West Palm Beach is a golfer’s paradise, so it’s no wonder many of the world’s best players choose to play and live here. The best part is golfing in West Palm Beach isn’t just a members-only sport: an abundance of high-quality public courses makes it accessible for golfers of any ability and budget.
Here are 10 of the best golf courses in West Palm Beach
1. Delray Beach Golf Club
Delray Beach opened its doors in 1923, making it one of the area’s most historic and storied courses. Designed by one of the greatest course architects, Donald Ross, it’s full of character: narrow fairways, plenty of water and bunkers, making things interesting around the greens. Delray Beach is also one of the most accessible public courses with reasonable rates year-round.
2. The Links at Madison Green Country Club
The Links at Madison Green is among the most challenging courses in West Palm Beach, and Golf Digest gave it a 4.9-star rating, calling it a “Top 20 Course in Florida.” No two holes parallel each other, and there are many doglegs, making this course unique compared to many of the straight fairways in the area. With lots of water and sand on just about every hole, Madison Green requires accuracy from tee to green — some advance knowledge of the course may give you an edge.
3. Winston Trails Golf Club
One of the higher-end courses in the Palm Beach area, Winston Trails offers a championship layout that measures 7,000+ yards from the back tees. Designed by prolific Florida architect John Lee, Winston Trails features plenty of water and strategically-placed bunkers. The course demands both length and accuracy. While it’s semi-private, every golfer is treated like a member, even if they visit for the day.
4. Abacoa Golf Club
Abacoa was the last course designed by John Lee before and offers one of the area’s most unique golf experiences. With elevation changes, water on 14 out of 18 fairways and dozens of bunkers, Abacoa is a great option for golfers looking for something different. Five sets of tees mean groups of varying abilities can have a great round together.
5. North Palm Beach Country Club
First opened in 1963, North Palm Beach Country Club was redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 2006 as a par 71, links-style course. Nicklaus added contours and length, extending the course to just under 7,100 from the back tees. Considered a “thinkers” course, it’s designed to be challenging yet enjoyable.
6. Okeeheelee Golf Course
Owned and operated by Palm Beach County, Okeeheelee offers three 9-hole courses and five sets of tees, so golfers of all abilities can mix and match rounds. Reptiles, bird habitats and other wildlife are an added bonus for golfers who enjoy a course’s variety and value.
7. Osprey Point Golf Club
One of the newest courses on the list, Osprey Point opened in 2010 and offers three spectacular 9-hole options. The Platinum Paspalum turfgrass fairways are a big draw for golfers who like their golf balls to sit up like on a tee — and there is not a bad lie to be found. Because the course borders the Everglades, it’s surrounded by nature rather than houses. Osprey Point is known for quality golf that offers great bang for the buck.
8. PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens
While not “officially” public, the course is open to PGA National Resort guests. If you truly want to play here, it’s worth booking a stay.
The Champion Course at PGA National is home to the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic and ranks #5 on Golf Digest’s Top 75 Public Golf Courses in Florida. The stretch from holes 15 – 17 (The Bear Trap) is one of the most difficult in golf and is a serious test for even the pros. This Jack Nicklaus-designed course is considered Palm Beach’s crown jewel and one of the premier courses in the country.
9. The Breakers
The Breakers is one of the top resorts in South Florida and home to two elite courses – The Ocean Course at the Breakers (which is located in Palm Beach, not West Palm Beach) and The Breakers Rees Jones Course (in West Palm Beach proper).
- The Ocean course is said to be the oldest course in Florida, originally built in 1897, and offers a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. While relatively short, the terrain is complex and features several doglegs, six lakes and beautiful landscaping.
- The Rees Jones Course is 10 miles from the oceanfront property and offers a more expansive experience, stretching more than 7,100 yards and featuring roomy fairways.
10. Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course
This top-rated par 3 course has been named one of the best in the country. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway, the course comes with scenery, water hazards, and ocean breezes that add a whole new element to the game. Redesigned by Raymond Floyd in 2009, Palm Beach Par 3 offers a fun experience that can cap off an incredible golf-filled getaway.
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