Best Tampa Bay Golf Courses: Private Clubs & Public Play

Guide to Tampa Bay's Best Golf Courses

Why Tampa Bay Is a Hotspot for Golfers

Tampa Bay golf courses are among the best in Florida, offering golfers a unique mix of exclusive private clubs and accessible public layouts. From historic gems like Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club to world-renowned destinations like Innisbrook Resort, the region delivers year-round sunshine, PGA Tour prestige, and a wide variety of playing experiences. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious membership at Feather Sound or The Vinoy, or prefer public favorites like Streamsong and TPC Tampa Bay, this guide covers the top places to tee it up across the bay.

What Are the Best Golf Courses in Tampa Bay?

Tampa Bay is home to some of Florida’s most prestigious golf courses. According to GolfDigest, there are 37 18-hole golf courses within a 45-minute radius of Tampa. Whether you’re looking for a challenging championship course, a public course, or a private club experience, the region has options that cater to golfers of all levels.

The Best Private Golf Courses in Tampa Bay

Avila Golf & Country Club

Consistently rated among the top private clubs, Avila is known for its luxury clubhouse and full-service amenities.

Location: 943 Guisando De Avila, Tampa, FL 33613

Standout Features: An exclusive, luxury private club featuring a Jack Nicklaus–designed championship course with Celebration turf fairways and Champion turf greens. Amenities include state-of-the-art practice facilities, six lighted Har‑Tru tennis courts, a Junior Olympic–sized pool, fitness center, junior programs, pro shop, and a Mediterranean-style clubhouse with fine dining and social programming. It’s known for delivering refined country‑club living and exceptional service.

Old Memorial Golf Club

Celebrated for its scenic and challenging Steve Smyers design, Old Memorial is frequently listed “best private courses” roundups.

Location: 13600 National Golf Drive (Hixon Rd), Tampa, FL 33626

Standout Features: A serene, scenic championship layout designed by Steve Smyers (opened in 1997), known for heavy bunkering and sculpted mounds imparting a Pinehurst-style feel. Features include a caddie program, dining facilities, pro shop, and practice/driving range. Greens and fairways are meticulously maintained for challenging, quality play.

Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club

A Tampa classic founded in 1916, Palma Ceia is the city’s oldest and most historic private club.

Location: 1601 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629

Standout Features: Redesigned by Donald Ross, the course is known for its narrow fairways, small greens, and walkable traditional layout. Beyond golf, Palma Ceia is a cornerstone of Tampa’s social life with elegant events and traditions.

Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club

A certified Audubon Sanctuary, Tampa Palms was designed by the renowned architect Arthur Hills.

Location: 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647

Standout Features: A modern, elegant club featuring an 18-hole championship course designed by Arthur Hills, spanning 7,004 yards, par‑72. The course is set among pristine lakes and forest, delivering a tropical nature preserve feel. Additional amenities include a luxury clubhouse, fitness center, spa, massage services, junior Olympic–sized pool, banquet facilities, dining (Lakeview Grille), and 25 guest suites—ideal for members and out‑of‑town guests alike.

Hunter’s Green Country Club

Hunter’s Green is a family-focused club with a Tom Fazio course and lifestyle amenities.

Location: 18101 Longwater Run Dr, Tampa, FL 33647

Standout Features: Carved through wetlands and pine forests, the 18-hole course offers five tee sets and a junior short-course. Members enjoy tennis, fitness, a resort pool, dining, and year-round family programming.

The Club at Cheval

Cheval Golf & Athletic Club is a well-rounded club recognized for its golf, fitness, and family-friendly amenities.

Location: 4142 Cheval Blvd, Lutz, FL 33558

Standout Features: A Steve Smyers–designed championship course with no intersecting holes, offering scenic and strategic play. Off-course amenities include a renovated clubhouse, tennis center, fitness facilities, indoor simulators, pool, and family programming.

Feather Sound Country Club

Known for hosting PGA and USGA qualifiers, Feather Sound is one of Clearwater’s premier clubs.

Location: 2201 Feather Sound Dr, Clearwater, FL 33762

Standout Features: A Joe Lee design with water hazards, tree-lined fairways, and lightning-fast greens. Members also enjoy tennis, fitness, swimming, and social events in a lively club atmosphere.

The Vinoy Golf Club

A historic yet modern course tied to St. Pete’s iconic Vinoy Resort.

Location: 600 Snell Isle Blvd NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33704

Standout Features: A renovated par-71 course offering scenic bayfront views and lush landscaping. Members and resort guests also access dining, spa, marina, and full resort amenities.

Best Public & Municipal Golf Courses in Tampa Bay

Streamsong Resort

A destination resort offering some of the most unique golf in Florida. Streamsong is the only place in the world where you will experience original courses designed by Coore/Crenshaw, Doak, and Hanse/Wagner in the same location.

Location: 1000 Streamsong Dr, Bowling Green, FL 33834

Standout Features: Three award-winning courses — Red, Blue, and Black — designed with dramatic terrain and elevation changes, rare for Florida.

Cabot Citrus Farms

Cabot Citrus Farms is the new name of World Woods Golf. It features two distinct Tom Fazio courses in a natural setting.

Location: 17590 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34614

Standout Features: Pine Barrens (sandy, rugged) and Rolling Oaks (lush, tree-lined) provide two dramatically different styles of play. Named Golf Inc, 2025 development of the year.

Innisbrook Resort

Home of 4 championship courses and a PGA Tour host, Innisbrook offers the public the chance to play the rounds the Pros do.

Location: 36750 US Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Standout Features: Four championship courses, including the famous Copperhead Course, home to the Valspar Championship. Resort amenities include the luxurious Salamander Spa, fine dining, 6 swimming pools, and accommodations.

Westchase Golf Club

“One of the most beautiful public golf courses in Tampa,” Westchase provides a scenic course through Florida’s nature.

Location: 11602 Westchase Golf Dr, Tampa, FL 33626

Standout Features: Consistently rated among Tampa’s best public tracks, with a challenging layout and beautiful natural surroundings. Ranked #1 in the state of Florida in its Customer Loyalty and Satisfaction Program (CLASP).

Frequently Asked Questions About Tampa Bay Golf Courses

What are the best private golf clubs in Tampa Bay?

The best private golf clubs in Tampa Bay include Avila Golf & Country Club, Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, Feather Sound Country Club, and The Vinoy Golf Club. Each offers championship-level golf, luxury clubhouses, and exclusive amenities such as tennis, fitness centers, pools, and fine dining.

What is the best public golf course in Tampa Bay?

Some of the best public golf courses in Tampa Bay are Streamsong Resort, TPC Tampa Bay, Innisbrook Resort, and World Woods Golf Club. These courses are known for their scenic layouts, challenging designs, and accessibility to both locals and visitors.

Does Tampa Bay have golf course communities with homes for sale?

Yes — Tampa Bay is home to prestigious golf course communities where you can buy or build a home. Popular neighborhoods include Avila, Hunter’s Green, Cheval, and Feather Sound, each offering luxury homes and a full country club lifestyle.

Which Tampa Bay golf course hosts the PGA Tour?

The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor hosts the Valspar Championship, a PGA Tour event played annually in March. It’s one of the most challenging courses in Florida, featuring the famous “Snake Pit” finishing holes.

Is it expensive to play golf in Tampa Bay?

Golf in Tampa Bay ranges from affordable municipal courses like Rocky Point and Cove Cay to high-end resort rounds at Streamsong or Innisbrook. Daily fees can range from under $50 at public courses to $300+ at luxury resorts. Private club memberships vary depending on exclusivity and amenities.

Why is Tampa Bay one of the best places to play golf in Florida?

Tampa Bay combines year-round sunshine, PGA Tour venues, historic private clubs, and a variety of public courses, making it one of Florida’s most diverse golf destinations. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a course to match your style.

Final Thoughts

From exclusive private clubs like Avila, Palma Ceia, and The Vinoy to bucket-list public courses like Streamsong and Innisbrook,

Tampa Bay truly captures why Florida is a global golf hotspot. With exclusive private clubs like Avila, Palma Ceia, Feather Sound, and The Vinoy, alongside resort and public favorites like Innisbrook, Streamsong, and TPC Tampa Bay, the region offers a golf experience for every player and lifestyle.

For those who want more than just a round of golf, many of these clubs are also surrounded by prestigious residential communities. Buying a home in a golf course community provides not only easy access to championship-level play, but also a lifestyle that includes fitness centers, tennis, dining, social events, and a vibrant sense of community.

Whether you’re dreaming of a waterfront condo near The Vinoy, a family-friendly estate in Hunter’s Green or Cheval, or a luxury residence in Avila or Palma Ceia, Tampa Bay’s golf communities offer some of the most desirable real estate in Florida.

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