Best golf courses in Miami

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 vacation.

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 the Palm Beaches.

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

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 modernized by Gil Hanse, the Blue Monster is a thrilling challenge featuring long carries, slick greens, and plenty of water.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Location: Miami | Designer: Red Lawrence | Par: 71 | Opened: 1939

Why play here? Dating back to 1939, Miami Shores Country Club is one of the oldest and most storied golf courses in South Florida. Originally carved out of 130 acres of woodland, this classic parkland course offers a traditional layout just minutes from Downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and Miami International Airport. Its mature trees, tight fairways, and pristine Mini Verde Bermuda greens make it a must-play for anyone visiting the area.

Course highlight: The par-4 10th hole stands out as the course’s signature - a demanding dogleg left framed by towering palms and a pond guarding the corner. It rewards bold drives and precise approaches to a raised green that slopes subtly from back to front.

Key features:

• Historic 1939 design with mature tree-lined fairways
• Renovated in 2011 with new greens, bunkers and fairways
• Mini Verde Bermuda grass for smooth, fast putting surfaces
• Convenient location just 15 minutes from the airport and beaches

Location: Miami | Designer: Arthur Hills | Par: 72 | Opened: 1923 (reopened in 2002)

Why play here? Originally opened in 1923 as Bayshore Golf Club, this historic layout was completely transformed by a $10 million renovation in 2002 under the guidance of renowned architect Arthur Hills. The result is Miami Beach Golf Club - a stunning course that combines resort comfort with championship-level challenge. Its unique location between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean makes it one of the most scenic golf experiences in Florida.

Course highlight: The par-3 17th is the highlight here - a 169-yard shot over water to a small island green, framed by palms and ocean breezes. It’s a picture-perfect hole that demands precision and is one of the most photographed in Miami.

Key features:

• Arthur Hills redesign with modern bunkering and flowing fairways
• Water in play on 17 of 18 holes for a true Florida test
• Palm-lined fairways and manicured greens throughout
• Located in the heart of Miami Beach, close to nightlife and hotels

Miami offers the perfect blend of world-class golf, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife — all under the year-round Florida sun. Whether you’re teeing it up at Trump National Doral, relaxing at JW Marriott Turnberry, or heading north to the legendary PGA National Resort, every round in South Florida feels like a getaway.

Looking to explore more of the Sunshine State? Check out our Florida golf guide and discover the best golf courses in Orlando to plan your ultimate Florida golf vacation.