Florida’s sunny climate was made for spending active time outdoors. From water sports to hiking, boat tours to balloon rides, the Sunshine State offers a plethora of outdoor fun, not least of all golfing. The stats tell the story. Florida is home to over 1,000 golf courses – more than any other state. Here you’ll find a mix of exclusive golfing clubs and public courses, the common thread being lush fairways and pristine putting greens.

Come and try these Florida golf courses:

1. Brooksville Country Club
The front nine will test your skill, while the 12th to 17th holes will give you a challenging but fun game. The back nine, designed by Bobby Weed, is a sight to behold – fairways wind through mature live oak trees, and a series of holes meander around and in between the walls of a limestone mine.

The country club’s fitness center doesn’t just come with exercise equipment; it also has tanning booths and a hydro-massage bed. The bar and grill serve scrumptious food and commands views of the golf course.

2. Brookridge Country Club
This club’s par-72, 6,054-yard championship golf course offers around you won’t forget. The wide fairways and rolling terrain create a picturesque backdrop while you play. Four sets of tees, practice facilities, and a well-maintained driving range are also available. Come to the pro shop for some gear and accessories, or relax at the clubhouse and meet new people.

3. Links of Lake Bernadette in Zephyrhills
This semi-private golf club boasts an exquisitely landscaped golf course, majestic pines, and gorgeous fairways. Golf Digest even recognized it for “Best Overall Value” for golfers in Tampa Bay. When you win, treat your opponent to a drink at the clubhouse. You can also have the place reserved for a private event. A well-stocked pro shop is available for club rentals, while the grill serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week.

4. Beacon Woods Golf Club
Beginners and long-time golfers alike will enjoy the club’s 18- hole, par-72 course. Rolling fairways, water hazards, and changes in elevation make for a thrilling game. Hone your skills at the club’s practice facilities, which feature an all-grass driving range and immaculate putting greens. Buy merchandise at the pro shop, or have some snacks and refreshments at The Lodge Restaurant and Bar on the grounds.

5. Fox Hollow Golf Club
This club boasts one of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s last golf course designs. The par-71 layout winds through wetlands and a cozy residential community. It features expansive fairways, Seashore Paspalum greens, and white sand bunkers. The Grille, an upscale restaurant on the grounds, serves daily lunch specials and commands breathtaking views of the golf course and a 10-acre lake.

6. Scotland Yards Golf Club
The 18-hole, par-72 course was designed with the classic links golf courses of Scotland and England in mind. The Tampa Tribune hailed it “a great replica of the old sod of Great Britain.” Enjoy views of West CentralFlorida’s lush rolling hills while you play.

A banquet facility served by Omari’s Bar & Grill can accommodate as many as 150 guests, making it perfect for large gatherings. For more information on golf courses in Florida, browse through Tampa Bay’s directory.

To learn more about golf communities in Hernando and Pasco County, call the Oakland Team:

• Sharie Oakland, REALTOR – (352) 584-5026
• Brittney Oakland, REALTOR – (352) 616-8200
• [email protected]