Florida is renowned for its plethora of golf courses, with more than 1,050 to choose from, offering a diverse range of golfing experiences. Among these, links-style courses stand out for their unique challenges and beautiful settings. In this article, we explore some of the best links courses in Florida, highlighting their distinct features and what makes them a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- Royal St. Cloud Golf Links combines a high-quality golfing experience with accessibility to the public, making it a standout destination in St. Cloud, Florida.
- Streamsong Resort’s award-winning courses, set amidst the natural beauty of Bowling Green, offer a premier golfing experience just a short drive from major cities.
- Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples offers a unique 9-hole course arrangement, providing an elegant and private golfing experience in the ‘Golf Capital of the World’.
- Old Collier Golf Club takes advantage of Naples’ natural beauty, featuring coral rock aesthetics and exclusive golfing amidst lush natural foliage.
- Colliers Reserve in Naples, designed by Arthur Hills, is a sanctuary that caters to all skill levels, offering scenic views and encounters with local wildlife on the greens.
Royal St. Cloud Golf Links: A True Florida Golfing Jewel
Course Highlights and Features
The Royal St. Cloud Golf Links offers an exceptional golfing experience, with a layout that is both challenging and enjoyable for players of all skill levels. The course is well-known for its superb conditions and the value it provides to golfers seeking a premium experience without the premium price tag.
- Conditions: 4.3/5
- Value: 4.5/5
- Layout: 4.6/5
- Pace: 4.0/5
- Friendliness: 4.5/5
Golfers consistently praise the course for its excellent maintenance and the friendly staff that enhances the overall experience. The pace of play is good, ensuring a smooth flow throughout the round. With amenities that cater to various needs, Royal St. Cloud Golf Links stands out as a top choice for both local and visiting golfers.
The Royal St. Cloud Golf Links is not just a place to play; it’s a place to learn and improve your game. With a range of instructional programs and practice facilities, golfers can refine their skills and take their game to the next level.
The club also hosts prestigious events, such as the Royal St. Cloud Women’s Championship, part of the NXXT Women’s Pro Tour, offering an interactive tour experience for every golf course. This, coupled with the best sign-up system for golf groups, makes it a hub for golf enthusiasts.
Membership and Public Access Information
Royal St. Cloud Golf Links offers a blend of exclusivity and public access that caters to a variety of golf enthusiasts. Members enjoy a range of benefits, including priority booking and special rates, while the public can experience the course through various packages.
- Members have access to exclusive events and competitions.
- Public players can book the ‘Orlando Member for a Day Golf Package‘ starting from $147.
- GolfPass members can earn points and access curated golf tips and instruction series.
The Red/White Course at Royal St. Cloud Golf Links is a testament to the club’s commitment to providing a memorable golfing experience for both members and visitors alike.
For those looking to elevate their game, upgrading to GolfPass+ offers additional perks such as tee time credits and waived fees. The club’s affiliation with GolfNow ensures a fast and convenient booking process for all players.
Golfing Events and Competitions
Royal St. Cloud Golf Links is not only a top golf course in Florida for its challenging layout and scenic beauty, but it also hosts a variety of golfing events and competitions that cater to all golf enthusiasts. From local club tournaments to major PGA events, the course offers a competitive atmosphere that is both thrilling and accessible.
- Major PGA Championships
- Member-exclusive events
- Seasonal local tournaments
The course’s event calendar is packed with opportunities to witness or participate in high-level golfing. Whether you’re looking to compete or just enjoy the sport as a spectator, there’s always something happening at Royal St. Cloud Golf Links.
Streamsong Resort: Where Championship Golf Meets Natural Beauty
Exploring the Award-Winning Courses
Streamsong Resort is celebrated for its award-winning golf courses, each offering a distinct experience that challenges both novice and seasoned golfers. The courses are renowned for their undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and natural water hazards, which require thoughtful navigation and precision.
- The Blue Course, designed by Tom Doak, features wide fairways and expansive greens.
- The Red Course, crafted by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, presents a more traditional links-style layout.
- The Black Course, a recent addition by Gil Hanse, is known for its dramatic sand dunes and rolling terrain.
Golfers consistently praise the excellent conditions and layout of the courses, with many recommending Streamsong as a must-play destination. The resort’s commitment to providing a best value golfing experience is evident in the meticulous maintenance and the high quality of service provided to guests.
At Streamsong, the convergence of natural beauty and architectural genius creates a golfing adventure that is both thrilling and unforgettable.
Accommodations and Amenities
Streamsong Resort ensures a stay that is as luxurious as it is comfortable. Guests can choose between the Streamsong Lodge and the Clubhouse, both offering modern and stylish rooms equipped with top amenities for a relaxing experience. The Lodge and Clubhouse are the epitome of comfort, with air conditioning, flat screen TVs, and refrigerators in every room.
The resort’s amenities cater to both golfers and non-golfers alike. With a spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options, there is no shortage of activities to indulge in. The infinity pool, with its serene lake view, provides a perfect spot for relaxation after a day on the greens or exploring the 16,000 acres of natural beauty.
For families and sports enthusiasts, Streamsong offers a variety of recreational facilities. Enjoy the excitement of the water park, engage in a game of tennis or pickleball, or try the unique footgolf course. The resort’s commitment to providing a diverse range of activities ensures that every guest finds something to love.
Streamsong’s Unique Golfing Landscape
Streamsong Resort, nestled in the serene Bowling Green area, is a testament to Florida’s capacity to offer a distinctive golfing experience. The resort’s three 18-hole courses—Red, Black, and Blue—each present a different challenge, crafted by the hands of renowned architects like Coore & Crenshaw, Gil Hanse & Jim Wagner, and Tom Doak. The recent addition of ‘The Chain,’ a 13-hole preview course, further expands the variety of golfing adventures available to enthusiasts.
The resort’s commitment to an immersive golfing journey is evident in its recommendation for players to traverse the courses on foot, accompanied by a knowledgeable caddie. This approach not only enhances the connection to the meticulously sculpted terrain but also elevates the overall sensory experience.
Beyond the fairways, Streamsong offers an array of activities and amenities. Guests can unwind in the stylish Streamsong Lodge or the Clubhouse, indulge in spa treatments, or engage in outdoor pursuits like bass fishing and archery. The infinity pool, with its tranquil lake view, provides a perfect setting for relaxation after a day on the greens.
Streamsong’s landscape is a harmonious blend of natural beauty and golfing excellence, ensuring that every visit is both a challenge and a retreat.
Grey Oaks Country Club: Naples’ Premier Golf Destination
The Distinct 9-Hole Course Experience
Grey Oaks Country Club offers a unique 9-hole course that provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers. The course is known for its meticulous maintenance and strategic design, which demands precision and skill from players.
- Hole 1: A welcoming start with a wide fairway.
- Hole 2: Water hazards come into play.
- Hole 3: The first of the par 3s, featuring a guarded green.
- Hole 4: A dogleg left that requires a well-placed tee shot.
- Hole 5: The longest par 5 on the course.
- Hole 6: A short par 4 with risk-reward options.
- Hole 7: A challenging par 3 over water.
- Hole 8: A par 4 with strategic bunkering.
- Hole 9: A strong finishing hole with a well-protected green.
The course layout encourages golfers to use every club in their bag and provides a variety of shot-making opportunities. It’s a perfect blend of playability and test of skill, ensuring a memorable golfing experience.
The 9-hole course at Grey Oaks is not just about the game; it’s about the experience. As you navigate the course, the beauty of the surrounding landscape serves as a serene backdrop, enhancing the pleasure of the game.
Private Club Elegance and Facilities
Grey Oaks Country Club is the epitome of private club elegance, offering an array of facilities that cater to every aspect of the luxury golfing experience. Members can indulge in the comfort of the spacious clubhouse, which serves as the social hub for all activities. The locker rooms are designed to provide a personal retreat for relaxation and preparation before and after a round of golf.
The club’s amenities extend beyond the clubhouse, featuring a comprehensive practice facility. Here, members can refine their skills with a double-ended driving range, a dedicated chipping green, and a large putting green. The professional staff is always on hand to offer assistance, whether it’s for arranging tee times, providing equipment, or giving lessons to enhance your game.
The dining options at Grey Oaks Country Club are as exquisite as the golfing experience, with a variety of settings from casual to formal to suit any occasion.
For those looking to socialize and unwind, the club’s bar and restaurant offer a perfect setting with a selection of snacks, grills, and fine dining options. The 19th hole is particularly renowned among members for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent service.
Golfing in the Golf Capital of the World
Naples, Florida, renowned as the Golf Capital of the World, offers an unparalleled golfing experience with its vast array of courses. The city’s tropical conditions and lush fairways provide the perfect backdrop for a day on the greens. Golfers of all skill levels can find a course that challenges and delights, from the meticulously designed layouts to the stunning natural beauty that surrounds them.
The area boasts signature courses crafted by golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson. Each course presents its own set of unique challenges, ensuring that every round is as rewarding as it is memorable. After a day of golf, players can indulge in the luxury of the World Golf Village, which includes not just golfing amenities but also ten swimming pools and a water park for a refreshing end to the day.
The joy of playing in Naples is not just in the game itself, but in the entire experience that comes with it. From the moment you tee off to the final putt, every aspect of your visit is designed to be unforgettable.
For those looking to improve their game, the PGA TOUR Academy is an invaluable resource. With PGA of America Golf Professionals at the helm, the academy offers coaching and tools to enhance both skills and passion for the game. Accommodations such as the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort cater to visitors’ comfort, ensuring a stay that’s as relaxing as it is exciting.
Old Collier Golf Club: Embracing Florida’s Natural Splendor
The Unique Features of Naples National
Naples National Golf Club is not just a game location; it’s a visual spectacle that harmonizes with Florida’s natural beauty. The course is adorned with stacked coral rock, not just as ornamental features but as integral parts of the landscape, surrounding ponds and weaving through the fairways. This distinctive use of local geology sets Naples National apart, creating a golfing experience that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is challenging.
The Cypress Course at Naples National adds to the club’s allure with its natural feel. An abundance of Cypress trees line the narrower fairways, and water hazards are present in over half of the holes, demanding precision and strategy from golfers.
Naples is renowned as the "Golf Capital of the World," and Naples National is a testament to that title. Featured in Golf Digest’s list of 100 Greatest Golf Courses in America, it offers a blend of tropical conditions, lush fairways, and scenic views that are quintessentially Floridian. The course can stretch up to 6,500 yards from the number one tees, providing a formidable test for golfers of all skill levels.
Exclusive Golfing Amidst Natural Foliage
Old Collier Golf Club offers an exclusive golfing experience that harmonizes with the natural foliage of Florida. The club’s commitment to preserving the environment is evident in the seamless integration of the course with the surrounding landscapes, providing a serene and tranquil setting for golfers.
- The Gauntlet Putting Course
- Roundabout 7-hole short course
These additional golf experiences complement the main course, catering to a range of golfing preferences and skill levels. Whether you’re looking to refine your putting skills or enjoy a quick round with friends, Old Collier has something for everyone.
Embrace the challenge of links-style golf, where adaptability and creativity are rewarded. The natural elements of wind and undulating fairways add to the authenticity of the experience, reminiscent of the traditional Scottish golf courses.
The club encourages walking the course with a caddie to fully immerse in the beauty and challenges it presents. This approach not only enhances the golfing experience but also promotes a deeper appreciation for the game’s finer nuances.
The Coral Rock Signature Aesthetic
The Old Collier Golf Club is renowned for its signature coral rock features, which are not just aesthetically pleasing but also embody the essence of Florida’s natural beauty. These coral rock structures are strategically placed around ponds and throughout the course, creating a unique golfing environment that is both challenging and visually stunning.
- Coral rock formations around water hazards
- Natural foliage integration into course design
- Scenic views at every turn
The course’s design seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape, offering golfers a harmonious blend of nature and sport. The natural foliage and sweeping landscapes contribute to the serene atmosphere, making each round of golf a tranquil experience.
The Old Collier Golf Club stands as a testament to the beauty and challenge of golf in Florida, with its coral rock aesthetic leaving a lasting impression on all who play here.
Colliers Reserve: A Sanctuary for Golf Enthusiasts
Arthur Hills’ Masterful Course Design
The Colliers Reserve stands out as a testament to Arthur Hills’ architectural genius, offering a golfing experience that is both challenging and visually stunning. The course’s layout is meticulously crafted, with each hole designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, creating a harmonious balance between the sport and the environment.
- Strategic placement of hazards
- Varied tee positions for all skill levels
- Immaculate fairways and greens
The attention to detail in the course design ensures a unique and memorable round for every golfer, regardless of their handicap.
Feedback from players consistently praises the course’s condition and the thoughtful design that requires strategic play. While some mention a slower pace of play, the overall experience is highly regarded, with the course’s beauty and challenge often cited as highlights.
Wildlife and Scenic Views on the Greens
Colliers Reserve offers a premier golf destination that harmonizes with the natural environment, providing not just a game, but an experience. The course is a sanctuary where golfers can enjoy the panoramic views and lush fairways. Strategic bunkers and impeccable conditions ensure a challenging yet rewarding round of golf.
- Panoramic views of the surrounding nature
- Lush fairways that blend seamlessly with the environment
- Strategic bunkers adding to the challenge
- Impeccable course conditions for a superior golfing experience
The course’s design integrates seamlessly with the local wildlife, allowing players to encounter Florida’s diverse ecosystem as they navigate through the course. Hidden gems like Colina Park offer intimate, well-designed courses suitable for all skill levels, making it an inclusive environment for every golfer.
The commitment to maintaining the course’s natural beauty while providing a high-quality golfing experience is evident in every aspect of Colliers Reserve. It’s a place where the game of golf and the great outdoors meet in perfect harmony.
A Golfing Experience for All Skill Levels
Colliers Reserve offers a golfing experience that caters to players of all skill levels, ensuring that everyone from beginners to advanced golfers finds both joy and challenge on the greens. The Roundabout 7-hole short course is ideal for honing skills or introducing newcomers to the game, while The Gauntlet Putting Course provides a fun and competitive environment for all.
The courses at Colliers Reserve are designed to be inclusive, allowing golfers to enjoy the game at their own pace and level of expertise.
For those seeking to improve their game, a variety of instructional programs are available, ranging from individual lessons to group clinics. The club’s commitment to golfing excellence is evident in the quality of its amenities and the thoughtful design of its courses.
Here’s what golfers are saying about their experience:
- Conditions: Good to Excellent
- Value: Average to Excellent
- Layout: Good to Excellent
- Friendliness: Good to Excellent
- Pace: Good to Excellent
- Amenities: Good
Whether you’re looking to play a leisurely round or sharpen your skills, Colliers Reserve is a welcoming environment where every golfer can feel at home.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored the best links courses in Florida, it’s clear that the Sunshine State offers a diverse array of options for golf enthusiasts. From the breathtaking views at Naples National to the challenging layouts of Colliers Reserve, each course presents a unique golfing experience. The Royal St. Cloud Golf Links stand out for their accessibility to the public and the pristine conditions of their courses. Streamsong Resort’s award-winning courses are a testament to Florida’s commitment to world-class golfing destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, Florida’s links courses are sure to provide an unforgettable golfing adventure. So, pack your clubs and prepare for a tee time at some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Royal St. Cloud Golf Links a unique golfing destination in Florida?
Royal St. Cloud Golf Links offers a blend of Scottish links-style play with the natural beauty of Florida’s landscape. It’s known for its well-maintained fairways, challenging layout, and public access, making it a gem in St. Cloud, Florida.
Can the public play at Streamsong Resort’s award-winning golf courses?
Yes, Streamsong Resort’s golf courses are open to the public, offering golfers the opportunity to experience its championship courses set amidst a stunning natural landscape.
What unique golfing experiences does Grey Oaks Country Club provide?
Grey Oaks Country Club offers an exclusive private club experience with three distinct 9-hole courses, allowing golfers to enjoy a variety of golfing experiences in the heart of Naples, known as the Golf Capital of the World.
How does Old Collier Golf Club incorporate Florida’s natural beauty?
Old Collier Golf Club embraces the natural splendor of Naples with its use of natural foliage and scenic views, including the distinctive coral rock features that add to the aesthetic appeal and challenge of the course.
What are the highlights of Colliers Reserve’s golf course design?
Colliers Reserve features a course designed by Arthur Hills, known for its integration with the surrounding wildlife sanctuary, offering scenic views and a golfing experience suitable for all skill levels.
Are there any golf courses in Naples that offer a combination of luxury and natural beauty?
Naples is home to several golf courses that blend luxury with natural beauty, such as Grey Oaks Country Club and Old Collier Golf Club, providing golfers with a high-end experience in picturesque settings.