Courtesy of The Biltmore
According to Visit Florida, the Sunshine State has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the country, with a grand total of more than a thousand. These courses can be found from its two coastlines to further inland to an array of resorts with exquisite amenities for both adults and children alike.
St. Augustine, Florida is also home to the World Golf Hall of Fame. This historical spot is a must-see for golf fans, where they can take a peek at the lockers of famous golfers and study displays of historic artifacts. On top of that, guests can take aim at the TPC Sawgrass island green on a replica of the famous 17th hole.
With that being said, a Florida golf resort places high on the list for an ideal family vacation.
Here are some of the best golf resorts in Florida.
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra Beach
The high-end resort looks over the Atlantic and offers ocean views from guest rooms and suites, many of which have warm fireplaces and private balconies. Amenities include tennis courts, an expansive spa, pools, daily children’s activities, and a stretch of white-sand beach. The lush Lagoon Course and the seaside Ocean Course, with its island green on hole number nine, are available for guests on both properties.
Innisbrook, a Salamander Golf & Spa Resort, Palm Harbor
Innisbrook features four incredible golf courses set on 900 wood acres, including the Copperhead Course, which is the PGA Tour’s annual Valspar Championship location. The resort, located about a half-hour from Tampa, offers guests several amenities including pools, beach access, bike rentals, tennis courts, children’s activities, and the beloved Salamander Spa. Here, a variety of guest rooms, suites, and vacation home rentals can accommodate even the largest traveling parties.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes
Only about 10 miles from Orlando’s airport, this luxurious resort transports guests to the magnificent palazzos of Italy. Plush suites and guest rooms, pools, fitness center, spa, salon, children’s activities, and multiple restaurants make it the ideal spot for a family-friendly destination. Golfers who indulge in nature’s beauty will enjoy the Greg Norman-designed course as it encapsulates Central Florida’s natural landscape with its wetlands, ponds, and live oaks.
Reunion Resort & Golf Club, Kissimmee
This resort’s location is prime for a family-friendly trip as it is located just a few miles from Walt Disney World and the rest of Orlando’s multitude of theme parks. The spectacular resort features ten pools, tennis and pickleball courts, its own waterpark, miniature golf, footgolf, and three signature golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson. Its accommodations make you feel right at home as the one- to three-bedroom villas come with fully-equipped kitchens, as well as spacious vacation rentals.
World Golf Village, St. Augustine
Not only will visitors to the World of Gold Hall of Fame enjoy being immersed in the game’s history, but will have the opportunity to play two different courses designed by golf legends. The King & Bear is co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, while the Slammer & Squire features the work of Hall of Famers Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead with architect Bobby Weed. The World of Golf Village Renaissance offers a pool, game room, spa, and a convenient nearby location.
The Biltmore, Coral Gables
The classic Coral Gables luxury hotel features a course designed in 1925 by golf course architect Donald Ross. It was recently updated in 2018. The resort’s grand pool is one of the largest in the country, with furnished cabanas adding to the experience. Families can utilize the expansive spa, courtyard restaurant, cooking classes for adults, traditional English afternoon tea, and a kid’s culinary camp.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, Naples
Located right on the Gulf of Mexico, this resort features a pool with luxurious private cabanas, white-sand beaches, suites and guest rooms with shoreline views, and the beachfront SpaTerre. Multiple childcare and kid-friendly amenities make LaPlaya a perfect family destination. The area’s water sports include paddleboarding, kayaking, sunset cruises, fishing, and more. The 18-hole links-style golf course sits among rolling green fairways, lakes, and lush landscaping.
PGA National Resort & Spa, Palm Beach Gardens
Guests at the PGA National Resort & Spa can choose a suite, guest room, two-bedroom cottage, or vacation home with amenities including pools, fitness studios, tennis courts, nearby beaches, luxury shopping, and eco-tours. With five different PGA Championship courses, golfers have a variety of challenges from The Palmer (named for its designer) and The Champion (home of the annual Honda Classic), to its new nine-hole course game, The Staple. Supervised kids’ activities, childcare, bike rentals, beach volleyball, and lawn games just add to the family-friendly atmosphere.
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, Aventura
The high-end resort located in Miami features spacious rooms and suites, along with a variety of restaurants including Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak, as well as casual dining and poolside options. The resort’s two championship golf courses provide top-notch scenery along with challenging golf. The 300-acre property includes an array of lush landscaping, a spa, and the Tidal Cove Waterpark.
Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Palm Coast
Located on Florida’s northeastern coast, visitors can enjoy a room, suite, luxury condo, or stay at The Lodge at Hammock Beach, a boutique hotel featuring 20 rooms with oceanfront views or a view of the Ocean Course. The resort features a spacious indoor pool complex, a spa, and an outdoor pool complimented by a lazy river and waterslide. Its two award-winning golf courses include the Ocean Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus and home to six holes bordering the Atlantic, and the Conservatory Course developed by Tom Watson.
Streamsong Resort, Bowling Green
This Central Florida golf resort features three incredible 18-hole golf courses, a fun putting course, and a seven-hole course for those looking to play a shorter game. For stylish and modern accommodations, guests can stay at the Streamsong Lodge or the Clubhouse. After a good ole game of golf, guests can enjoy the spa, infinity pool overlooking the lake, archery, bass fishing, sporting clay course, and over 16,000 acres to explore.
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.