When you first arrive in Miami, playing at public golf courses is a great way to meet people, see more of the scenery, and enjoy the outdoors. As you get to know the area better, you’ll eventually figure out your favorite places and maybe join a private course.
But before you make that commitment, it’s exciting to explore the public courses. Here are seven of the best golf courses in Miami to keep you in practice while you’re exploring your new home.
1. Miami Beach Golf Club
This is the perfect golf course to start with. Both hardcore and casual golfers enjoy it, and the prices and food are excellent. It was first opened in 1923 (as Bayshore Golf Course) by a forward-thinking developer named Carl Fisher working on the Alton Beach subdivision.
Recently, the city brought in golf course designers Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest and Associates to bring it up to modern standards. It is now an elegant landmark of South Florida.
2. Costa Del Sol Golf Club
This course is a short drive southwest of Miami International Airport. It is a flat course with beautiful scenery. Holes are considered fairly challenging because they feature many trees surrounding narrow fairways, along with a wide variety of sand bunkers and water hazards. Most greens are of medium size.
You’ll keep your golf skills honed by navigating this public favorite. One hole to watch for in particular is the 14th. To keep to par 3, you’ll need to perform a tricky tee shot over a water hazard. You can also enjoy five different par 5s and some beautiful par 3s that show off the Florida scenery.
3. Briar Bay Golf Course
Go to Briar Bay Golf Course if you need affordable prices and an executive course. It covers 30 acres and offers up various levels of difficulty to challenge all types of players. The course is close to a suburb and offers a sprawling layout that fully uses the area.
You’ll find elevated greens, bunkers around narrow fairways, and some water hazards. Because this is not a private club, it has simple, practical facilities but offers a clubhouse and a practice green.
4. Greynolds Golf Course
Many of the best golf courses in Miami were first developed before World War II, but Greynolds was created in the 1960s. It has 9 holes and a par of 36. It makes beginners feel very welcome, rather than intimidated. Admission and a golf cart are very affordable. You can also take lessons at Greynolds—or even play FootGolf.
You can use a Miami-Dade Golf Patron Membership to enjoy discounts at this and other public golf courses, along with some bonus perks.
5. Normandy Shores Golf Club
If you’re on the north end of Miami Beach, check out Normandy Shores. They’re known for being family-friendly, having great customer service, beautiful greens, and a generally high-quality facility. Normandy Shores dates back to 1928 and has been used by many famous golfers, like Arnold Palmer.
This course gives excellent discounts to Miami Beach residents, along with days when children can play for free with a paying parent. You can also send your children to free golf clinics. Call or visit their website to find the best dates for the whole family to play—or to send the kids on a small adventure.
6. Miami Shores Country Club
This is a historic location, which was first opened in 1939. It is a 15-minute drive from Downtown Miami, Miami International Airport, and several beaches, giving you lots of options for an enjoyable day.
You’ll get 18 holes, beautiful greens, and great customer service. They also offer a chipping green, driving range, putting green, and clubhouse, where you can sign up for lessons or pick up equipment. Call ahead to see if you qualify for a resident discount.
7. Miami Springs Golf and Country Club
This is an excellent, 18-hole course with varying levels of difficulty, dating from 1923. Locals love its traditions and beauty. But one feature that makes it unique is its nighttime practice greens, great for honing your game after work.
Explore Miami
There are many beautiful places to visit in Miami and activities to try. But if golf is a hobby of yours, a passion, or an aspiration, pick one of the best public golf courses in Miami and get involved. And if you need help moving your things to Miami, contact Moving Squad for fast, friendly service.
