West Palm Beach is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, thanks to its many lush courses and cozy weather. With so many great options to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the best of the best. That’s why we put together this guide highlighting the 13 best golf courses in West Palm Beach.
Trump International Golf Club – Championship
The Championship course at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida is a golfing gem. The course, designed by Jim Fazio, features 18 holes that deliver a challenging but rewarding experience to golfers. The third loop, a nine-hole course, offers its own unique challenges but it doesn’t quite compare to the Championship course. Even before becoming President of the United States, Donald Trump had a passion for building golf courses, and he spared no expense in making this one a truly world-class golfing destination.
The course’s location on prime real estate that was previously owned by Palm Beach County only enhances its appeal. In fact, this course was designed to rival Steve Wynn’s No. 27 Shadow Creek in Vegas, and it has certainly lived up to that billing. Ranked as the number one golf course in the state of Florida by Florida Golf Magazine, it’s no wonder that golf enthusiasts flock to this course from all over the country. And to top it all off, the Championship course is the highest elevated course in the Sunshine State.
Address: 3505 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Okeeheelee Golf Club
Owned and operated by Palm Beach County, the Okeeheelee Golf Course on Forest Hill Boulevard boasts 27 holes of championship golf, ensuring a memorable and challenging experience for all skill levels. With a focus on environmental conservation, the course is also part of the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program which prioritizes the protection of natural habitats and wildlife.
The three 9-hole courses – Eagle, Heron, and Osprey – offer golfers the ability to play multiple 18-hole combinations, providing a unique and dynamic golf experience with each visit. Furthermore, the course features five sets of tees, allowing players to tailor their rounds to their own abilities. With reptiles, bird habitats, and other wildlife on the course, Okeeheelee is a must-play destination for those seeking a quality round of golf with added value.
Address: 7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33413
The Links at Madison Green
Set in the heart of Palm Beach, The Links at Madison Green offers an exceptional golfing experience that is both fun and rewarding for all skill levels. With five tee settings to choose from, every player can find their perfect challenge. Designed by acclaimed architect John Sanford, the course boasts pure putting surfaces and plush fairways that have gained recognition for their pristine conditions. As you wind your way through the stunning natural surroundings of Pine Barrens, palm trees, and mighty oaks, you’ll find no parallel fairways on this carefully crafted course.
With over 100 bunkers and shimmering lakes, the game is equal parts strategic and exhilarating. The course gets increasingly challenging as you move back in tees, meaning that the good player not only has further to hit, but must also place the ball more accurately in order to set themselves up for the next shot. With its spectacular layout and breathtaking scenery, The Links at Madison Green is an experience not to be missed.
Address: 2001 Crestwood Blvd N, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
Emerald Dunes Golf Club
Emerald Dunes Club Golf Course is a true gem for golf enthusiasts. With 18 holes, 100 bunkers, 60 acres of lakes, and five sets of tees, this course promises a challenging and exhilarating experience. What sets it apart is its scenic beauty – pathways are paved with native coquina shells and scalloped edge banks are carved along the shorelines. The course design takes advantage of the numerous lakes, making water or marshes come into play on almost every hole.
To further enhance the sense of tranquility and seclusion, 2,000 mature palms and other trees were planted around the perimeter, effectively screening out the outside world. The crushed native coquina shell paths and hand-set pavers that replaced the old cart paths add to the natural charm of the golfing environment. Make Emerald Dunes Club your next golf destination and improve your game amidst breathtaking scenery.
Address: 2100 Emerald Dunes Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Banyan Golf Club
Opened for play in 1973, Banyan Golf Club has been a staple course for Florida golfers for nearly half a century. Designed by renowned golf course architect Joe Lee, Banyan was cleverly integrated around a series of lakes, with each hole heading in a different direction.
What sets Banyan apart from other courses in the area is its refreshing lack of homes around the fairways, allowing golfers to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the course. Over the years, the course has undergone changes due to natural disasters and advancements in golf course architecture. In 2018, Banyan underwent a significant renovation overseen by Jupiter-based architect Kipp Schulties. Now, golfers of all levels can enjoy Banyan’s 18 holes, ranging from 4,800 to over 7,200 yards. With updated green complexes and modified holes, Banyan continues to be a top-notch golfing destination in Florida.
Address: 1393 Lyons Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
PGA National Resort
The PGA National Resort in Florida is a golfer’s paradise, offering six different golf courses for an unparalleled championship golf experience. Each course offers a modernized layout, stunning backdrops, and exciting opportunities for golf lovers.
The Champion Course, home of the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic, ranks #5 on Golf Digest’s Top 75 Public Golf Courses in Florida. Featuring the challenging stretch from holes 15-17 known as “The Bear Trap,” even professional players will find this course a true test of skill.
Meanwhile, The Match Course offers a unique take on the game, fusing classic golf design principles with a modern twist on “Template” holes inspired by renowned architects Seth Raynor, C.B. MacDonald, and Donald Ross.
The Staple, crafted by golf course architect Andy Staple, is a testament to his visionary approach to game design. Composed of nine holes with varying distances that promise an abundance of rollicking fun, players will encounter unique undulations and tricky shots that require a carefully thought-out approach. Even with its challenges, the overall design of The Staple is casual and approachable, making it an ideal destination for after-hours play and practice options.
And for the golfers ready to take on a more challenging layout, look no further than The Palmer – named after the legendary designer Arnold Palmer. This championship course is one of the more forgiving at PGA National Resort, with well-placed risks and plentiful rewards that make each hole truly enjoyable. And with a stunning par five on the 18th, The Palmer golf course is sure to be a highlight of any golfing escape.
The Fazio golf course at PGA National Resort is a testament to the perfect balance of classic architecture and modern advances. It offers golfers of all handicaps a challenging yet entertaining resort golf experience. Golfers are put to the test on the par-5 4th hole—a notorious hole among PGA National’s 90—that’s enough to make even a PGA TOUR pro blush.
Just five miles away from the main resort lies The Estate, which may seem like a hidden gem but is much more than a great course. The estate provides golfers with a good mix of challenging and docile holes, generous fairways, and inviting greens, along with well-equipped practice facilities. So if you’re looking for a top-notch golf course that offers both classic and modern elements, you can’t go wrong with The Fazio and The Estate.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging round or a fresh take on the game, the PGA National Resort offers something for every golfer.
Address: 7736 Bay Hill Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33412
North Palm Beach Country Club
North Palm Beach Country Club is a legendary golf course that was first opened in 1963. After a complete redesign by Jack Nicklaus in 2006, it emerged as a par 71, links-style course that is both challenging and enjoyable. The extensive renovations included the installation of a new irrigation system, re-grassing of all playing surfaces, and the construction of new greensites with improved fairway surface drainage.
While the course is designed to test the skills of even the most advanced golfers, it offers a generous 180 to 200 yards off the member tees, making it user-friendly for seniors and other players of all skill levels. With five sets of tees, the course provides flexibility and playability for everyone who visits. Not only is North Palm Beach Country Club a challenging “thinkers” course, it is also a beautiful and engaging golfing experience not to be missed by any fan of the game.
Address: 951 US-1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Village Golf Club
The Village Golf Club is situated in one of the most optimal golfing locations in Florida, boasting 18 holes of championship golf. Opened in 1968, this Mark Mahannah designed course has since become a favorite spot among professional golfers, hosting numerous PGA of America events and charity tournaments.
The course was laid out on a 175-acre site in Royal Palm Beach and is famous for its unique blend of sand traps, water hazards, and mature cypress trees, which offer a challenging yet picturesque experience for players. The facilities are exceptional, with a 15,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, top-notch chipping and putting greens, and one of the largest driving ranges in the county. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Village Golf Club is a must-play course that delivers an atmosphere like no other.
Address: 122 Country Club Dr, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
Old Marsh Golf Club
Designed by renowned golf course architect Pete Dye in the mid-1980s, Old Marsh Golf Club has consistently been ranked as one of the best courses in Florida and the entire country. Its reputation is well deserved, thanks to its beautifully laid out 18 holes that challenge even the most seasoned golfers. Although the course is not particularly tight, straying too far from the fairways can have consequences in the form of unforgiving marshlands.
The signature hole, the short par four 5th, is a real challenge that requires precision and careful planning. With a rock on top of a protecting mound marking the pin position, players need to lay up their tee shot 120 yards short to leave themselves with a full short iron into the green. Beyond the green, a menacing pond awaits, reminding even the best of players to use caution and not overhit their shots. The Old Marsh Golf Club is a true gem of a course that cannot be missed by anyone seeking an unforgettable golfing experience.
Address: 7500 Old Marsh Rd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
Osprey Point Golf Club
The golf course at this club is truly exceptional. It offers three different 18-hole combinations, providing plenty of opportunities for a challenging and enjoyable game. The tees, greens, and fairways are all covered with Seashore Paspalum, an environmentally friendly grass that is both beautiful and sustainable. The department in charge of the course has gone above and beyond to ensure that it meets the highest environmental standards, earning it the coveted Audubon International Classic Signature Golf Course designation.
This commitment to environmental protection is reflected in the acres of natural habitat and increased use of eco-friendly practices. The Hawk/Raven and Falcon/Raven courses are both designed with players of all skill levels in mind, thanks to their approachable layouts and five sets of tees. Overall, this golf course is a must-play for anyone who appreciates a beautifully maintained course that cares for the environment.
Address: 12551 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33498
Breakers Golf Club
The Breakers in South Florida is a world-renowned resort that offers golf enthusiasts two elite courses to choose from.
The Ocean Course at The Breakers is recognized as the oldest course in Florida, which was originally built in 1897. This course boasts a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean and features complex terrain, six lakes, and several doglegs that will challenge even the most seasoned golfer. The lush tropical landscaping and hundreds of palm trees add to the beauty of this short yet impressive course.
The Breakers Rees Jones Course, on the other hand, stretches over 7,100 yards and caters to all playing levels. This course provides multiple options to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience, with roomy fairways and picturesque surroundings.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, a visit to The Breakers is a must on your Florida golfing itinerary.
Address: 1550 Flagler Pkwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Sandhill Crane Golf Course
Sandhill Crane Golf Course located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a unique destination for avid golfers seeking a challenging yet enjoyable experience. Spanning over 140 acres of the Loxahatchee Natural Preserve, this public golf course is designed by the legendary Roy Case and boasts a Par 72 layout measuring 6330 yards in length. The course’s defining feature includes natural, preserved, and wetland areas that add an extra element of difficulty and natural allure.
As you take on the course, you will be able to enjoy stunning ocean views, surrounded by southern pines and palm trees, making every moment a scenic and peaceful one. With affordability, quality, and a lush tropical setting, the Sandhill Crane Golf Course is the perfect destination for any golfer. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this hidden gem of a golf course, which was formerly known as Palm Beach Gardens Golf Club.
Address: 9500 Sandhill Crane Dr, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33412
Mayacoo Lakes Golf Club
Tucked within a vibrant landscape framed by melaleuca trees, palmetto bushes, and cabbage palms lies the acclaimed Mayacoo Lakes Country Club. Designed collaboratively by golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Desmond Muirhead, the course first welcomed avid golfers in 1972. While the course was initially considered challenging, it has undergone several improvements over the years, allowing players of all handicaps to take on this impressive course.
Despite the improvements, the course still presents a formidable challenge to golfers, particularly at the holes where water comes into play. Water features prominently at no fewer than thirteen holes, with the 12th hole’s 409-yard, par four being a potential card-wrecker. The abundance of water makes it a daunting challenge for golfers, who may have more water than dry land to aim for between the tee box and putting surface.
Address: 9697 Mayacoo Club Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Conclusion
West Palm Beach and its surrounding areas of North Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach Gardens offer golfers a wide variety of courses to choose from. Whether you are looking for an exclusive resort course or a more affordable public course, there is something that will suit your needs. From Jack Nicklaus-designed courses to Mark Mahannah’s signature courses and Roy Case-designed courses, you can find a unique experience at each of these golfing gems. So if you’re looking for an exhilarating round of golf in West Palm Beach, look no further than these premier courses!
