Florida’s Golf Landscape: Discovering Short Courses

News Summary

Florida’s golf scene is rich and diverse, especially with its appealing short courses under 6,000 yards. Over a decade, the author’s passion for golf evolved towards these unique courses, which offer quick rounds without compromising fun or challenge. With 344 short courses in the state, players can relish in extensive golfing experiences. This article covers the top ten short courses that provide an exhilarating golfing experience, along with upcoming projects that promise to enhance Florida’s vibrant golfing culture.

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

As I kick back and recount my decade-long adventure in the sunshine state, it’s amazing how my love for golf has evolved. In the beginning, I was all about those long, tricky championship courses — the ones that had jaw-dropping ratings and intimidating lengths. But over time, I stumbled upon a world of unique fun scattered all across Florida’s golf scenery, particularly in the fascinating realm of short courses.

So, you might be wondering, what’s all the fuss about short courses? These gems are typically defined as courses that offer a delightful golfing experience, coming in under 6,000 yards or with a par of 69 for an 18-hole setup. They can also be as short as under 3,000 yards with a par of 36 for a nine-hole layout. With a whopping 1,000 golf courses to indulge in across Florida, it turns out that an impressive 344 of them fall into this charming category. This means golfers like me can enjoy a treasure trove of quick and sunny rounds!

Throughout my golfing escapades across the state, I’ve played a spectacular 168 different courses. Naturally, I felt compelled to compile my very own list of the top ten short courses that truly captured my heart, each serving a unique dose of fun and challenge. Trust me, it wasn’t easy narrowing it down. Some courses had to wave goodbye to their chances simply because they didn’t fit the criteria!

Notable Exclusions

Take, for example, the Riomar Country Club. It stretched over 6,000 yards with a par of 70, so it unfortunately missed the cut. Similarly, the Ocean Course at The Breakers boasted a fabulous setup but also came in just over the threshold with a par 70. And while The Squeeze at Cabot Citrus Farms offers a delightful under-3,000-yard experience with a par 38, it just didn’t tick all the boxes either.

Honorable Mentions

Before I dive into my top ten, I have to shout out two courses that truly impressed: the Mount Dora Golf Club and The Leaf at Saltleaf Golf Preserve. Both are beloved fixtures in the local golfing community and absolutely worth a visit!

Top 10 Short Golf Courses in Florida

Here are my top ten picks for short golf courses in Florida, listed in delightful alphabetical order:

1. 18 holes, Par 60, 3,689 yards: An executive course boasting an incredible 12 par-threes ranging from 89 to 186 yards, it’s a thrilling test of precision.
2. 11 holes, Par 33, 1,000 yards: This par-3 loop, crafted by Mike Nuzzo, is known for its brilliantly shaped greens that promise excitement.
3. 18 holes, Par 63, 4,434 yards: Designed by Pete Dye, this course focuses on fun, emphasizing short holes that amplify your precision skills.
4. 9 holes, Par 27, 759 yards: This compact course may be small, but its wild greens and sand bunkers keep players on their toes!
5. 18 holes, No par, 5,841 yards: A re-imagined layout that invites players to embrace freedom — say goodbye to traditional par and hello to adventure!
6. 9 holes, Par 27, 802 yards: A beloved par-3 loop designed for maximum enjoyment, especially popular with families.
7. 18 holes, Par 54, 3,056 yards: This hidden gem challenges golfers to utilize every club for a thorough test of skill.
8. 19 holes, No par, 2,916 yards: This course fosters friendly competition, merging elements from par 3 holes seamlessly.
9. 18 holes, Par 62, 3,697 yards: A creatively designed course tucked away within a condo community, offering charm and challenge!
10. 9 holes, Par 35, 2,470 yards: A recent renovation has boosted this neighborhood favorite’s appeal, making it a must-visit spot.

What’s on the Horizon?

Excitement regarding golf in Florida is bubbling over! New developments are constantly making waves, with several public and resort courses slated to swing open their gates as early as 2025. Noteworthy is a public course designed by Art Schaupeter, expected to launch between Denver and Fort Collins in the summer of 2025.

Not just that, big names like Gil Hanse and Coore & Crenshaw are on board, working on fantastic designs that aim to take the golfing experience to new heights. A major highlight is the $12 million rejuvenation project at The Golf Club at Crown Colony, with architect Bill Bergin at the helm, enhancing the clubhouse and practice areas for rookies and seasoned golfers alike.

And let’s not forget about Chester Valley Golf Club! They’re opening a charming six-hole short course designed by Jim Nagle just outside Pennsylvania. Internationally, Al Badia in Dubai has introduced a revolutionary reversible eight-hole short course crafted by Robert Trent Jones II, creating a unique twist on golfing.

The vibrant golf scene in Florida is flourishing, ensuring our cherished sport stays exciting and engaging. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just beginning your journey, the future of golf in this sunny state is looking 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