Florida’s Golf Scene: Embracing Short Courses

News Summary

In Florida, short golf courses are gaining popularity among players seeking enjoyment and relaxation. With approximately 344 short courses available, golfers can appreciate fun, precision-focused play without the lengthy rounds of traditional courses. This article highlights the author’s top ten favorite short golf courses and discusses exciting future developments in Florida’s golf landscape.

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

Reflecting on my fantastic decade-long adventure in Florida, I cannot help but marvel at how my golf game has evolved. At first, I gravitated towards those long, intimidating championship courses, where every hole felt like a mighty challenge. However, over the years, I began to appreciate the sheer joy and relaxation that comes with playing short courses. This magical land of sunshine has plenty to offer in this category!

So, what are these short courses, you ask? They are defined by their size: courses that are under 6,000 yards or have a par of 69 for a full 18-hole layout, or they can be under 3,000 yards with a par of 36 for a shorter nine-hole layout. Out of over 1,000 golf courses scattered across Florida, approximately 344 of them qualify as short courses. This means golfers like me can enjoy more time playing in the sun and less time grinding through long rounds!

During my golf journey, I have played a remarkable 168 different courses. Naturally, I felt inspired to compile my very own list of the top ten favorite short golf courses that have captured my heart. These selections each bring a distinctive flavor of fun and challenges to the table. While some stellar courses just fell short of meeting the criteria, I couldn’t resist mentioning them as they were memorable in their own right.

Notable Exclusions

A few noteworthy courses did not make the cut—for example, the Riomar Country Club, which measures over 6,000 yards with a par of 70. The Ocean Course at The Breakers also fell short of the criteria, as it is less than 6,000 yards but still enjoys a par of 70. Another interesting course, The Squeeze at Cabot Citrus Farms, although offering a delightful experience at under 3,000 yards with a par of 38, simply couldn’t fit within our desired parameters.

Honorable Mentions

Before jumping into my top ten, I must give a shout-out to two fantastic courses: Mount Dora Golf Club and The Leaf at Saltleaf Golf Preserve. Both have charmed their way into the hearts of the local golfing community and are absolutely worth checking out!

Top 10 Short Golf Courses in Florida

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: This executive course is quite special, boasting an astonishing 12 par-threes ranging from 89 to 186 yards—a thrilling test of precision awaits!
2. 11 holes, Par 33, 1,000 yards: A par-3 loop designed by Mike Nuzzo, featuring audaciously shaped greens that promise to add excitement to your game.
3. 18 holes, Par 63, 4,434 yards: Crafted by the celebrated Pete Dye, this course focuses on fun short holes, perfect for showcasing your precision skills.
4. 9 holes, Par 27, 759 yards: Don’t let the size fool you; this course is packed with wild greens and sandy bunkers to keep the fun going strong!
5. 18 holes, No par, 5,841 yards: Experience a re-imagined layout that encourages freedom—say goodbye to conventional par framing and hello to adventure!
6. 9 holes, Par 27, 802 yards: This delightful par-3 loop is designed with family fun in mind, making it a popular choice for all ages.
7. 18 holes, Par 54, 3,056 yards: A hidden gem challenging players to utilize every club in their bag—a comprehensive test of golfing skill awaits!
8. 19 holes, No par, 2,916 yards: Embrace friendly competition and experience the blend of concepts from traditional and par-3 holes.
9. 18 holes, Par 62, 3,697 yards: Situated within a charming condo complex, this creatively designed course presents delightful challenges at every turn.
10. 9 holes, Par 35, 2,470 yards: A neighborhood favorite that has recently undergone exciting renovations, boosting its appeal among local enthusiasts.

What’s on the Horizon?

The buzz surrounding golf in Florida doesn’t stop here! Exciting new developments are on the way, with several public and resort courses set to open their doors by 2025. One notable project, a public course designed by Art Schaupeter, is expected to swing into action in the summer of 2025.

Renowned golf architects—Gil Hanse and Coore & Crenshaw—are working hard to create stunning designs that will elevate the golfing experience. Notably, A $12 million renovation of The Golf Club at Crown Colony led by architect Bill Bergin is in the works, promising to enhance both the clubhouse and practice areas, catering to both newcomers and seasoned pros alike.

Alas, let’s not forget Chester Valley Golf Club, where a charming six-hole short course designed by Jim Nagle is also on the horizon, just outside PA. On an international note, Al Badia in Dubai unveiled a unique reversible eight-hole short course, offering a fresh twist to the golfing landscape.

With the vibrant golf scene in Florida continuing to thrive, we can rest assured that our favorite sport remains dynamic and engaging. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just beginning your golf journey, the future of golf in this enchanting state looks incredibly bright!

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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