Best Public Golf Courses in Florida

Orlando, Florida · Phil Ritson & David Harman (1988) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,350 yards

A PGA Tour Q-School staple, Panther Lake at Orange County National offers championship-caliber golf at public course prices. The rolling terrain is unusual for Central Florida, creating elevation changes that add visual and strategic interest.

Tampa, Florida · Tom Fazio (1993) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 6,902 yards

Often called the "Pine Valley of Florida," World Woods' Pine Barrens course is a Tom Fazio design that brings a Pine Barrens New Jersey aesthetic to Central Florida. Sandy waste areas, pine straw-covered ground, and strategic design make this a bucket-list public course.

Estero, Florida · Jack Nicklaus (2007) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,397 yards

A Jack Nicklaus design that ranks among the best public courses in Florida, Old Corkscrew winds through 390 acres of native cypress, pine, and palmetto in the Audubon-certified Corkscrew corridor. The layout offers a rare natural Florida golf experience away from housing developments.

Miami, Florida · Robert von Hagge & Bruce Devlin (1972) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,301 yards

Set on the barrier island of Key Biscayne with Biscayne Bay and Atlantic Ocean views, Crandon is one of America's most scenic municipal courses. Saltwater lagoons, mangrove-lined fairways, and ocean breezes create a truly tropical golf experience.

Tampa, Florida · Bobby Weed & Chi Chi Rodriguez (1991) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 6,898 yards

Home of the PGA Tour Champions Constellation Energy Classic, TPC Tampa Bay offers accessible championship golf in Lutz. The flat Florida layout is enhanced by strategic water features and well-placed bunkers.

St. Augustine, Florida · Arnold Palmer & Jack Nicklaus (2000) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,279 yards

The only course co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, the King & Bear at World Golf Village combines the two legends' design philosophies on a property adjacent to the World Golf Hall of Fame. Palmer's aggressive bunkering and Nicklaus's strategic water features blend seamlessly through lush North Florida terrain.

St. Augustine, Florida · Arnold Palmer & Jack Nicklaus (2000) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,279 yards

The only course co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, King & Bear at World Golf Village combines both legends' design philosophies. Each architect designed alternating holes through Northeast Florida pine and wetland, creating a unique collaboration at the home of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Tampa, Florida · Lloyd Clifton (1992) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,699 yards

A solid public option in northwest Tampa, Westchase provides well-maintained golf at an accessible price point. The Lloyd Clifton design features water on 13 holes, mature landscaping, and a challenging but fair layout that keeps locals coming back for its consistent conditioning and friendly atmosphere.

Miami, Florida · Mark Mahannah (1971) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,175 yards

A solid South Florida public option in Plantation, Jacaranda's East Course offers a well-maintained, tree-lined layout with enough challenge for competitive players. Water comes into play on 13 holes, demanding accurate approach shots.

Jacksonville Beach, Florida · Donald Ross (original) (1924) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,478 yards

A Donald Ross-routed municipal course just blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville Beach Golf Club is one of the oldest courses in Northeast Florida. The affordable layout offers a throwback golf experience with Ross-era green complexes, mature trees, and a welcoming community atmosphere.