Delray Beach sits pretty in the heart of Palm Beach County's golf corridor, where perfect weather meets world-class courses and your wallet doesn't always have to cry. Whether you're a scratch golfer hunting for championship challenges or someone who still celebrates when they break 100, this coastal gem delivers options that'll make you want to extend that Florida vacation indefinitely.
From historic Donald Ross designs that have been testing golfers since the Roaring Twenties to ultra-modern private clubs with initiation fees that could buy a house, Delray Beach's golf scene covers every skill level and budget imaginable.
Public courses that won't break the bank
Let's start with the good news… you don't need a trust fund to play quality golf in Delray Beach. The area offers several public options that range from genuinely excellent to perfectly adequate for working on your game without working over your credit card.
Delray Beach Golf Club
If you're going to play one public course in the area, make it this one. The Delray Beach Golf Club carries the kind of golf pedigree that makes other municipal courses jealous. Designed by the legendary Donald Ross and originally opened in 1926, this par 72 layout has been humbling golfers for nearly a century.
The pricing structure actually makes sense here, unlike some courses that seem to have consulted a fortune teller. You'll pay around fifty-seven dollars for prime time (open until 3 PM), but if you can wait until the afternoon, that drops to a much more reasonable twenty-two dollars. Cart fees run twenty-five dollars during peak hours and seventeen dollars for afternoon rounds.
What makes this place special isn't just the Ross pedigree, though that certainly doesn't hurt. The course maintains the strategic elements that made Ross famous, requiring you to actually think about your shots rather than just grip it and rip it. The full amenities package includes everything you'd expect: driving range, putting green, pro shop, and even a restaurant where you can properly drown your sorrows after that triple bogey on eighteen.
The course also doubles as a popular wedding and corporate event venue, which should tell you something about the condition and aesthetics. If you need to rent clubs, they stock Wilson sets for twenty dollars per eighteen holes or ten dollars for nine.
Lakeview Golf Club
Sometimes the best golf experiences come in smaller packages. Lakeview Golf Club proves this point beautifully with its executive layout that manages to be both beginner-friendly and genuinely enjoyable for experienced players looking to work on their short game.
This par 60 course stretches 3,006 yards from the back tees, featuring fourteen par 3s and four par 4s. Don't let the shorter yardage fool you into thinking it's a pushover… four of those par 4s measure over 200 yards, which can humble anyone whose driver isn't cooperating that day.
The course sits in a beautiful tree-filled setting at 1200 Dover Road, and the mostly flat terrain makes it perfect for walking if you want to skip the cart fee. They're open daily from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM, so you can squeeze in a round whether you're an early bird or prefer afternoon golf.
What really sets Lakeview apart is its role as the perfect learning laboratory. New golfers can build confidence without the intimidation factor of a full championship course, while scratch players can dial in their wedge game and putting without committing to a five-hour death march.
Kings Point Golf and Country Club
When you want to experience legendary golf architecture without the country club price tag, Kings Point delivers Robert Trent Jones Sr. design for just forty-seven dollars daily. That's the kind of value proposition that makes you wonder if there's a catch… but there really isn't.
The facility actually features two 18-hole courses designed by Jones, though the executive course gets most of the public play. At par 60 and 3,756 yards, it provides a perfect middle ground between a full championship test and a quick executive round.
Between 2006 and 2008, both courses received extensive renovations that brought them up to modern standards. All putting greens were re-grassed with Champion Bermuda grass, the same surfaces you'll find on PGA Tour courses. The tees were laser-leveled to ensure perfectly flat lies, because apparently even municipal courses have embraced precision engineering.
Located at 7000 West Atlantic Avenue, Kings Point opens its doors to both residents and the general public. Within the south Palm Beach County golf community, these courses have earned recognition as among the finest maintained and most enjoyable to play.
Westchester Golf and Country Club
If variety is the spice of life, then Westchester in nearby Boynton Beach serves up a full buffet. This facility has been operating for over thirty years, featuring twenty-seven holes spread across three nine-hole courses designed by Karl Litten.
The beauty of this setup lies in the multiple eighteen-hole combinations possible. The Red/Blue combination stretches to par 72 and 6,772 yards, providing a legitimate championship test. But if that sounds too daunting, you can mix and match the nines to create exactly the challenge level you're seeking.
Beyond golf, Westchester goes all-in on amenities. They operate multiple dining options, including "The W" steakhouse offering Glatt Kosher cuisine, "The W Grill Room" for more casual fare, and even a "W Food Truck" for quick bites. The banquet facility accommodates up to 350 guests, making it popular for tournaments and special events.
The membership packages here include comprehensive benefits:
- Greens fees and cart access
- Range balls and GHIN membership
- Exclusive member discounts and privileges
- Tournament and social event access
Reviews from actual players present a mixed bag. Some praise the layout consistency and reasonable hole lengths, while others point to maintenance issues and inconsistent service. Your mileage may vary, but the variety of options makes it worth considering.
Semi-private and resort options
When you want to step up from municipal golf but aren't quite ready for full country club membership, these semi-private and resort courses provide that middle ground experience.
The Seagate Golf Club
The crown jewel of Delray Beach golf underwent a complete transformation that should have other courses taking notes. The Seagate Golf Club closed in April 2023 for a comprehensive fourteen-million-dollar renovation overseen by renowned architect J. Drew Rogers.
The original Joe Lee design from 1973 provided the bones, but Rogers essentially rebuilt everything while honoring Lee's strategic vision. The course now winds through 120 acres of Bimini Bermuda grass with completely redesigned bunkers, expansive new green complexes, enhanced water hazards, and state-of-the-art irrigation and drainage systems.
What makes Seagate unique in the market is its accessibility through The Seagate Hotel & Spa. Hotel guests receive exclusive access to not just the golf course, but also the beach club, fitness facilities, tennis and pickleball courts, and yacht club. It's like a resort package that actually makes sense.
For those interested in membership, the costs reflect the premium positioning. Initiation runs thirty thousand dollars, with annual dues of twelve thousand for country club access or fifteen thousand for the full resort package that includes beach club privileges.
The management has set an ambitious goal of achieving top 75 ranking among Florida courses within two years. Given the investment level and the quality of the renovation work, that target seems entirely realistic.
Private club excellence
The private club scene in Delray Beach ranges from family-friendly communities to ultra-exclusive enclaves where the initiation fee could fund a small country's GDP.
Mizner Country Club
Mizner Country Club represents the modern approach to country club living, combining championship golf with comprehensive lifestyle amenities that keep the whole family engaged. The golf course received a complete redesign by Kipp Schulties in 2016, building on the original Ed Seay and Arnold Palmer design from 1999.
The course statistics tell the story of a serious golf challenge: par 72, 6,909 yards, with a 74.2 course rating and 142 slope rating. Six different tee sets ensure that everyone from beginners to scratch players can find an appropriate challenge level. TifEagle grass greens provide putting surfaces that rival tour-level conditions.
Membership at Mizner requires a significant financial commitment. The 2024-2025 fee structure includes:
- Full Golf Equity membership at $200,000
- Sports membership at $170,000
- Annual capital assessments totaling $5,421
- Food and beverage minimums required
The community encompasses 471 single-family homes ranging from $800,000 to $4 million, all built around the golf course and recreational amenities. The twenty-two-million-dollar "Central" lifestyle complex opened in 2019, featuring five restaurants, sports bar, aquatic center, fitness center, and café.
Recognition as both a Platinum Club of America and Distinguished Club of the World member validates Mizner's positioning among elite private clubs. The programming extends well beyond golf, with extensive youth activities, tournament play, clinics, and social events throughout the year.
Delray Dunes Golf and Country Club
Pete Dye's architectural philosophy centers on strategic shot-making and risk-reward decision-making, and Delray Dunes showcases these principles beautifully. Originally opened in 1969, the course underwent complete renovation and reopened in 2024 under new management.
The par 71 layout stretches 6,800 yards from the championship tees, with a course rating of 73.0 and slope of 133. TifEagle greens and TifSport fairways provide playing surfaces that remain consistent throughout Florida's challenging climate conditions.
The membership investment reflects the course's premium positioning, with fifty-thousand-dollar initiation fees and approximately fourteen thousand dollars in annual dues. The community features over 300 custom-built estates on more than 300 acres, with the majority of homes offering golf course views.
Location provides another advantage, situated just minutes from Atlantic Ocean beaches, the Intracoastal Waterway, and downtown Delray Beach. The club emphasizes that residency within the community isn't required for membership, opening doors for non-resident golfers seeking a high-quality private club experience.
St. Andrews Country Club
If you want to understand what "ultra-exclusive" actually means in the country club world, St. Andrews Country Club in nearby Boca Raton provides the textbook example. This resident-only community limits membership to just 732 families, each owning homes within the gated development.
The golf facilities include two eighteen-hole championship courses… an Arnold Palmer Signature Design and a Tom Fazio II course. Both layouts challenge players at every skill level while maintaining the strategic principles that made their designers legendary.
The financial commitment matches the exclusivity level. Full membership requires a three-hundred-thousand-dollar non-refundable initiation fee, plus annual dues of $35,640 and a six-thousand-dollar debt repayment assessment. These numbers aren't typos.
The 125,000-square-foot amenity complex includes a 19,000-square-foot fitness center, fifteen clay tennis courts, an aquatic center, and four world-class dining venues. Recognition as both a Distinguished Club of the World and Top Ten Healthiest Club in America validates the premium positioning.
Security measures match the exclusivity level, with 24-hour manned guardhouses, armed foot patrols, video surveillance systems, and individual home monitoring. When you're paying these membership fees, you expect fortress-level security.
Timing your golf adventure
Florida's year-round golf climate means you're never completely out of season, but understanding the rhythm of peak and off-peak periods can save you significant money while potentially improving your overall experience.
Peak season strategy
December through April represents peak season throughout South Florida, when snowbirds migrate south and golf course operators know they can charge premium prices. Green fees reach their highest levels, tee times become precious commodities requiring advance booking, and pace of play slows as courses pack in maximum rounds.
The weather compensation makes these challenges worthwhile… perfect temperatures, minimal humidity, and virtually no chance of afternoon thunderstorms. If you're visiting during peak season, book tee times as far in advance as possible and consider staying at The Seagate Hotel for guaranteed golf access.
Summer value season
May through November transforms the Delray Beach golf market into a bargain hunter's paradise. Green fees drop significantly across all courses, with afternoon rates at places like Delray Beach Golf Club falling to just twenty-two dollars. Tee times become readily available, often bookable the same day.
The trade-offs are manageable with proper planning. Morning rounds avoid the worst heat and afternoon thunderstorm potential. Most courses remain in excellent condition year-round thanks to Florida's growing season and modern maintenance practices.
Smart summer strategies include:
- Book early morning tee times
- Carry rain gear and patience
- Take advantage of reduced rates
- Play multiple courses affordably
- Avoid peak afternoon heat
Making your choice
The Delray Beach golf scene offers something legitimate for every skill level and budget, from Donald Ross municipal magic to ultra-private club exclusivity. The key lies in matching your golf goals, budget, and social preferences with the right course experience.
Budget-conscious golfers should focus on Lakeview Golf Club for skill development, Delray Beach Golf Club for historic championship golf, and Kings Point for Robert Trent Jones Sr. architecture at reasonable prices. Serious players seeking premium experiences will find The Seagate's recent renovation impressive, while families might prefer Mizner's comprehensive programming.
The recent multi-million-dollar investments in courses like The Seagate demonstrate the area's commitment to maintaining its status as a premier golf destination. Combined with year-round playable weather, diverse course options, and proximity to beaches and entertainment, Delray Beach continues attracting golfers from around the world.
Remember that green fees, membership costs, and course conditions can change seasonally. Always call ahead to confirm current pricing, availability, and any special restrictions before making the drive.
