Palm Beach Area Golf Courses: Where to Tee Off
With its postcard-perfect ocean vistas and powdery-white sand, Palm Beach is one of America’s most picturesque — and wealthiest — places to tee off. One might suppose an area known for Bentleys and billionaires would be too pricey for a golf getaway, but there are affordable Palm Beach area golf courses. Grab some sunscreen and load up the cart. The nation’s golf capital is calling.
Must-Play Palm Beach Area Golf Courses in Florida
Osprey Point Golf Course (Public)
In the southernmost town in Palm Beach County lies 27 holes of must-play golf distributed on three 9-hole courses. Its distinctiveness is due to the fact that Osprey Point Golf Course in West Boca Raton features paspalum grass. What is paspalum? It’s a soft grass that, according to touring pros, tends to grab at the ball, causing golfers to think about their approaches to the greens.
In addition to ‘sticky grass’, this course hosts team tournaments and has on-site dining. Osprey has also been named South Florida’s top public course by Golf Advisor reviewers, while Golf Digest tabbed it as the No. 1 golf course in Palm Beach.
Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course (Public)
Originally opened in 1961, this landmark 18-hole course was redesigned by Hall of Fame golfer Raymond Floyd in 2009, and has been named The Best Par 3 in the U.S. by Golf Digest.
The layout at Palm Beach Par 3 features scenic views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Well landscaped and terrific for short-game practice, the course is challenging and has been played by golfing greats and former presidents. To guarantee a spot, make reservations in advance.
North Palm Beach Country Club (Public)
This municipal 18-hole course came under the hand of Jack Nicklaus in 2006. The Golden Bear, an area resident, donated his design services to the project for the gracious sum of $1. Thus, the current North Palm Beach Country Club was created.
With its generous landing areas, the layout is user-friendly and forgiving from the member and senior tees, and an enjoyable golf experience for female players. In addition to the course, the club welcomes visitors to enjoy tennis, a community pool and two restaurants.
Seminole Golf Club (Private)
Golfer Ben Hogan loved Seminole and visited the Juno Beach layout prior to the Masters each year to hone his game. This private course has been a fixture among Golf Digest’s Top 100 Golf Courses since 1966, and was initially conceived by course architect Donald Ross in 1929.
Seminole has seen renovations over the years. However, one of Ross’ design elements still remains: the clever routing that leads golfers to encounter a new wind direction on each hole. There is no better experience for players who appreciate golf history and the celebration of it.
Park Ridge Golf Course (Public)
Built in Lake Worth, Park Ridge has drastic elevation changes. This 18-hole public course also features six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s, which favors a good-looking scorecard. The layout tops 85 feet at its highest point and features lush verdant fairways.
Those who vacation in Palm Beach or spend winters here may want to ask about the frequent player discount, which helps save on greens fees and summer pricing.
PGA National Resort and Spa: The Champion Course (Private)
Open to resort members and guests, the famed layout has hosted PGA Tours’s Honda Classic each spring since 2007, and entertained a PGA Championship and Ryder Cup as well.
Originally designed by Tom and George Fazio, The Champion was redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 2014, and ranks as one of the premier Palm Beach area golf courses on any golfer’s list. The Champion has the Bear Trap (holes 15-17), regarded as one of the toughest stretches in golf by USA Today. When not playing The Champion, guests have access to five other golf courses, a spa, tennis courts and dining.
Okeeheelee Golf Course (Public)
The popular public course in West Palm Beach features 27 holes in a setting where water and wildlife meet. The layout is set up in three 9-hole courses that can be played alone or in 18-hole combinations. This provides different golfing experiences each time players come to the facility. Plus, nearly every hole has water.
Okeeheelee is fair and fun, and includes five sets of tees to accommodate all skill levels. With not a single house on the course, golfers get a real look at Florida’s natural scenery. While playing, golfers may even notice herons roaming the greens.
The Ocean Course at The Breakers (Semi-Private)
The Ocean Course, originally designed by Alexander H. Findlay in 1897, is Florida’s oldest 18-hole course and covers nearly 85 acres of the Breakers’ property. Historically, it was the first course that six-time British Open champion Harry Vardon played in the U.S., when he visited in February of 1900.
As part of his restoration in 2000, architect Brian Silva recovered vintage elements of the private layout, including integrating sand and grass-faced bunkers. Challenges include the sixth hole, which plays like an island green, while the par-3 16th, the smallest green, is fronted by water and surrounded by hazards. At the resort, visitors will also enjoy tennis courts, pools and a spa.
After playing these Palm Beach area golf courses, visitors should spend time shopping in West Palm Beach.
Looking for private and spacious accommodations? Stay in a vacation home in Palm Beach.