Best Golf Courses in Fort Lauderdale

Always a compelling destination for golf enthusiasts, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is central to historic private clubs and well-maintained public facilities. The city’s tropical climate ushers in a dry season from November to April. Lush fairways, strategic water features, and design philosophies from renowned architects characterize the golf landscape in Fort Lauderdale. Whether one seeks a challenging championship layout or a more relaxed, accessible course, the region delivers diverse experiences.

This guide explores some of the best golf courses in Fort Lauderdale, highlighting their unique characteristics.

Established in 1926, Fort Lauderdale Country Club is the oldest private country club in Broward County. This club uniquely features two 18-hole championship courses: the North Course and the South Course, offering members 36 holes of meticulously manicured golf. Its forested, park-like setting, where fairways are lined with indigenous trees and vibrant flower beds rather than residential homes, creates a distinct visual oasis.

The North Course, designed by Joe Roseman in 1925 and updated by Kipp Schulties in 2019, spans over 7,000 yards. The South Course, designed by Red Lawrence in 1951 with later work by Kipp Schulties in 2006, measures 6661 yards. Both courses are par-72 and feature Bermuda grass tees and fairways, with TifEagle Bermuda greens. The club prides itself on offering ample tee times for members, including singles and couples, often with a pace of play under four hours, a rarity among the best golf courses in Fort Lauderdale.

Coral Ridge Country Club is a private, regulation golf course, featuring an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones, Sr., classically designed layout that has been a fixture since 1955. Located along Bayview Drive, the course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience, known for its excellent mix of long and short holes and undulating greens precisely bunkered. Rees Jones completed recent work on the course in 2020.

The course stretches 7,160 yards with a par of 72. It features traditional runway-style tee boxes, providing varied lengths and difficulties suitable for players of all skill levels. Beyond the course, Coral Ridge Country Club offers a newly remodeled driving range, a large putting green, a chipping green, and two practice bunkers. Each golf cart has GPS LCD screens, enhancing the playing experience by providing precise distance measurements and vivid hole depictions.

Palm Aire Country Club is recognized as one of South Florida's most comprehensive golf experiences. The facility encompasses three distinct 18-hole golf courses: the Palms, the Oaks, and the Cypress, ensuring various playing conditions and challenges. Since 1994, significant investments exceeding $14,000,000 have been made to renovate the golf courses and amenities.

The Oaks and Cypress courses are serviced by one clubhouse, while the Palms course has a dedicated clubhouse, including the Palms Dining Room and lounge. The Palms course, the property's original layout designed by William Mitchell, is a timeless classic featuring parallel and lateral water hazards that demand accuracy. Palm Aire also boasts extensive practice facilities, including two driving ranges, four practice greens, two short game areas, and a four-hole practice loop. It has hosted prestigious tournaments, including the Florida Open and Dixie Amateur Championship.

Woodlands Country Club, situated in Tamarac near Fort Lauderdale, features two 18-hole courses: the East and West courses. Both were originally designed by Robert von Hagge and opened in 1969. They offer distinct challenges and aesthetics. The club provides a public golf experience with well-maintained grounds.

The West Course at Woodlands measures 6825 yards from the longest tees with a par 72. It is characterized by numerous water hazards and strategic bunkering, requiring careful shot placement. The East Course, also an 18-hole layout, provides similar yardage and challenges, with both courses designed to integrate with the surrounding natural environment. Woodlands also includes an on-site driving range with multiple practice tees, allowing golfers to warm up or refine their skills.

The City of Lauderhill Golf Course provides an accessible and convenient option for a quick round, particularly for those looking for a shorter, par-3 experience. Located in Lauderhill, this course offers a no-frills approach to golf, focusing on enjoyment and ease of play.

This nine-hole par-3 course rewards good shots and provides a fun outing for golfers of all skill levels. Its straightforward layout makes it suitable for beginners or those seeking to practice their short game. The City of Lauderhill Golf Course emphasizes affordability and community access, distinguishing it as a local resource for casual golf.

Osswald Golf Course in Fort Lauderdale offers a truly unique and highly accessible public golf experience. This facility features a compact three-hole golf course that is free to the public, making it an excellent option for beginners, practice sessions, or a quick, casual round.

Beyond the free three-hole course, Osswald Golf Course also includes a driving range from early morning to afternoon. Its central location within Fort Lauderdale makes it easily reachable for residents seeking an economical and laid-back golfing opportunity.

The Bridges at Springtree Golf Club, located in Sunrise, is a unique 18-hole golf course designed by Bill Dietsch and Mark McCumber. Recently renovated, including updates in October 2010, this course is particularly known for its emphasis on par-3 holes. Eleven of its eighteen holes are par-3s, complemented by six par-4s and one par-5, playing to a par of 62.

The Bridges is set amidst a landscape of lakes and wetlands, incorporating rolling terrain and shimmering water bodies. A signature feature is its 4th hole, which demands a shot over water to a bulkheaded green. The course utilizes lush Supreme Paspalum grass on tees and fairways and smooth Platinum Paspalum greens.

Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club is regarded as one of South Florida's premier golf facilities. This 18-hole Audubon-certified championship golf course is set amidst an everglades-themed wetlands environment, incorporating natural beauty into its challenging layout. It measures 7,148 yards in length and plays to a par-72.

The course features Sea Dwarf Paspalum grass surfaces, ensuring high-quality playing conditions. Every hole has five sets of tee boxes, allowing players to customize their difficulty level. The facility also boasts a state-of-the-art driving range with grass and mat surfaces, high-quality range balls, a large practice putting green, and a practice bunker.

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