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Golf Holidays in Florida

Why book a golf break in Florida

• Subtropical climate means year round playability
• Diverse courses from resort, public, parkland to links designs
• PGA Tour courses you can play
• Regular direct flights from UK airports

Golf in Florida is not just a hobby, it's a way of life. Being the most visited state in America for golf, Florida will never fail to blow you away, both on & off the course. The Sunshine State hosts more PGA TOUR events than any other state in America. What makes it genuinely special is that many of those championship venues actually let you play them.

Golf resorts are a Florida staple & a popular choice for many visitors. The wide, pristine fairways are perfect for all abilities, plus having everything you need on-site makes planning your golf getaway as easy as could be.

Play the golf courses on the PGA Tour Florida Swing

The Florida Swing refers to the run of consecutive PGA TOUR events held in Florida each spring. What makes this special for visiting golfers is that you can actually play these courses.

TPC Sawgrass is the course most UK golfers have on their Florida bucket list. Home of THE PLAYERS Championship, the Stadium Course features the famous island green 17th, a par-3 measuring approximately 137 yards. Water comes into play on nearly every hole, so course management matters as much as ball-striking.

Bay Hill carries a strong connection to Arnold Palmer, who owned the club until his passing. Host of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the course features a demanding closing stretch with water on most holes. The 18th is one of the most photographed finishing holes on the PGA TOUR, with the lake guarding the green creating genuine drama.

The Cognizant Classic calls PGA National home, and "The Bear Trap" on holes 15 to 17 is one of golf's toughest three-hole stretches. Water hazards and prevailing winds make this section a genuine test. Even low handicappers often walk away having dropped shots here.

Host of the Valspar Championship, the Copperhead Course demands accuracy through tight, tree-lined fairways. The snake-themed name reflects the course's challenging nature, particularly on the closing holes where the tournament is often decided.

Our guide to playing the best golf courses in Florida.

Best stay and play Florida golf resorts

Staying close to TPC Sawgrass at the Marriott Resort means easy access to the first tee, with multiple on-site dining options. The convenience factor alone makes this a popular choice for groups focused on the Stadium Course.

Reunion Resort offers three courses designed by Palmer, Nicklaus and Watson make Reunion unique. The villa accommodation works well for groups, and the proximity to Orlando's attractions adds flexibility to your itinerary.

Two Greg Norman-designed courses at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate combine with spa, pool and broader resort facilities. This is a popular choice for groups and families combining golf with Orlando parks. While at Streamsong you have three acclaimed courses in one remote location, designed for serious golf trips with minimal distractions. If golf is your sole focus, Streamsong delivers.

Recently renovated by Gil Hanse, the Blue Monster features a signature water hazard on the difficult closing hole. The Miami location means full resort amenities are on hand, making it a popular choice for groups wanting golf and nightlife in the same trip.

Our guide to playing the best golf resorts in Florida.

Best golf destinations in Florida

Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge

Orlando

If you are looking to combine top notch golf with an action packed holiday you’ll never forget, look no further. As the ‘Theme Park Capital of the World’, Orlando offers plenty of fun and thrills for all, both on and off the golf course.

Courses, Resorts & Experiences:

Trump National Doral, Miami

Miami, South East

Nicknamed ‘The Magic City’, the standard of golf on offer in Miami certainly lives up to hype. A popular playground for the rich and famous, Miami is the ideal destination for those looking to pair golf with some memorable nights out.

Courses, Resorts & Experiences:

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, Jacksonville

Jacksonville, North East

Jacksonville is the ideal spot for a seaside golf break, with the year round sun and glorious, sandy beaches. That said, the spectacular array of golf on offer in Jacksonville is, like the green at Sawgrass’ 17th, not to be missed.

Courses, Resorts & Experiences:

Streamsong Resort, Tampa

Tampa Area

For those looking for a more tranquil golf holiday than you’d find in Orlando or Miami, Tampa is the perfect change of pace. On the shores of the majestic Gulf of Mexico, Tampa may be calmer than its eastern neighbours but the golf is no less spectacular.

Courses, Resorts & Experiences:

Naples, Naples Beach Hotel

Naples, South West

Florida’s ‘Paradise Coast’ is just that for golfers looking for an unforgettable trip. Set on the stunning Gulf of Mexico with the famous Florida Everglades just to the South, Naples offers both championship golf and real taste of the Floridian lifestyle.

Courses, Resorts & Experiences:

Best time of year for a Florida golf trip

October through April typically delivers the most comfortable playing conditions. Humidity drops, afternoon rain becomes less frequent and temperatures sit in the mid-20s Celsius. Courses are at their firmest and fastest during this window.

May to September represents the off-peak period, when green fees and accommodation rates drop noticeably. The trade-off involves higher humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, though morning rounds usually stay dry. If you can handle the heat, the savings are significant.

Peak season runs from January through March, when demand is highest and tee times book up quickly.

Season Weather Considerations
Winter (Dec-Feb) Ideal, low humidity Book early to secure teetimes
Spring (Mar-May) Warm, occasional rain Spring break crowds
Summer (Jun-Aug) Hot, possible afternoon storms Book morning teetimes
Autumn (Sep-Nov) Warm, stormy season Check forecasts

Flight inclusive Florida golf packages from the UK

For UK golfers, a flight-inclusive package removes much of the planning hassle. Direct flights operate from London to Orlando, Miami and Tampa, with connecting flights available to Jacksonville.

Golf club carriage is typically included within packages, which saves both money and stress. All flight-inclusive packages come with ATOL protection, meaning your money is secure. Airport-to-resort transfers can be included for added convenience.

Flight Information to Florida

  • London to Orlando

    9 hours 30 minutes

  • London to Miami

    9 hours 55 minutes

  • London to Tampa

    9 hours 45 minutes

Things to do in Florida beyond golf

Theme Parks

Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and EPCOT, offering world-class entertainment for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Beaches

Gulf Coast beaches near Tampa, Atlantic beaches near Jacksonville and Miami

Dining & Nightlife

Florida’s food scene is diverse and exciting, from fresh seafood and Cuban cuisine in Miami to laid-back beach bars and upscale dining across the state.

Frequently asked questions about golf holidays in Florida

Is Florida better than Portugal or Spain for a winter golf trip?

Florida requires a longer flight, typically around nine hours from the UK, compared to three hours to the Algarve. However, Florida offers stronger winter weather reliability and access to PGA TOUR venues that simply cannot be played in Europe.

Do Florida golf courses have handicap requirements or dress codes?

Most resort courses welcome golfers of all handicap levels. Standard dress codes apply, typically collared shirts and no denim. Some private-access venues may request a handicap certificate, though this is relatively rare.

Can I take my golf clubs on flights to Florida from the UK?

Most airlines accept golf bags as checked luggage. Golf packages typically include golf club carriage at no extra cost, which removes one of the common concerns about long-haul golf travel.

How many rounds of golf should I plan for a week in Florida?

Most golfers plan four to five rounds during a seven-night trip. This leaves time for rest days, beaches or local attractions without feeling rushed between courses.

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