The Best Public Golf Courses in Palm Beach County and Southern Martin County
Palm Beach County is a Golfer’s paradise. For years, it was home to the PGA Headquarters. Dozens of professional Golfers live or have lived here including Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Ernie Els, Rory Mcllory, Ricky Fowler and Jack Nicklaus, just to name a few. Plus the weather and Golf Courses are spectacular. For a luxury golf experience, you can stay and play at The Breakers or PGA National Resort. If you are looking for a more budget friendly option consider some of the beautifully maintained and challenging public gold course. List below are my favorites. This list is a work in progress, look for updates as I play more courses in Palm Beach County and Southern Martin County.
If you are interested in more golfing opportunities in the USA , check out these posts:
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Palm Beach Par 3
This is one of my favorites because it runs along both the Inter-coastal and the Atlantic Ocean. The views are spectacular. Described as “The Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course is a full-service, 18-hole course sitting on 39 acres of ocean-front and intracoastal property in South Florida. The layout was redesigned by Hall of Fame golfer Raymond Floyd in 2009. In 2013, the course was ranked in the country’s top 50 most fun golf courses by Golf Digest Magazine. Equal parts challenge and relaxation, Palm Beach Par 3 is a test of accuracy that measures from 81 to 211 yards. Our greens, water hazards and sand bunkers provide golfers with everything they need to improve their game.” The rates in peak season top out at $58.43 including a cart. Walkers can play during peak season for as low as $33.28. Rates are lower if you play in the summer months.
When booking your Tee Time, make sure you make a reservation at Al Fresco, the on-site restaurant for a cocktail and a bite after your round. The food is outstanding as are the views!
Lake Worth Beach Golf Club
Across the Inter-coastal from Palm Beach Par 3 is the Lake Worth Beach Golf Club. Described as having “the most magnificent coastal views complimented with its rich history having been est.1926. It’s vintage South Palm Beach charm comes from the mature Banyan and other indigenous trees with interesting doglegs and very player friendly design.
The fresh breeze coming off the water of the Inter-coastal add to the experience as we are one of the very few daily fee Par 71 full length golf courses located on the water with great views of the Palm Beach skyline and coast. This is a Palm Beach favorite for all ages and skill levels providing a generous lay out offering a scorablilty that leaves you feeling great about your game. The full experience of golf and dining is available with the Beach Club Bar and Grill offering full menu options with indoor or beautiful patio seating. Our flexible pricing schedule makes Lake Worth Beach Golf Club one of the best values in Palm Beach County.” One reviewer said, “the course is a great location with great views of the intracoastal. It’s a great wide open track for beginners and mid handicappers and at 6000ish yards from the tips it plays great for short hitters like me. The greens although bumpy in some spots played pretty good.”
Rates start at $65 in peak season including cart and can be as low as $35 including a cart. This is truly one of the best values for golf in Palm Beach County. The Beach Club Grill offers cocktails, sandwiches, salads and bar food, and in the good weather it is fun to sit on their deck.
Sandhill Crane Golf Club
In western Palm Beach County is this long and beautifully laid out Sand Hill Crane Golf Course which winds through a wetland preserve. This City of Palm Beach Garden’s course is described as, “the only golf course in Florida that winds through Loxahatchee Slough and wetlands areas. It plays to 6,500 yards through southern pines, palm trees and marsh land, while making defined elevation changes – creating breathtaking views. It’s quality golf, while still being affordable! This par 72 course was recently redesigned and renovated by golf architect firm Dusenberry Design in the summer and fall of 2013. With a new irrigation system, Celebration Bermuda fairways and tifeagle greens, the course will become a golf destination for residents and visitors alike. Five sets of tees are featured so that you may control your golf destiny. The course has amenities for all of your golf needs, including excellent practice facilities and an aqua driving range.” Watch out for alligators.they are plentiful on this course.
After your round, enjoy a cold drink and a delicious selection of appetizer and entree items at the Dancing Crane Restaurant in their beautiful clubhouse. The patio is a great place to gather and rehash your round.
The 18 hole rates at the Sandhill Crane Golf Club run between $99 for weekend in the high season to $29 for weekdays, after 3pm in the summer months.
North Palm Beach Country Club
This beautifully maintained golf club is owned by the Village of North Palm Beach. This recently renovated property was “initially opened in 1963, the clubhouse was the hub of social activity and significant life events for generations until it was demolished in 2018. Residents expressed a strong desire for a gathering place with a community feel, and in our pursuit to continue bringing members of the community together, the club re-emerged as an elegant, new 37,000-square-foot clubhouse, offering panoramic views of the newly redesigned, Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.
This “famed links-style golf course is one of only two municipal courses in the U.S. designed by the Golden Bear himself. Our unique par 71-course design features elevation changes, rarely found in South Florida, along with rolling fairways and undulated well-bunkered greens. Nicklaus purposefully designed this “thinkers” course to be challenging, yet enjoyable to play.”
The 18 hole rates at the North Palm Beach Country Club run between $155 for weekend in the high season to $45 for weekday, after 4pm in the summer months. Because of it proximity to the ocean and its cooling breezes, this course is very comfortable to play in the summer.
Abacoa Golf Club
Described as, “One of the Finest Public Courses in South Florida, Abacoa Golf Course was the last course designed by renowned course architect Joe Lee before his death. In typical Joe Lee style, Abacoa’s lakes and bunkers meet its sloping fairways with little obstruction, and you’ll find scenic views with 14 of its 18 holes surrounded by water. All of these features make the tees, greens, and fairways a pure pleasure to play. This course is challenging but fair to golfers of all skill and experience levels, and unlike many Florida courses, Abacoa has real elevation changes. The greens are TifEagle grass, and the putting surfaces are of some of the highest quality in Florida.”
The rates at Abacoa Golf Club run between $140 for weekend in the high season to $50 for weekday, after 4pm in the summer months.
Jupiter Dunes
Located yards from the Atlantic Ocean, Jupiter Dunes Golf Club is a place where “you walk in the sea air, play an affordable 18 holes in two and a half hours, learn”… “and be welcomed warmly no matter what stage of your golf “life” you’re at?” This little gem by the ocean is a true haven for golf lovers and newcomers alike. Situated by the ocean on one of Jupiters natural estuary’s, the course was designed to replicate what you would find for a second shot on a regulation length course. Wonderful conditioning, undulating greens, thoughtful bunkering, natural and man made hazards…all maintained and manicured with “private club” expectations.”
The 18 hole rates for this Par 3 gem run between $41 for weekend in the high season to $21 for weekday, after 4pm in the summer months. Frequently, GolfNow offers discounted rates. Due to it’s proximity to the ocean and the cooling breezes, this course is very comfortable to play in the summer.
Check the Jupiter Dunes website for special events, including their annual couples Glow Ball Scramble pictured above.
Golf Club of Jupiter
Founded in 1940, The Golf Club of Jupiter is one of the oldest courses in the area. GolfPass.com describes it as “a local favorite that is still a pretty well kept secret from the rest of the state. It is not the most challenging layout that low handicappers will ever encounter, but it is a quick, playable round with excellent service and a friendly atmosphere. There are some water hazards that come into play, but nothing too demanding, and there are a few strategically placed bunkers throughout. The front nine is slightly shorter and less challenging than the back nine but overall, beginners would not feel overwhelmed.
The recently renovated clubhouse has a shaded deck, so you can enjoy a beverage and something to eat while watching the floating driving range and course. The 18 hole rates top out at $65 for weekend high season. Lower rates are available after 3pm as well as in the summer months.
Champions Golf Club at Summerfield
Located just off US Hwy 1 in Hobe Sound, Champions Golf Club is a short drive into Martin County. Described as “a par-72, 18-hole course designed by Tom Fazio. Also, a full driving range, putting green, and new chipping area. We are open all year to the public and our members. You will enjoy diverse Florida wildlife and nature as you drive along the beautiful Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park that borders the course” The natural beauty of the wetlands this course embraces is unparalleled in other courses in the area.
The beautiful surroundings and the pricing makes it well worth the drive to Martin County. The 18 hole rates top out at $64 for weekend high season. Lower rates are available after 1pm as well as in the summer months. Looks for even more discounted rates on GolfNow.
Lost Lake Golf Club
South of Champions Golf Club and on the south side of the Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park, Lost Lake Golf Club also takes you through the Florida Wetlands as you play the course. It is described as “one of the first Hobe Sound Golf Courses, the club was established in 1993, and designed by renowned golf course architects Jim and Tom Fazio II. Lost Lake offers five sets of tees with views of spectacular preserves and gorgeous wetlands, so whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for a challenge or maybe just the occasional weekend golfer, the combination of superb course conditions and courteous professional staff will keep you coming back.”
The natural beauty and large, undulating greens makes it worth the drive to Martin County. The 18 hole rates top out at $80 for weekend high season. Lower rates are available after 3pm as well as in the summer months. Look for even more discounted rates on GolfNow.
Look forward to updates of this post as I continue to play additional courses in Palm Beach County and southern Martin County.
Check out my Golf Favorites on LiketoKnowit. and my Amazon Store.
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