Best Private Golf Courses in Florida

Miami, Florida · Donald Ross (1929) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,079 yards

Widely regarded as the finest Donald Ross design in Florida and one of the top 10 courses in America, Seminole in Juno Beach is an oceanside masterpiece. The 2021 Walker Cup was the first competitive event held at the course in decades, bringing global attention to this ultra-exclusive layout.

Naples, Florida · Michael Hurdzan & Dana Fry (2001) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,185 yards

Widely regarded as the finest private course in Southwest Florida, Calusa Pines is a Hurdzan-Fry design carved through an old-growth pine forest. The layout features dramatic elevation changes rare for coastal Florida, pristine conditioning, and a limited membership that ensures an unhurried pace.

Tampa, Florida · Jack Nicklaus (2006) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,474 yards

Named for Jack Nicklaus's famous 1969 Ryder Cup concession to Tony Lika, this Jack Nicklaus design in Bradenton hosted the 2021 WGC-Workday Championship. The 7,474-yard layout features some of the boldest bunkering and most dramatic elevation changes in Southwest Florida.

Windermere, Florida · Arnold Palmer & Ed Seay (1986) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,544 yards

Nestled among the Butler Chain of Lakes in Windermere, Isleworth is one of the most exclusive and celebrity-studded private clubs in America. Originally designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, the course was later enhanced by Steve Smyers to produce a 7,544-yard par-72 layout with a slope of 142.

Miami, Florida · Michael Hurdzan & Dana Fry (2001) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,182 yards

Hidden in Naples, Calusa Pines has quietly earned a reputation as one of Florida's finest private courses. The Hurdzan-Fry design routes through mature slash pines and wetlands, offering a surprisingly natural and strategic golf experience for Southwest Florida.

Naples, Florida · Tom Fazio (2001) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,217 yards

One of two Tom Fazio courses at the Mediterra community, the South Course is considered among the finest private club experiences in Naples. The layout features Fazio's bold shaping through native Southwest Florida preserves with strategic water hazards and immaculate tropical conditioning.

Miami, Florida · Gil Hanse (2023) · 9 holes · Par 36 · 3,200 yards

The newest addition to Miami's elite golf scene, Gil Hanse designed this intimate 9-hole course at the Four Seasons Surf Club in Surfside. The seaside layout offers a refined, exclusive experience steps from the Atlantic.

Tampa, Florida · Pete Dye (2005) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,378 yards

One of Pete Dye's final designs, Southern Hills Plantation in Brooksville features the architect's signature railroad ties, dramatic bunkering, and visual intimidation set amid rolling central Florida terrain. The challenging 7,378-yard layout is one of the longest in the Tampa Bay area.

Naples, Florida · Jack Nicklaus (2010) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,193 yards

A Jack Nicklaus design in the TwinEagles community north of Naples, the Talon Course features bold bunkering, strategic water hazards, and pristine conditioning through native Florida landscape. The challenging layout hosted LPGA and Champions Tour qualifying events.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida · Ed Seay (Arnold Palmer Design) (1974) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,918 yards

Adjacent to TPC Sawgrass, the East Course at Sawgrass Country Club is an Arnold Palmer Design Group layout through Northeast Florida marsh and pine forest. The private club offers a quieter alternative to its famous neighbor with strategic marsh carries and mature tree-lined fairways.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida · Ed Seay (1986) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,841 yards

An Ed Seay design in the Ponte Vedra Beach corridor near TPC Sawgrass, Marsh Landing winds through marshland and maritime forest along the Intracoastal Waterway. The private club offers a refined Northeast Florida golf experience with tidal marsh views, natural wildlife, and a serene coastal atmosphere.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida · Ed Seay (Arnold Palmer Design) (1986) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,841 yards

An Arnold Palmer Design layout in Ponte Vedra Beach, Marsh Landing features a scenic routing through tidal marsh, lakes, and mature Northeast Florida vegetation. The private community course offers challenging marsh carries and well-defended greens in one of Jacksonville's most desirable neighborhoods.