As spring beckons, avid golfers are eagerly planning their next getaway.
Florida, renowned for its year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and world-class golf courses, stands as an unrivaled destination for golf vacations, with several brand-new courses, including a myriad of beginner-friendly par 3 courses, offering a fresh experience for novices and pros alike.
Below is a list of quintessential golf vacation destinations in the Sunshine State, where golfing dreams meet luxurious accommodations and unparalleled relaxation:
- Bonita Springs: Saltleaf Golf Preserve
- Tee off surrounded by nothing but nature: Nestled within Bonita Springs — the idyllic town on Florida’s SW coast between Fort Myers and Naples — lies a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts – Saltleaf Golf Preserve. Newly opened, Saltleaf offers an 18-hole public access championship course, designed by PGA champion Raymond Floyd, as well as the first 9-hole short course in the area. With the rare benefit of being immersed in nature without any homes in sight, Saltleaf Golf Preserve will coexist with 144 acres of Florida uplands preserve.
- These completely new courses were built on the site of the former Raptor Bay golf course, which Floyd originally designed 23 years ago. The redesign also includes a 40,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art driving-range facility and a newly reimagined 12,500-square-foot clubhouse.
- Where to stay: Adjacent to the esteemed Hyatt Coconut Point, a family-friendly resort overlooking the tranquil waters of Estero Bay, where guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations and unparalleled amenities.
- Brooksville: Cabot Citrus Farms
- Golfing Paradise in Florida’s Nature Coast: Set on Florida’s Nature Coast, Cabot Citrus Farms spans 1,200 acres of pristine beauty. The landscape, characterized by dramatic elevation changes, sandy soil, and rolling hills adorned with majestic sand pines, palmetto trees, and century-old moss-covered oaks, exudes an enchanting allure that captivates the senses. Opening in 2024, Cabot boasts two 18-hole courses, a 9-hole course, and an 11-hole par-3 course, alongside luxury accommodations, dining, and more.
- Bowling Green: Streamsong Golf Resort
- Where Elegance Meets Excellence on the Fairways: Streamsong Golf Resort stands as a beacon of tranquility in Central Florida. From the moment you arrive, you’re enveloped in a world where nature and luxury converge seamlessly. With courses designed by renowned architects such as Coore/Crenshaw, Doak, and Hanse/Wagner—all ranked in the Top 50 in the U.S.—Streamsong offers a golfing experience that’s second to none. After a day on the fairways, retreat to the modern lakeside lodge, where spacious and luxurious accommodations await.
