Florida’s Golf Landscape: The Allure of Short Courses

News Summary

Florida’s golf scene offers a diverse range of short golf courses, redefining the game for enthusiasts. With over 344 short courses available, these gems provide unique challenges while maintaining playability. This article unveils the top ten favorite short golf courses in Florida, highlighting their charm and appeal for both novice and seasoned golfers. As the golfing community continues to thrive, new developments promise to enhance the golfing experience even further, solidifying Florida’s position as a premier golfing destination.

Florida’s Golf Landscape: Discovering the Charm of Short Courses

As I sit back and reflect on my decade-long journey in the sunny state of Florida, it’s fascinating to think about how my perspective on golf has transformed. Initially, I was all about those long, challenging championship courses—essentially, the ones that boasted impressive ratings and a rather intimidating length. However, as time went on, I began to discover the unique joys sprinkled throughout Florida’s diverse golf offerings, particularly in the realm of short courses.

So, what exactly are short courses? They’re typically defined as courses that deliver a unique golfing experience, measuring under 6,000 yards, or featuring a par of 69 for an 18-hole layout. Alternatively, they can encompass a nine-hole layout totaling under 3,000 yards with a par of 36. With over 1,000 golf courses to explore in Florida, an impressive 344 of them fall under this delightful category. That means golfers like me can enjoy a plethora of quick rounds in the sunshine!

In my adventures across Florida’s golf landscape, I have played an amazing 168 different courses. It seems only fair to curate my very own list of the top ten favorite short golf courses that have caught my eye, each offering its own unique flavor of fun and challenges. Keep in mind that while many courses competed for a coveted mention, a few were left on the cutting room floor for not meeting the defined criteria.

Notable Exclusions

One notable course, Riomar Country Club, found itself out of the mix because it stretches over 6,000 yards with a par of 70. Similarly, The Ocean Course at The Breakers in Palm Beach clocked in at less than 6,000 yards but still holds a par 70. And then there’s The Squeeze at Cabot Citrus Farms—though it offers a delightful experience of under 3,000 yards at a par 38, it just didn’t quite fit the criteria.

Honorable Mentions

Before we dive into the top ten, I must mention two courses that made quite the impression: the Mount Dora Golf Club and The Leaf at Saltleaf Golf Preserve. Both are cherished features of the local golfing community and are well worth a visit!

Top 10 Short Golf Courses in Florida

Now, without further ado, here are my top ten picks for short golf courses in Florida, presented in alphabetical order:

1. 18 holes, Par 60, 3,689 yards: An executive course featuring an astounding 12 par-threes that range from 89 to 186 yards—making for an exciting test of precision.
2. 11 holes, Par 33, 1,000 yards: A par-3 loop designed by a well-known architect, known for its audaciously shaped greens that are sure to thrill.
3. 18 holes, Par 63, 4,434 yards: Crafted by a renowned designer, this course emphasizes fun short holes that highlight your precision skills.
4. 9 holes, Par 27, 759 yards: Despite its smaller size, this course comes loaded with wild greens and sand bunkers that keep things interesting.
5. 18 holes, No par, 5,841 yards: A re-imagined layout that encourages player freedom—say goodbye to traditional par and hello to adventure!
6. 9 holes, Par 27, 802 yards: This par-3 loop is designed for maximum enjoyment, making it especially popular with families.
7. 18 holes, Par 54, 3,056 yards: A true gem that challenges players to use every club in their bag for a complete test of skill.
8. 19 holes, No par, 2,916 yards: This course encourages friendly competition, seamlessly blending concepts from par-3 holes.
9. 18 holes, Par 62, 3,697 yards: A creatively designed course nestled within a condo complex, providing both charm and challenge.
10. 9 holes, Par 35, 2,470 yards: A neighborhood favorite that has recently undergone renovations, enhancing its appeal.

What’s on the Horizon?

The excitement around golf in Florida extends beyond these fabulous courses, with several new developments underway! Public and resort courses are set to open, with many expected to take their first swings in 2025. One particularly promising public course, designed by a skilled architect, is expected to open between Colorado’s major cities in the summer of 2025.

Renowned golf architects are hard at work on remarkable designs that promise to elevate the golfing experience even further. Among the notable projects is the rehabilitation of a well-loved golf club, which will undergo an expansive renovation. This update will significantly enhance the clubhouse and practice areas, making it accessible and enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned golfers.

And let’s not forget a delightful six-hole short course opening just outside a prominent city, designed by an innovative creator. On an international note, a reversible eight-hole short course has been unveiled in a golfing hub, making for a unique twist in the golfing world.

The vibrant golf development scene in Florida continues to flourish, ensuring that our beloved sport remains as exciting and engaging as ever. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, the future of golf in this sunny state looks incredibly promising!

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Additional Resources

• GolfPass: Best Florida Golf Short Courses
• Golf Course Industry: The Clutch – South Seas Golf Florida
• New York Times: Secret Service & Trump
• GolfPass: Brand New Golf Courses Expected to Open in 2025
• The Golf Wire: GBN Search for New Director
• Wikipedia: Golf in Florida
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
• Google Search: Florida Golf Courses
• Google News: Florida Golf News