Best Public Golf Courses in Clearwater, Florida

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

After writing as many of these course guides as I have, I’ve lost count of the number I’ve written about top destinations in Florida.  Whatever the number is, it’s a lot.  But we aren’t done yet.  We still have a couple to go and this one’s going to highlight the best public courses in the community of Clearwater.

I haven’t been in Clearwater proper myself, but I’ve spent time in the area.  With that being said, I’m by no means an expert about the town’s public golf scene.  I just know there’s a lot of golf to be played. 

As has become habit, I reached out to our readership to see if there was anyone that might be able to offer some insight.  And true to form, I received a lot of feedback.  Suffice it to say there’s no shortage of great public options.

Let’s have a look at some of the better ones.

If you’re looking for a challenging yet visually stunning golf course in Clearwater, Florida, TPC Tampa Bay is a top-tier destination with a reputation for hosting PGA Tour Champions events for over two decades. This prestigious course has been the host of a PGA Tour Champions event for 21 consecutive years, solidifying its status as a prominent golfing hub.

TPC Tampa Bay is renowned for its impeccable maintenance, offering players a top-tier golfing adventure. The course’s design, featuring bunkers and water bodies on nearly every hole, presents a formidable yet visually captivating layout. To score well at TPC Tampa Bay, you’ll need solid ball striking and strategic course management, making it an ideal destination for dedicated golfers looking to test their skills.

Additionally, the modern bar and restaurant,!CUATRO, at TPC Tampa Bay, provides a delightful post-round experience, emphasizing local ingredients and culinary traditions.

When in Clearwater, TPC Tampa Bay stands out as a must-visit for golf enthusiasts seeking a demanding and visually stunning course.

Coming off the challenging and visually captivating event at TPC Tampa Bay, you’ll find another gem for golf enthusiasts in Clearwater, Florida: the Fox Hollow Golf Club.

Designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Sr., this semi-private facility offers a top-notch golfing experience. The course’s Paspalum greens and fairways add to its allure, while water and sand hazards, generous landing areas, and reasonable rates make it a must-visit.

To score well here, you’ll need solid ball striking and strategic course management, as the design incorporates bunkers and water bodies on almost every hole. Fox Hollow Golf Club boasts a picturesque setting with well-maintained grounds and a country club atmosphere.

It’s a bold yet enjoyable course that demands precision and skill. If you’re seeking a golfing encounter near Clearwater, Florida, Fox Hollow Golf Club is an excellent choice. With its beautiful surroundings and strategic layout, it’s a course that offers both a test of skill and a rewarding game.

Nestled in Clearwater, Florida, The Landings Golf Club offers a unique and enjoyable golfing experience for players of all skill levels.

Established in 1970, this par-63 course is renowned for its characteristic small, undulating greens and unique humps and bumps on fairways. It’s the ideal place to hone your short game and score birdies, providing great value for a fun round of golf.

The Landings Golf Club also offers club repair services and has a well-stocked equipment inventory, ensuring that you’re always ready to hit the greens.

This course demands solid ball striking and strategic course management, with a target golf design featuring bunkers and water bodies on almost every hole. It’s no wonder that The Landings Golf Club is considered one of the best public golf courses in Clearwater, Florida, known for its well-maintained course and enjoyable playing adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, The Landings Golf Club promises a memorable and rewarding day on the course.

Tee off at Dunedin Golf Club, a historic course designed by Donald Ross in 1927. This course provides a nostalgic golfing experience steeped in history, with a mix of left and right-moving holes, trees, and hazards in play. It’s renowned for hosting prestigious events and demanding golfers to exhibit precision and skill.

The club offers an authentic and demanding round of golf, demanding accuracy and thoughtful shot-making throughout. Playing at Dunedin Golf Club is a chance to adventure the rich heritage and design philosophy of its renowned architect, Donald Ross.

Get ready for a round of golf that will test your accuracy and strategic thinking, offering a true taste of classic golfing design.

• Experience a historic course designed by Donald Ross in 1927.
• Enjoy a mix of left and right-moving holes, trees, and hazards.
• Play on a course known for hosting prestigious events and challenging golfers.
• Test your accuracy and strategic thinking on this classic golfing design.

Test your skills on the bold fairways and strategic opportunities of Crescent Oaks Country Club, offering a unique golfing event in a large nature preserve with abundant wildlife.

Located in Clearwater, Florida, this course provides an exceptional golfing encounter surrounded by mature pine trees and water hazards. The greens are known for being exceptionally firm and fast, adding an extra layer of challenge to your game.

Each hole at Crescent Oaks Country Club offers a variety of options and risk-reward opportunities, making it an engaging course for golfers of all levels. The club’s commitment to providing a memorable round is evident in the way it seamlessly integrates the natural surroundings into the course layout.

As you navigate the challenging holes, you’ll have the chance to appreciate the beauty of the nature preserve while putting your skills to the test. Crescent Oaks Country Club truly stands out as a must-visit destination for golfers seeking a unique and rewarding golfing experience in Clearwater, Florida.

If you’re seeking a demanding and scenic golfing adventure in Clearwater, Florida, the Eagles Golf Club Lakes Course is a must-visit destination. Here’s why you should add it to your list:

• Experience beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere while playing.
• Enjoy a well-designed and meticulously maintained course that offers a memorable golfing experience.
• Test your skills with strategic shot-making and solid course management for a successful round.
• Take advantage of modern facilities that enhance the overall golfing experience.

Eagles Golf Club Lakes Course is one of the best public courses in Clearwater, Florida, offering not only a challenging game but also a picturesque setting. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking to master your skills or a casual player seeking a memorable round, this course has something to offer for everyone.

With its combination of natural beauty and well-maintained facilities, Eagles Golf Club Lakes Course provides an exceptional golfing event that you won’t soon forget.

When you arrive at Eagles Golf Club Forest Course, you’ll be greeted by a picturesque setting and a bold yet enjoyable target golf design. This course is known for its demanding layout, with bunkers and water bodies on almost every hole, requiring solid ball striking and strategic course management. The well-maintained fairways and the greens provide an excellent surface for your game, allowing for a rewarding golfing experience.

After your round, you can head to the modern bar and restaurant,!CUATRO, which offers a delightful dining adventure with its focus on local ingredients and culinary traditions.

Golfers have praised Eagles Golf Club Forest Course for its scenic views, peaceful atmosphere, and the pace of play, making it a memorable and enjoyable golfing event. The course’s proximity to Cove Cay adds to its allure, offering a beautiful backdrop for your game.

If you’re seeking a challenging yet rewarding round of golf in a serene and picturesque setting, Eagles Golf Club Forest Course is a fantastic choice.

As you move from the demanding layout of Eagles Golf Club Forest Course, you’ll find yourself drawn to the equally demanding and picturesque setting of Lansbrook Golf Club.

This well-maintained golf course features a target golf design with bunkers and water bodies on almost every hole, demanding strategic course management and solid ball striking for a successful game. The Lansbrook Golf Club provides a demanding yet enjoyable playing experience with its well-maintained fairways and greens, making it a favorite among golfers. Golfers appreciate the beautiful views and peaceful atmosphere at Lansbrook Golf Club, adding to the overall adventure.

Additionally, the club offers a modern bar and restaurant called!CUATRO, which focuses on local ingredients and culinary traditions, provides a perfect setting for relaxation and enjoyment after a round of golf.

Nestled among the picturesque surroundings of Clearwater, Florida, Broadmoor Golf and Tennis Club beckons sports enthusiasts with its well-maintained golf course and top-notch facilities.

The challenging yet rewarding target golf design, complete with bunkers and water bodies on almost every hole, demands solid ball striking and strategic course management. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, this course offers a test of skill that’s hard to resist.

But it’s not just about golf; the club also boasts excellent tennis facilities, making it a haven for those who enjoy both sports. After an exhilarating game, unwind at the modern bar and restaurant, where local ingredients and culinary traditions take center stage.

The picturesque setting with scenic views adds to the overall golfing experience, making it a treat for all the senses. Broadmoor Golf and Tennis Club is more than just a golf course; it’s a destination that promises a fulfilling day of sports, relaxation, and enjoyment in the heart of Clearwater, Florida.

Located on the shores of west Old Tampa Bay, Cove Cay Golf Club offers golfers scenic views and a highly praised pace of play. The signature 17th hole is a par five that provides breathtaking coastal views, making it a standout feature of the course.

Golfers rave about the challenging yet enjoyable playing adventure, thanks to the well-maintained fairways and greens. Cove Cay Golf Club is often considered a hidden gem, providing great value for a memorable golfing event with its beautiful views and peaceful atmosphere. Additionally, its proximity to Tampa Bay International Airport adds convenience for those traveling to the area for a golfing encounter.

Cove Cay Golf Club offers a remarkable golfing experience with its stunning views, well-kept course, and convenient location. It’s no wonder that it’s highly regarded among golfers seeking both challenge and scenic beauty.

Conclusion

As I suspected, there’s an abundance of quality public golf to be found in the Clearwater area.  Variety is the spice of life, and no matter if you’re looking for great value, or something high-end, it can be found here. 

I’ve played a lot of golf all over Florida, and even spent a healthy amount of time in nearby Tampa.  Knowing what I do now however, I’m going to make a concerted effort to get to Clearwater on my next visit.

My most appreciative thanks to everyone that contributed their thoughts about this area’s public golf.  I couldn’t have written this course guide without you.  Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and we’ll be back with more soon.