Florida is known for its warm weather and beautiful golf courses, making it a popular destination for golfers. But when is the best time to golf in Florida?
While Florida’s weather is generally warm year-round, there are certain times of the year that are better for golfing than others. In this article, we will explore the best time to golf in Florida and provide tips for planning your next golf trip.
Understanding Florida’s Golfing Landscape
If you’re planning a golf trip to Florida, it’s important to understand the state’s diverse golfing landscape.
Florida is home to over 1,250 golf courses, ranging from public courses to resort courses.
The state is divided into three distinct regions, North Florida, Central Florida, and South Florida, each with its own unique golfing experience.
North Florida
North Florida is home to Jacksonville, the Panhandle, and the Ocala area.
This region is known for its challenging courses and natural beauty. Jacksonville is home to TPC Sawgrass, one of the most famous golf destinations in the world.
The Panhandle offers stunning coastline views and courses that are perfect for all skill levels. The Ocala area boasts a mix of public and resort courses, with many courses featuring rolling hills and natural water features.
Central Florida
Central Florida is the heart of Florida’s golfing landscape. This region is home to Orlando, Tampa, and the Naples area.
Orlando is known for its world-class resort courses, including the Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Club & Lodge.
Tampa offers a mix of public and resort courses, with many courses featuring stunning waterfront views.
The Naples area is home to some of the most exclusive courses in the state, with many courses featuring challenging layouts and immaculate greens.
South Florida
South Florida is known for its tropical climate and stunning ocean views.
This region is home to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and the Palm Beach area. Miami is home to some of the most exclusive courses in the state, with many courses featuring stunning ocean views.
Fort Lauderdale offers a mix of public and resort courses, with many courses featuring challenging layouts and natural water features. The Palm Beach area is home to some of the most exclusive courses in the state, with many courses featuring immaculate greens and stunning ocean views.
Best Times of the Year to Golf in Florida
When it comes to golfing in Florida, timing is everything. The weather can be a deciding factor in whether or not you have an enjoyable time on the course. Here are the best times of the year to golf in Florida:
Winter
Winter is the peak season for golfing in Florida. From December to February, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it the perfect time to hit the links.
The average temperature during this time is around 70°F, with very little rain. This is also the time of year when many snowbirds flock to Florida to escape the cold weather up north.
As a result, golf courses can be crowded, and tee times may be harder to come by.
Spring
Spring is another great time to golf in Florida. From March to May, the weather is warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s.
This is also the time of year when many golf courses overseed their fairways and greens, making them lush and green. However, keep in mind that this is also the busiest time of year for golf courses, so be sure to book your tee times well in advance.
Summer
Summer in Florida is hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s. While this can be uncomfortable for some, it’s also the time of year when golf courses offer the best deals.
Many courses offer discounted rates during the summer months to attract golfers. If you do decide to golf in the summer, be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and try to schedule your tee times for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Fall
Fall is a great time to golf in Florida, especially from September to November.
The weather is still warm and pleasant, with average temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s. This is also the time of year when many golf courses begin to overseed their fairways and greens, making them lush and green again.
However, keep in mind that fall is also hurricane season in Florida, so be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Overall, the best time to golf in Florida is during the winter and spring months. However, if you’re looking for a great deal, summer and fall can also be a good time to hit the links.
Just be sure to keep an eye on the weather and plan accordingly. And remember, no matter what time of year you decide to golf in Florida, be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Ideal Times of the Day for Golfing
When planning your golfing trip to Florida, it’s important to consider the best times of the day to hit the greens.
The ideal times to golf in Florida are in the morning and late afternoon, avoiding the midday heat and thunderstorms.
Morning Tee Times
The morning is the best time to hit the golf course in Florida. The temperatures are cooler, and the humidity is lower, making it more comfortable to play. Plus, the course is less crowded, and you can avoid the afternoon thunderstorms that are common during the summer months.
If you’re an early riser, you’ll want to book a tee time between 7:00 am and 9:00 am to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and avoid the crowds. You can enjoy a leisurely round of golf before the heat sets in, and finish your game in time for lunch.
Afternoon Tee Times
If you prefer to sleep in, you can still enjoy a round of golf in the afternoon. However, you’ll want to avoid the midday heat and thunderstorms. The best time to play in the afternoon is after 3:00 pm. The temperatures are starting to cool off, and the crowds are thinning out.
Keep in mind that afternoon thunderstorms are common in Florida, especially during the summer months. If you do book an afternoon tee time, be prepared for a possible delay due to inclement weather.
Golden Hour
The golden hour, also known as the magic hour, is the hour before sunset. This is a great time to play golf in Florida, as the temperatures are cooler, and the lighting is perfect for taking stunning photos.
If you’re looking for a unique golfing experience, book a tee time during the golden hour. You can enjoy a leisurely round of golf while taking in the beautiful sunset views.
Golfing During Florida’s Off-Season
If you’re looking to save some money and avoid the crowds, you may want to consider golfing in Florida during the off-season.
The off-season typically runs from May to October, with the exception of some courses that close during the summer months for maintenance reasons.
During the off-season, green fees tend to be lower compared to peak season, which is great news for budget-conscious golfers.
Some courses may even offer special deals or packages during this time. Keep in mind that while green fees may be lower, the weather may not be as ideal for golfing. Florida’s summers can be hot and humid, so be prepared to deal with the heat.
Another advantage of golfing during the off-season is that you’ll encounter fewer crowds on the course. Snowbirds, or seasonal residents who flock to Florida during the winter months, typically head back home during the off-season.
This means that you’ll be playing with more locals, which can be a great way to get to know the area and its residents.
However, it’s important to note that some courses may reduce their hours or services during the off-season. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and check the course’s schedule before heading out.
Here’s a table summarizing the pros and cons of golfing during Florida’s off-season:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower green fees | Hot and humid weather |
| Fewer crowds | Reduced hours or services at some courses |
| Opportunity to play with locals |
Remember, while golfing during the off-season may not be for everyone, it’s always worth considering if you’re looking to save some money and avoid crowds.
Florida’s Premier Golf Courses
If you’re looking for a golfing experience in Florida that is nothing short of extraordinary, then you need to play at one of the state’s premier golf courses. These courses have been designed by some of the biggest names in the game, and they offer a unique golfing experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
TPC Sawgrass
One of the most famous golf courses in Florida is TPC Sawgrass. This course is home to the Stadium Course, which is known for its challenging layout and signature 17th hole, which requires a shot over water. The course was designed by Pete Dye and is the host of the annual Players Championship.
Streamsong
Streamsong is another premier golf destination in Florida. This resort features three courses designed by some of the biggest names in golf, including Tom Watson, Greg Norman, and Tom Fazio. The Streamsong Red, Streamsong Blue, and Streamsong Black courses offer a unique golfing experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
National Course
The National Course at the PGA National Resort & Spa is another must-play course in Florida. This course is home to the Honda Classic, which is one of the biggest events on the PGA Tour. The course features the famous “Bear Trap,” which is a three-hole stretch that is known for being one of the toughest in golf.
Copperhead Course
The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook is another premier golf course in Florida.
This course is home to the Valspar Championship, which is another big event on the PGA Tour.
The course was designed by Larry Packard and features tight fairways and challenging greens.
Bay Hill Club & Lodge
The Bay Hill Club & Lodge is another must-play course in Florida.
This course was designed by Arnold Palmer and features a challenging layout that will test your skills. The course is home to the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which is another big event on the PGA Tour.
Orange County National
Orange County National is another premier golf destination in Florida. This resort features two courses, the Crooked Cat and the Panther Lake.
Both courses were designed by Phil Ritson and feature challenging layouts and excellent course conditions.
| Course | Designer | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| TPC Sawgrass | Pete Dye | Signature 17th hole over water |
| Streamsong Red, Blue, and Black | Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Tom Fazio | Unique golfing experience |
| National Course | Tom Fazio | Bear Trap, tough three-hole stretch |
| Copperhead Course | Larry Packard | Tight fairways, challenging greens |
| Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Arnold Palmer | Challenging layout |
| Orange County National (Crooked Cat and Panther Lake) | Phil Ritson | Excellent course conditions |
These premier golf courses in Florida offer a unique golfing experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, these courses will challenge your skills and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Additional Activities for Golfing Visitors
While golfing may be the main reason for your visit to Florida, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy during your stay. Here are some ideas to enhance your trip:
Beaches
With over 8,000 miles of coastline, Florida has some of the best beaches in the world. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or a lively beach party, you’re sure to find a beach that suits your needs. Some of the top beaches in Florida include Miami Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Siesta Key Beach.
Theme Parks
Florida is home to some of the world’s best theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. If you’re traveling with family or friends who aren’t as interested in golfing, a day at one of these parks can be a fun and exciting alternative.
Springs
Florida is also known for its crystal-clear springs, which are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Some of the most popular springs include Rainbow Springs, Ichetucknee Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs.
Golf Packages
If you’re looking to save money on your golfing trip, consider booking a golf package. Many hotels and resorts offer golf packages that include hotel rooms, tee times, and other amenities. This can be a great way to get the most out of your trip while staying within your budget.
Spring Break
If you’re planning a trip during spring break, keep in mind that Florida can get very crowded during this time. However, if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and plenty of partying, you’ll definitely find it in places like Panama City Beach and Miami Beach.
Other Activities
In addition to the above, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Florida. Some popular options include:
- Fishing
- Boating
- Shopping
- Museums
- Nature trails
No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find plenty of things to do during your visit to Florida.
| Additional Golf Year Round Topics | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California |
| Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia |
| Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa |
| Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland |
| Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri |
| Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey |
| New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio |
| Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina |
| South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont |
| Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
Conclusion
Overall, Florida is a great destination for golf enthusiasts. With its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and world-class golf courses, there is no shortage of golfing opportunities in the Sunshine State. By following these tips and guidelines, you can make the most of your golfing experience in Florida.