10 Best Public Golf Courses in Tampa Bay, FL
Tampa Bay, Florida, is particularly famous for its vibrant golf culture with many public golf courses for participants of all skill levels. When ranking the top public golf courses in the area, factors such as the number of Google reviews, green fees, and amenities offered play a large role. Here's a handpicked top ten list of the best public golf courses in Tampa Bay, complete with detailed information for each to help you plan your next golf outing.
Located in Trinity, Fox Hollow Golf Club was Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s final design to open its fairways to the public, in 1994. The course features a par-71 layout with five sets of tees to enable golfers of all abilities to play. Green fees ranging from $29.95 to $59.95 are provided at an affordable but upscale golfing experience. Amenities include a cutting-edge practice facility of 25 hitting areas, a practice bunker and putting green, and a huge 10,800-square-foot putting green.
Rich in history, the Rocky Point Golf Course in Tampa is one of the stops on the Florida Historic Golf Trail. Dating back to 1911, the course has been modified many times over the years, including having been used as barracks in wartime. Today it is a serene par-71 course, with a green fee of between $40 and $60. Players might enjoy the serene environment, added to by many lakes offering homes to local wildlife.
In Westchase, this 18-hole, par-72 course is famous for its integration with natural wetlands, which gives golfers beautiful views throughout their play. Lloyd Clifton designed the course, which is 6,699 yards and proud of offering high-quality customer service. Green fees cost between $31 and $87, depending on the quality and popularity of the course.
4. Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Golf Resort
Home to the PGA Tour's Valspar Championship, Palm Harbor's Copperhead Course is a par-71 course that has a challenging layout. The course features extreme elevation changes, deep sand bunkers, and the infamous "Snake Pit" which includes holes 16, 17, and 18. Higher green fees aside, the experience is essentially the same as playing alongside the pros.
5. Northdale Golf & Tennis Club
Ron Garl-designed Northdale Golf & Tennis Club is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course where challenge and natural beauty are balanced. The course is renowned for its immaculately manicured greens and fairways, complemented by water hazards, undulating fairways, and strategically placed bunkers. Amenities include a pro shop, expert instruction, tennis courts, and an on-course restaurant and pub.
As the only TPC course in the area, TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz has been a favorite since its opening in 1991. Designed by Bobby Weed and Chi Chi Rodriguez, the course has hosted the Outback Pro-Am for years. It has challenging holes, is always well groomed, and has challenging but honest greens. Public rates start at $75, with lower rates for Florida residents and juniors.
7. Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club
Lake Jovita, located in Dade City, has two 18-hole courses with steep elevation changes and fast, seemingly tricky greens. The South Course, designed by Tom Lehman and Kurt Sandness, is particularly renowned for its natural splendor and challenging layout. The course is meticulously groomed and offers a high-level golfing experience.
Streamsong Resort south of Polk County offers an offbeat golf experience via its 36-hole masterpiece. The resort features the Blue Course by Tom Doak and the Red Course by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Both courses feature sudden elevation changes and were constructed near abandoned phosphate mines. Streamsong Black opened in 2017, offering a harsh Par-73 championship layout. Although the course is isolated and green fees are higher, the experience is unmatched.
9. Saddlebrook Resort (Palmer Course)
The Palmer Course at Saddlebrook Resort was designed by Arnold Palmer and has a challenging course design and beautiful scenery. Water appears on nearly every hole on the course, requiring smart play. There are two courses at the resort, both of which were thoroughly renovated to improve numerous features, particularly the greens. One amenity on-site is the Arnold Palmer International Golf Academy.
10. Plantation Palms Golf Club
Plantation Palms Golf Club is a semi-private golf club with great value and a challenging layout. The course has clean greens and friendly staff for a fun experience. Players enjoy the course conditions and pace of play, and it is a must play when looking for a fun round of golf without breaking the bank.
Each of these courses offers a unique blend of challenge, beauty, and amenities so that golfers from the Tampa Bay area have access to some of the finest public golfing experiences available.