2 Florida Golf Courses Named Greatest In America

Golf Digest dropped their annual list of America's greatest golf courses and two courses in Florida made the list.

According to the golf magazine, the Florida golf courses named among the best are in Juno Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach. Since 1966, Golf Digest has published America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses. 1,800 panelists submitted more than 85,000 evaluations over their 10-year scoring criteria. Their experts evaluate candidate courses on six criteria on a scale of 1 to 10. These include shot options, challenge, layout variety, aesthetics, conditioning, and character.

The golf course that ranked the highest in the state at number 10 is Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach. Previously, it was ranked number 11 by the golf magazine. Its highest ranking was number 8 in 1985 and 1989. Opened in 1929, it was designed by Donald Ross and is considered one of his masterpieces, along with Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina. The private North Palm Beach golf course has half a dozen holes set by the Atlantic Ocean and measures 6836 yards from the longest tees, and has a slope rating of 145 and a 73.8 USGA rating.  "Seminole has long been one of America’s most exclusive clubs, which is why it was thrilling to see it on TV for the first time during the TaylorMade Driving Relief match, and then again for the 2021 Walker Cup," wrote Golf Digest.

At number 41 is TPC Sawgrass: Stadium. This public golf course's concept was the idea of then-PGA Tour commissioner Deane Beman, said Golf Digest. The 1980 design was by Pete Dye, who set out to test the world’s best golfers by mixing demands of distance with target golf. Recently, Steve Wenzloff of PGA Tour Design Services remodeled several holes, most significantly the 12th, which is now a drivable par 4.

See the full list of the best golf courses in America according to Golf Digest here.

The 9 Best Public Golf Courses in Southwest Florida. Fort Myers and Naples have some of the nicest golf courses in the country – the only problem is, to play these, you either need a rich friend who belongs at one of the courses, or you need to part ways with a couple hundred thousand to become a member yourself.

Don’t have either? You’re still in luck!   Southwest Florida has a litany of fun and challenging public courses open year-round to the average bloke. They may not offer the luxury amenities such as iced towels, golf carts outfitted with GPS and speakers, and Pro-V1 range balls, but the beers are just as cold and often times the cart girls are better looking!

I put these courses through a screening process and am basing this on certain criteria – first and foremost, they need to be open year-round for public play. After that, I judged them on: Layout (fun vs challenging), Condition and Amenities, Rates, Cart Girls (when applicable), and of course, the 19th hole. So, text your buddies, wash your balls, and tee up at these local favorites year round.  

These are The 9 Best Public Golf Courses in Southwest Florida

Don’t sleep on this muni – affordable rates and easy to score. I am listing this course for the golfers who like to have a good time playing. Pack a few beers, grab a transfusion at the turn, and swing away with no regard! Don’t come here if you’re bougie – but if you enjoy a good buzz and a good time without breaking the bank, San Carlos Golf Club is a great option. 

Eagle Ridge has great rates year round – even during season (October through May). Decent layout and can score if you’re playing well. The are several downsides though - you could easily get stuck behind several slow foursomes, the 19th hole is more reminiscent of a small deli, and if it rains for a few days make sure wear your mud boots as the drainage is poor.    

A hidden gem in Cape Coral. They don’t allow coolers, but not sure that has ever stopped anyone. Not the cheapest during season, but you can find good deals sometimes on golfnow.com  

River Hall is a little hike from Fort Myers or Naples, and that is probably why this course is still public, but if you can make it out there you won’t be disappointed. Great layout, nice amenities, and the course is usually in great shape.  

Once a top 50 Public Golf Course in the Country, Eastwood Golf Course is a staple if you grew up in Fort Myers. This course is one of two public courses owned and maintained by the City of Fort Myers. Next to a nature center and it’s not uncommon to see Bald Eagles, Alligators, and Snakes along the track.  

Shell Point is easily one of the most fun courses on the list. The different tee boxes can make this course very scorable or very challenging. It’s always in great shape, but the problem is…it’s a dry course. I can’t stress this enough – pack your own drinks, if you’re into that kind of thing.  

Old Corkscrew is actually the nicest course on this list, however, the price keeps it at #3. This Jack Nicholas layout and the greens will certainly challenge the best golfers, but will make you feel like a pro if you can shoot a low round. Just watch out for the alligators, seriously…. 

Pretty fun layout on this tract. Not always in the best shape but it’s affordable, fun, has great drinks (thanks to having Duffy’s at the turn), and can be quite challenging if the wind is blowing. A lot of water on this course – starting with the water range. Runner up for best 19th hole also! 

Sure, I’m a little biased because I grew up here and have played Fort Myers 1,000 times – but it never gets old. Some holes were actually redesigned a few years ago (5th Tee Box used to give slicers nightmares). This course has great rates, fun to play (several drivable par 4s), cart girls, and by far the best 19th hole in the area, The Edison! Always a fun time at “The Fort.”