Best Golf Courses in Tampa, Florida
Tampa Bay punches well above its weight in the golf world. Home to the PGA Tour's Valspar Championship at Innisbrook, the revolutionary Streamsong Resort nearby, and underrated public gems like World Woods, the Tampa Bay region offers some of Florida's most interesting and varied golf.
Tampa, Florida · Gil Hanse (2017) · 18 holes · Par 73 · 7,311 yards
The newest course at Streamsong Resort, Gil Hanse's Black routing is the most dramatic and photographed of the three courses. Built on the highest point of the property, it features vertigo-inducing elevation changes and bold, strategic design.
Tampa, Florida · Larry Packard (1972) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 7,340 yards
Host of the Valspar Championship, Copperhead at Innisbrook is a demanding layout that winds through dense Florida forest. The infamous "Snake Pit" finishing holes (16-18) are among the toughest closing stretches on the PGA Tour.
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.
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.
Tampa, Florida · Arnold Palmer (1986) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 6,469 yards
The Arnold Palmer-designed course at Saddlebrook Resort offers a classic Florida resort golf experience in Wesley Chapel. The layout winds through cypress stands and around several lakes, with Palmer's signature aggressive bunkering throughout.
Tampa, Florida · Tom Lehman & Kurt Sandness (2000) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,154 yards
North of Tampa in Dade City, Lake Jovita offers surprisingly hilly terrain for Florida golf. The Tom Lehman design winds through rolling sandhills and mature oaks, delivering an experience that feels more like the Carolina Sandhills than the Sunshine State.
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.
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.
Bowling Green, Florida · Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (2012) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,050 yards
Built on a former phosphate mine south of Tampa, Streamsong Red is a Coore & Crenshaw masterpiece that transformed industrial wasteland into one of America's most acclaimed golf courses. The rolling sand dunes, native grasses, and treeless landscape create a uniquely links-like experience in the heart of Florida.
Bowling Green, Florida · Tom Doak (2012) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,077 yards
Tom Doak's companion course to Streamsong Red, the Blue features equally stunning sand-dune terrain with Doak's signature minimalist approach. The wide fairways and creative green complexes reward strategic thinking and ground-game creativity in a setting that rivals the great links of the British Isles.
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.
Public Courses in Tampa
Looking for courses you can play without a membership? See our complete guide to public courses in Tampa .
Overview
The Tampa Bay region benefits from slightly more topography than South Florida, a strong resort golf market anchored by Innisbrook, and proximity to Streamsong — arguably the most important new golf resort built in America in decades. The area also offers excellent value compared to Naples or Palm Beach.
Best Time to Play
November through April offers the best conditions. Summer brings daily afternoon thunderstorms but dramatically lower prices. The shoulder months of October and May are particularly good values with pleasant weather.
Travel Tips & Getting There
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is one of America's best airports, conveniently located near most area courses. Innisbrook is 30 minutes north, World Woods is 60 minutes north, and Streamsong is 75 minutes southeast.
Nearest Airport: Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best golf course near Tampa?
Explore Nearby Golf Destinations
State Golf Guides
Stay in the Loop
Get weekly rankings updates, destination guides, and insider tips delivered to your inbox.