Florida is heavily populated with high-quality golf courses, including dozens that have hosted PGA tournament events in recent years. Each year the PGA Tour reserves several stops in the state, often during the spring and fall seasons when warm-weather locales are important. Arizona and California are the other states with a similarly rich collection of high-quality courses that attract professional tournament play. Five of the most renowned PGA courses in Florida are PGA National, the TPC Blue Monster, Innisbrook, Isleworth and Bay Hill.
Palm Beach
The Champion course at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach hosts the Honda Classic in March. Tom and George Fazio originally designed the course, and it received a redesign by Jack Nicklaus in 1990. A famously challenging stretch is the 16th, 17th and 18th holes, which collectively are known as "the Bear Trap." The par-72 course features water hazards on 16 holes. In addition to the Honda Classic, the course has also hosted the Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship.
Miami
The TPC Blue Monster Course at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami hosted the World Golf Championships, a stroke-play competition, in 2010. It formerly hosted the Doral Open, a PGA tournament, for more than 40 years. The course originally was designed by Dick Wilson and was later updated by Raymond Floyd and Jim McLean. The course is most famous for its picturesque 18th hole, which features fountains. Golf Magazine called it one of the top 100 courses in the world.
Tampa Area
The Copperhead Course at the Innisbrook Resort in the Tampa area hosts the Transitions Championship. Architect Lawrence Packard designed the course, as well as three others. Former PGA pro Paul Azinger has called the par-71 layout the best course on the PGA Tour. The course is more than 7,300 yards long. In addition to their games, golfers can enjoy an abundance of wildlife along the way, including bald eagles.
Windermere
The Isleworth Golf and Country Club in Windermere features an 18-hole course that is the site of the Tavistock Cup, a two-day team competition held in March. The Florida State Golf Association has called the course the longest and best in the state. Steve Smyers redesigned the course originally designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. Isleworth features one of the longest holes in the state. Its third hole plays at 628 yards from the championship tees.
Orlando
Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando is known as the home course of legendary pro Arnold Palmer. The course is the host of the Arnold Palmer Invitational each spring. It is also the home of the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy. The course is laid out along the Butler Chain of Lakes, offering memorable views. Playing privileges are restricted to members of the club or those staying in the lodge.
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