Golf courses

Question

My husband and I are spending two weeks in Florida in late February / late March . We fly in and out of Miami and have rented accommodation in Naples for the first week to allow us to play pickleball . In the second week we’d like to play some golf ( 4/5 rounds) and are looking for any recommendations of courses we’d be able to play on that are not eye wateringly expensive . Ideally we’re looking for somewhere to base ourselves where we could play several courses and enjoy some of the countryside that is within 3/4 hours of Miami . Our handicaps are 12 and 20 respectively and we’re looking for some fun holiday golf .

Answer

For your two-week Florida trip, including both pickleball and golf, there are several options for affordable and fun golf courses within 3-4 hours of Miami that will offer a great experience without breaking the bank. Since you're planning to play 4-5 rounds, here are some suggestions for places to stay and golf courses to play. These are all good options for golfers of various skill levels, with a mix of affordability and fun holiday golf.

1. Naples Area (First Week): Since you'll already be staying in Naples for pickleball, this is a great base for your first week. Naples is known for having some fantastic courses. Even though some can be pricey, there are also more affordable options.

Eastwood Golf Course: A budget-friendly public course with a fun layout, great for golfers who want to enjoy a round without the high price tag.
Quail Creek Village Golf Club: Another affordable option with a beautiful layout, located just outside of Naples.
Arrowhead Golf Club: One of the more affordable public courses in the area, with a fun design and beautiful surroundings.

2. Second Week (Golf Destination): For your second week, you’ll want to base yourselves in an area that has easy access to multiple courses. The following areas offer a good mix of affordable courses and countryside charm.

Fort Myers/Cape Coral (2-2.5 hours from Miami): This area is a great option if you want variety and value. It has several good golf courses that are affordable and not too crowded.

Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club: A fun course with both challenging and relaxed holes, offering a good value for money.
The Club at Eagle Ridge: A beautiful, well-kept course offering reasonable rates for visitors.

Port St. Lucie (2.5-3 hours from Miami): Known for being a golf-friendly town, Port St. Lucie has several affordable options and is home to some notable courses.

PGA Village Golf Club: While the PGA courses can be pricier, they often have deals and specials for visitors. You’ll enjoy well-maintained fairways and greens, with multiple courses to choose from.
St. Lucie Trail Golf Club: A beautiful and affordable course, offering a peaceful experience with good value.

West Palm Beach (2-2.5 hours from Miami): Another excellent option for your golf getaway. West Palm Beach is home to several high-quality courses at various price points.

Okeeheelee Golf Course: A municipal course that’s affordable, with plenty of challenges for golfers of all levels.
West Palm Beach Golf Course: An affordable and scenic course located near downtown, with a laid-back atmosphere and great service.

With your handicaps (12 and 20), all of these courses should provide a fun and challenging experience. Most offer rental clubs and carts, and you can usually find some good deals or specials depending on the time of day or season. If you're looking to keep costs down, it’s also worth checking out online tee time booking services, which often offer discounts for advanced bookings.

As for whether to rent a car, I recommend renting a car for flexibility, especially in the more rural golf areas, since public transportation in Florida can be limited outside of the major cities. Plus, with a car, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful Florida countryside and get to all the golf courses with ease.

Golf courses

More Florida (FL) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions