love to go.  From everything I hear, it’s a vibrant city with plenty to see and do.  And by that what I really mean is, there’s a lot of great golf to play.

I can’t thank our readers enough for their continued help as I put together these top ten lists of golf courses in various locales around the country.  You guys have come through once again as we reveal the best public courses in Tampa.

Nonetheless, here you go.

Arnold Palmer was one of my favorite course designers.  From what our readers say, he did one heck of a job at Saddlebrook Resort.

Just because this course is only a shade over 6,600 yards, doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park.  While the fairways are wide, they’re full of moguls that can make for some uneven lies. 

The greens are small and elevated.  If you do happen to miss a green, the Bermuda rough is known for being especially penal. 

In short, precision and good decision making are the name of the game if you want to play well.

 

The storied history of Rocky Point Golf Course dates all the way back to 1911.  Today, the course is one of the best kept public courses in Tampa. 

The layout features a great mixture of holes that keep the round interesting throughout. 

Plenty of water hazards come into play and the greens are protected by numerous bunkers. 

Plenty of golf course for a reasonable price.

 

Fox Hollow Golf Club was one of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s last designs.  It’s a testament to what a great architect he was. 

Opened in 1994, this course has plenty of water and white sand bunkers that provide the perfect contrast for the lush Seashore Paspalum fairways and greens.

When the Creighton family purchased the course in 2013, they pledged to improve its quality and playability.  They’ve more than delivered on that promise.  To this day, the course is said to be one of the best conditioned in the whole state.

Other upgrades include a stable of highly qualified teaching professionals, a stately dining room that’s perfect for a post round drink or large receptions, and a state-of-the-art practice facility. 

Sounds like this track is a must play.

You know I’m a sucker for playing where the world’s best play.  That’s why you can bet I’ll play TPC Tampa Bay when I come to town. 

Home to a Champions Tour event for 21 straight years, the course is surrounded by natural wetlands, cypress groves, and curious lagoons. 

The natural beauty and abundance of wildlife are testament to the fact that TPC Tampa Bay is one of only two courses in Florida to receive the designation of Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. 

If you happen to play this track on a Wednesday, be sure to hang out after your round for Wine Down Wednesday in the CUATRO Grille where bottles of wine are 50% off.

Ranked as the #1 course in Florida for Customer Loyalty and Satisfaction, it’s no wonder the course is enjoyed by so many golfers. 

Designed by Lloyd Clifton, Westchase has plenty of wetlands, wooden bridges, and bulkheads that create an ambience that can’t be experienced anywhere else.

The course is narrow and the greens small.  You’ll need to think your way around and play smart if you want to score. 

On top of it all, Westchase has received the prestigious Golf Digest Best Value Award.  Sounds like bang for your buck to me.

 

Cove Cay Golf Club is located on the western shores of Old Tampa Bay.  There might not be a more beautiful setting for golf in the Tampa area.

Even though the course is flat, it has plenty of character.  Doglegs, intricate bunkers, and strategically placed water hazards all come into play. 

Just because this course is on the shorter side, doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park.  You’ll need to play smart from the tee and to the fat side of the green if you want to score.

A trusted staple in Tampa-area golf.

 

One of the best kept secrets in Tampa, is actually right in the heart of the community.

Cypress Creek Golf Club is a family owned and operated public facility that makes you feel like you’re anywhere but in the middle of a concrete jungle. 

The superintendent keeps this course firm and fast, unlike a lot of other Florida tracks.  You can expect your drives to run out and a big first bounce on your approaches into the green.  No mud balls here. 

It’s also one of the area’s more difficult courses.  Thankfully, there’s plenty of tee box options so make sure you choose the right one.

A great value and nice break from the corporate model of building houses, then fitting in a golf course.

 

Old Florida golf.  That’s what awaits at Seminole Lake Country Club.

The Paspalum fairways that wind through old-growth stands of cypress trees and Long and Cross Bayous, take you back to simpler, easier times.

The pace of life (not golf) is a little slower here and that’s the way they like it.  As you play a round at this timeless track, you won’t feel hurried.  Instead, you’ll find yourself relaxing and enjoying golf as it was meant to be played.

Even though the design is somewhat simple, the shot values aren’t to be underestimated.

A great option for golfers looking to relax and have fun.

If you’re a history buff, you need to play Temple Terrace.  The course is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 

Having opened in 1922, this property has an air of old southern gentility to this day.  The 20,300 square foot clubhouse offers a grand ballroom, elegant dining, and rustic patio that overlooks the first tee.

As you’d expect, Temple Terrace isn’t overly long, but it’s narrow.  Quirky doglegs and small greens mean you’ll face a variety of shots you wouldn’t normally face on a modern track. 

When you come to play here, make a day of it and enjoy everything this iconic facility has to offer.

If you’re looking for a secluded round of golf but don’t want to drive hours to find it, check out Pebble Creek Golf Club. 

Water comes into play on 16 holes.  So, you might want to bring an extra sleeve of balls. On top of that, the fairways are lined with grandfather oaks that make recovering from errant drives a difficult proposition. 

Expect to see plenty of wildlife during your round as well.  Sandhill cranes and alligators are frequently sighted.  Just don’t get too close.

A great value in a tranquil setting that’s easily accessible.

Conclusion

It’s abundantly clear there’s no shortage of golf in Tampa.  While it might not have the reputation of a golf destination like Orlando or Miami, both locals and visitors will tell you it’s every bit as good.

Golf’s affordable here too, and there’s no shortage of options.

Next time I find myself in Florida, you can bet Tampa will be on my list. 

Thanks to all our readers who made this guide possible.  If there’s anything I missed, please let me know down below in the comments.