South Florida’s stellar reputation is built on the area’s delicious cuisine, picturesque beaches and vibrant tourism. It also stands out as a paradise for golfers, from casual players to pros (Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods, to name a few). Home to many golf courses, we’ve rounded up our South Florida favorites for Oct. 4, National Golf Lover’s Day.
Boca West Country Club
Named “Elite Distinguished Club” for the ninth consecutive time in 2021 and “Top Workplace” by Sun Sentinel in 2023, Boca West Country Club is home to four 18-hole golf courses spanning the country club’s 55 distinct villages, a four-acre short game area and a driving range with 50 tees.
Designed by renowned golf architects Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer and Jim Fazio, the four courses include Palmer I (built and opened in 1997), Palmer III (opened in 1999), Fazio II (opened in 2005) and Dye IV (opened in 2006). “Strategically placed bunkers, rolling fairways that wind their way through the natural Florida landscape and putting greens that test your touch provide golfers of all levels with challenges,” states the country club’s website.
After mastering your swing skills in South Florida’s hot weather, dip in the swimming pool boasting cascading waterfalls and enjoy a cocktail from the poolside bar. Golfers can also visit Boca West Spa and dine at restaurants like Prime Cut and Onyx Bar & Lounge.
Where: 20583 Boca W. Dr. Boca Raton
For more information, visit bocawestcc.org.
The Boca Raton Golf Curse
Located within the green grounds of the Boca Raton Club, The Boca Raton Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-71 course that spans 6,253 yards and 12 acres of water, offering a signature island-green finishing hole and stunning natural views. It also includes a Driving Range with Toptracer technology, where each hitting station has a monitor providing insight into technique, ball speed, distance and spin rate.
Those on the golf course can enjoy a food and beverage cart with complimentary bites and non-alcoholic drinks. Menu items include Arnold Palmer and Boca Stone Crab & Lobster Roll. For a hearty meal, consider Mulligans, the club’s American-casual restaurant overlooking the golf course. If you don’t want your visit to end, head to the beach and relax in comfortable, luxe cabanas (with your favorite cocktail in hand, of course).
Where: 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton
For more information, visit thebocaraton.com.
The Club at Ibis
Nestled in the heart of West Palm Beach, the Club at Ibis serves as a sanctuary for those who want to disconnect from their fast-paced routine. Golf enthusiasts will find the world’s only private country club community with three outstanding courses designed by lauded golfer Jack Nicklaus’ family: The Legend by Jack Nicklaus, The Heritage by Jack Nicklaus II and The Tradition by Steve Nicklaus.
Opened in 1991, The Legend Course is known for being the golfer’s masterpiece and a “favorite of our West Palm Beach country club members, who enjoy playing at the same course that tested the pros as the site of The National Senior Club Professional Championship and the LPGAs Official Depot Tournament,” says the country’s club website. Named one of the country’s “Most Distinctive Courses” by Golfweek Magazine, players will find demanding challenges, taking their golf skills to the next level.
Where: 8225 Ibis Blvd., West Palm Beach
For more information, visit clubatibis.com.
Trump National Doral Golf Course
The host of top PGA Tour events for more than 55 consecutive years, golfers like Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson and Greg Norman, have triumphed on the greens of this club. Founded in 1959 as Doral Hotel and Country Club, its reputation grew when it hosted the PGA Tour event in 1962, the Doral Country Club Open Invitational. Golf greats like Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, Sammy Snead and Jimmy Demaret competed at the inaugural tournament.
You’ll find four courses: Blue Monster, Golden Palm Golf Course, Red Tiger and Silver Fox, each with distinctive features. According to the resort’s website, the first is “a palm-shaded, 7,608-yard palette of deep, brilliantly placed bunkers, lush Bermuda rough, cunningly contoured greens and an ocean’s worth of lakes.” It’s been recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the “Top 100 Holes” in the world.
Within the premises, there’s the Rick Smith Golf Performance Center, where beginners, professionals and everyone in between can hone their golf techniques. The center offers private lessons, multiday golf schools, on-course playing lessons, video analysis, junior programs and more. Leading the center is Rick Smith, who, according to the venue’s website, was honored as one of the “50 Best Teachers in America” by Golf Digest and has coached some of the greatest golfers in the world, including Phil Mickelson and Jack Nicklaus.
Where: 4400 N.W. 8th Ave., Miami
For more information, visit trumpgolfdoral.com.
Turnberry Isle Country Club
Located across from Aventura Mall, JW Marriot Turnberry Resort & Spa is home to two celebrated 18-hole championship golf courses. Designed by renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. and reimagined by golf icon Raymond Floyd, this second-to-none oasis has welcomed golf aficionados by hosting numerous South Florida PGA and LPGA championships.
Opt for a challenging game at The Soffer Course, but watch out for creeks and lagoons. “When you reach 18, prepare for a par four that tests your fortitude with a picturesque Peninsula Green sitting on a legendary finishing hole,” notes the resort’s website.
For amateurs, there’s The Miller Course, which provides a shorter layout. Strategy is key here, though. According to the website, it has undulating fairways framed by mature Ficus, Banyan and Olive Trees that provide premium accuracy at every hole. Don’t be surprised if you come across pink flamingos nesting on Lake Julius.
Where: 19999 W. Country Club Dr., Aventura
For more information, visit turnberryislecountryclub.com.
