The Clubhouse

Best golf courses in Miami

Josh Post
Josh Post
8 mins read
Nightlife and beaches aren’t the sole attraction in Miami as the city and surrounding area proudly boast a collection of incredible golf courses and resorts.
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When you think of Miami, it's easy to picture golden beaches, endless sunshine, and a vibrant nightlife - but this world-famous city is also home to some of the best golf courses in Florida. Boasting year-round warm weather, immaculate resort layouts, and luxury hotels, Miami is the ideal destination for a Florida golf holiday.

From the legendary Blue Monster at Trump National Doral to the famed PGA National Resort in nearby Palm Beach Gardens, there's no shortage of places to tee it up in South Florida. Whether you're chasing PGA Tour heritage or just want a relaxing Miami golf break in the sun, these are our picks for the best golf courses in Miami and South Florida.

Looking to explore more of the Sunshine State? Don’t miss our guide to the best golf courses in Florida.

1. Blue Monster at Trump National Doral

Ranked as the 35th best golf course in Florida by Top 100 Golf Courses

Location: Miami | Designer: Dick Wilson (redesigned by Gil Hanse) | Par: 72 | Opened: 1962 | Renovated: 2014

Why play here? The Blue Monster at Trump National Doral is Miami's most famous course - a true icon of Florida golf and a former host of the PGA Tour's WGC-Cadillac Championship. Originally designed by Dick Wilson and later modernised by Gil Hanse, the Blue Monster is a thrilling challenge featuring long carries, slick greens, and plenty of water.

Blue Monster

"A fantastic experience and very surprised to get round in less than 4 hours. Recommend it." - Trusted Golfbreaks customer

Course highlight: The fearsome 18th hole, a long, water-lined par 4 that has decided countless tournaments, is regarded as one of the most challenging finishing holes in golf.

Key features:

  • Historic PGA Tour host for over 50 years
  • The iconic "Blue Monster" 18th - one of golf's toughest finishers
  • Strategic water hazards and deep bunkering throughout
  • The Gil Hanse redesign brings modern flair to a classic

2. Red Tiger at Trump National Doral

Customer rating: 4.5/5

Location: Miami | Designer: Robert von Hagge (Redesigned by Gil Hanse) | Par: 71 | Reopened: 2015

Why play here? Don't be fooled by its shorter length - the Red Tiger is a tactical layout that rewards accuracy over power. Redesigned by Gil Hanse, it features tighter fairways, smaller greens, and plenty of strategic bunkering. Perfect for players who enjoy a thoughtful test in a scenic Florida setting.

Red Tiger Course

"6 par 3s, 6 par 4s & 6 par 5s make an interesting mix. Great condition, playable and a good test." - Trusted Golfbreaks customer

Course highlight: The par-5 5th hole, with its island green, is a signature moment that provides both beauty and risk-reward drama.

Key features:

  • Compact, precision-focused layout ideal for all levels
  • Signature island-green par-5 5th hole
  • Redesigned by Gil Hanse to enhance challenge and playability
  • Part of Doral's world-class multi-course resort

3. Golden Palm at Trump National Doral

Customer rating: 4.7/5

Location: Miami | Designer: Robert von Hagge (Redesigned by Gil Hanse) | Par: 71 | Reopened: 2015

Often overlooked beside the Blue Monster, the Golden Palm is a superb test in its own right. Mixing wide-open holes with narrow, water-lined fairways, it's a beautifully designed course that demands both precision and strategy.

The Golden Palm Course

"Good course, challenging, take plenty of balls as there is a lot of water on all Doral courses." - Trusted Golfbreaks customer

Course highlight: The par-4 18th is a classic Florida finish - water running the full length of the left side, a green guarded by deep bunkers, and a stunning backdrop of the Doral clubhouse.

Key features:

  • Distinctive rugged bunkering inspired by links-style courses
  • Smooth paspalum greens for consistent year-round play
  • Scenic closing stretch perfect for sunset golf
  • Great balance of challenge and enjoyment for all abilities

4. The Soffer Course at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa

Customer rating: 4.8/5

Location: Miami | Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr. (Redesigned by Raymond Floyd) | Par: 71 | Reopened: 2021

Why play here? The Soffer Course is the jewel of JW Marriott Turnberry - a lush, parkland-style layout by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and later updated by Raymond Floyd. With rolling fairways, sparkling lakes, and towering palms, it offers a first-class resort golf experience just minutes from Miami Beach.

Soffer Course

"Great course and a challenging experience." - Trusted Golfbreaks customer

Course highlights: The par-4 18th is one of South Florida's most dramatic finishes - an island green masterpiece surrounded by water, right in front of the Turnberry Hotel.

Key features:

  • Signature island-green 18th hole beside the hotel
  • Immaculate conditioning and year-round playability
  • Challenging but fair design ideal for resort guests
  • Upgraded greens and landscaping in 2021

5. The Miller Course at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa

Customer rating: 4.5/5

Location: Miami | Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr. (Redesigned by Raymond Floyd) | Par: 70 | Reopened: 2007

Why play here? The Miller Course provides a slightly more relaxed experience compared to its sibling Soffer Course but is every bit as enjoyable. With doglegs, water hazards and tropical landscaping, it's perfect for a leisurely yet memorable round.

Miller Course

"Great course" - Trusted Golfbreaks customer

Course highlights: The par-4 18th is the Miller Course's standout - a sweeping dogleg right bordered by palm trees and water, finishing in front of the resort's grand clubhouse.

Key features:

  • Shorter, more forgiving layout - great for casual golfers
  • Abundant Florida wildlife and scenic water views
  • Strategic bunkering adds interest for low-handicappers
  • Perfect complement to the Soffer Course for a multi-round stay

6. The Champion Course at PGA National Resort

Ranked 38th in Florida by Golf Digest

Location: Palm Beach Gardens | Designer: George & Tom Fazio (redesigned by Jack Nicklaus) | Par: 72 | Opened: 1981

A short drive north of Miami in Palm Beach Gardens, the Champion Course is the crown jewel of PGA National Resort and one of the most famous courses in the United States. Originally designed by George and Tom Fazio and redesigned by Jack Nicklaus, it hosts the PGA Tour's Cognizant Classic and is home to one of the toughest stretches in golf - The Bear Trap.

The Champion

"For a major PGA tour event the course was very playable for low to high handicappers. Excellent all round." - Trusted Golfbreaks customer

Course highlight: The par-3 17th - at the heart of The Bear Trap - is the Champion Course's most iconic hole. Measuring 190 yards over water to a shallow green, it's a nerve-testing masterpiece that demands absolute precision and defines the course's legendary reputation.

Key features:

  • Host of the PGA Tour's Cognizant Classic (formerly Honda Classic)
  • Redesigned by Jack Nicklaus to test the best in the world
  • Exceptional greens and immaculate year-round conditioning
  • Championship-level practice facilities and clubhouse

7. The Fazio Course at PGA National Resort

Customer rating: 4/5

Location: Palm Beach Gardens | Designer: Tom Fazio II | Par: 72 | Opened: 1980 (redesigned 2012)

Why play here? The Fazio Course, formerly known as The Haig, was PGA National's original layout and has been lovingly reimagined by Tom Fazio II. It blends traditional parkland style with wide fairways, subtle elevation changes, and smooth, fast greens - making it perfect for golfers seeking a fair but memorable challenge.

The Fazio

"Overall, the best course at the PGA resort. Brilliant course and beautifully looked after. A pleasant surprise and a great test of golf." - Trusted Golfbreaks customer

Course highlight: The par-5 16th is a beauty - a risk-and-reward hole offering a long carry over water for big hitters or a safe lay-up for those playing strategically.

Key features:

  • Originally opened as The Haig, redesigned by Tom Fazio II
  • Generous fairways and forgiving landing areas
  • Strategic bunkering adds visual drama and challenge
  • Classic Florida setting with water in play on many holes

8. The Palmer Course at PGA National Resort

Customer rating: 4.3/5

Location: Palm Beach Gardens | Designer: Arnold Palmer Design | Par: 72 | Opened: 1984

Why play here? True to its designer's flair, the Palmer Course offers bold visuals, creative bunkering, and plenty of risk-reward holes. It's a favourite among Golfbreaks guests thanks to its forgiving fairways, sweeping elevation changes, and scenic lakes.

The Palmer

"Excellent course again, some great holes and well worth playing." - Trusted Golfbreaks customer

Course highlights: The par-5 18th epitomises Palmer's design philosophy - reachable in two for the brave, with a lake guarding the entire left side. It's a thrilling finish that can swing a match in a heartbeat.

Key features:

  • Designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer
  • Dramatic fairway contours and signature mounding
  • Wide landing areas perfect for a relaxed resort round
  • Excellent balance of challenge and playability

Miami delivers the perfect blend of world-class golf, luxury accommodation, and cosmopolitan nightlife - all just a short flight from the UK. Whether you’re staying at Trump National Doral, Turnberry, or heading north to the legendary PGA National Resort, every round is played under the Florida sun.

Why not combine your trip with other destinations across the state? Check out our Florida guide and the best golf courses in Orlando to plan your ultimate Florida golf holiday.

Feeling inspired?
There's no shortage of top-rated courses in the Sunshine State, and Miami is a prime location for a golf holiday.

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Josh Post

Marketing Executive

Marketing Executive, I assist with the development and execution of marketing strategies, campaigns, and social media pages.

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