Miami's golf scene hits different than your typical Florida destination. With 115 courses sprawling within 30 miles of downtown and green fees ranging from pocket change to mortgage payment territory, the Magic City serves up everything from championship challenges to hidden neighborhood gems where locals still walk free in the afternoons.
When to plan your Miami golf escape
Timing your Miami golf trip can mean the difference between fighting crowds in perfect weather or having the course to yourself while dodging afternoon thunderstorms.
Peak season brings perfection at a price
December through April delivers the golf weather dreams are made of. Temperatures hover between 68 and 78 degrees, rain becomes a distant memory, and every snowbird from Boston to Buffalo descends on South Florida with their golf bags in tow. You'll pay top dollar during these months, but the conditions justify the premium. Courses stay in pristine shape, and you can reliably book that 2 PM tee time without worrying about weather.
The downside? Everyone else had the same brilliant idea. Expect 4 to 5 hour rounds as foursomes stack up on every tee box. Book your times at least a week ahead, especially for the marquee courses, or risk being shut out entirely.
Summer golf rewards the brave
May through November transforms Miami golf into a bargain hunter's paradise. Green fees plummet by up to 50%, and you might find yourself with an entire fairway to yourself on a Tuesday afternoon. Yes, the afternoon thunderstorms roll through like clockwork, but they typically last just an hour. Smart players book early morning rounds or take advantage of deeply discounted twilight rates.
Hurricane season runs June through November, which sounds scarier than it actually plays out. Most summer days follow a predictable pattern: gorgeous mornings, brief afternoon storms, then clearing skies by dinner. Pack an extra towel, embrace the humidity, and enjoy having world-class courses practically to yourself.
Championship courses that define Miami golf
Some courses earn their reputation through history, others through sheer difficulty. Miami's top venues deliver both.
Trump National Doral's Blue Monster lives up to the hype
The Blue Monster at Trump National Doral stretches 7,590 yards from the tips with a slope rating of 146 that'll humble your Saturday morning foursome. Gil Hanse's 2014 renovation transformed an already demanding course into a water-logged nightmare where every approach shot feels like a dare. The 18th hole alone, recognized by GOLF Magazine as one of the Top 100 Holes in the World, has crushed more dreams than a guidance counselor.
Green fees range from $200 to $300, depending on season and how much pain you're willing to endure. The course features water on nearly every hole, TifEagle Bermuda greens that roll true but fast, and a state-of-the-art LED-lit driving range for when you need to work out your frustrations after the round. The Blue Monster returns to the PGA Tour spotlight in 2026 as host of the new Miami Championship, complete with a $20 million purse.
Crandon Golf delivers oceanside drama
Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne offers something no other Miami course can match: you're playing directly on Biscayne Bay. The 7,182-yard Robert von Hagge design winds through seven saltwater lakes and mangrove-lined fairways, with the Miami skyline providing a backdrop that'll make you forget about that triple bogey on seven.
Weekend rates hit $120, reasonable for a course that hosted PGA Tour Champions events for 18 years. The signature 7th hole, a dogleg par-4 over water, earned recognition as "One of Golf's Greatest Holes" from golf publications that know their stuff. The 145 slope rating from the tips suggests you should probably play one tee forward unless you brought extra balls.
The Biltmore combines history with hefty price tags
Donald Ross designed the Biltmore Golf Course in 1925, and Brian Silva's recent restoration brought back all 85 original bunkers that Ross intended to ruin your day. The 7,112-yard par-71 layout features elevated greens, mature banyan trees that eat golf balls for breakfast, and price tags north of $200 that might make you wince.
The course hosts the Junior Orange Bowl International Youth Golf Championship annually and houses the Jim McLean Golf School, rated #1 in the world. Some reviewers grumble about the green fees relative to conditions, but you're paying for the experience of playing where legends walked and the chance to grab a post-round cocktail at the iconic Biltmore Hotel.
Public courses that won't destroy your wallet
Not everyone needs championship pedigree or tour-level conditions. Sometimes you just want to play golf without taking out a second mortgage.
Miami Beach Golf Club balances quality and access
Arthur Hills transformed Miami Beach Golf Club in 2002 into a 6,903-yard test that plays tougher than its 127 slope rating suggests, thanks to constant coastal winds that turn your 7-iron into a 5-iron without warning. Peak season rates reach $265, but shoulder season drops to $171, and summer players pay just $158… all including cart and range balls.
The elevated greens demand precise approach shots, and the proximity to South Beach hotels makes it convenient for visitors who want to combine morning golf with afternoon mojitos. Book early morning rounds to beat both the heat and the crowds.
Miami Shores Country Club surprises with elevation
Red Lawrence designed Miami Shores Country Club with elevation changes you won't find anywhere else in pancake-flat South Florida. Daily rates run $129, but online promotional rates often knock that down considerably. Annual memberships start at $3,100 for weekday play, making sense if you're spending the entire winter in Miami.
The facility features Miami's only all-grass driving range (open Wednesday through Sunday), a 120-seat lounge with extensive beer and scotch selections that'll ease the sting of your round, and serious scoring potential… Greg Kopf shot 62 here four times, though your results may vary. The small, well-bunkered greens demand precision, but the reasonable pricing forgives the occasional wayward shot.
Miami-Dade County courses deliver unbeatable value
Country Club of Miami stretches 7,017 yards on a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design that once hosted PGA Tour events. Weekend rates hit just $51, which seems almost criminal for a course where Arnold Palmer served as the first head professional. The Miami-Dade Patron Card costs $399 annually for residents and unlocks loyalty points redeemable for free rounds across all county facilities.
For true budget golf, Briar Bay Golf Course offers nine holes for $13 walking. This par-31 executive layout won't challenge your long game, but it's perfect for beginners, quick practice rounds, or when you need a golf fix without the time or money for 18 holes.
Hidden gems locals keep quiet about
Every city has courses the tourists miss. In Miami, these under-the-radar spots often provide better experiences than their famous neighbors.
Miami Springs Golf & Country Club hosted the first 31 Miami Opens, yet most visitors have never heard of it. Summer rates drop to $80 weekdays and $95 weekends, the night-lit driving range stays open until 9 PM (the only one in South Florida), and the spectacular "Volcano" par-3 16th hole provides more drama than most championship courses. Local residents walk free in the afternoons, all juniors play free anytime, and the attached "Hole 19 – Scratch Kitchen + Bar" serves farm-to-table food that elevates standard golf course dining.
Miccosukee Golf & Country Club spreads across three nine-hole layouts… Dolphin, Marlin, and Barracuda… with water hazards on nearly every hole. Mark Mahannah's design hosted past PGA and LPGA events, yet remains relatively unknown to tourists. Twilight specials at $40 after 3 PM and Monday specials at $40 all day make it one of Miami's best values. The recent 8,000-square-foot pro shop expansion shows management's commitment to improvements.
Where to tune up your game
Miami's practice facilities range from basic to bougie, with instruction available at every price point.
Top-tier instruction at the Jim McLean Golf School
The Jim McLean Golf School operates at Miami Beach Golf Club and Biltmore, employing certified instructors who use digital video analysis and modern teaching methods. Programs run from junior camps to professional development, with group clinics starting around $50 and intensive multi-day programs exceeding $1,000. With 367+ PGA professionals throughout the Miami area, finding quality instruction just requires matching your budget to your ambitions.
Practice facilities worth the drive
Different courses offer different practice amenities:
- Miami Springs: Night-lit range until 9 PM
- Miami Shores: All-grass surface Wednesday-Sunday
- Trump Doral: LED facility spanning multiple acres
- The Tips Golf: Trackman simulators in Brickell
- Standard range pricing: $11-23 per bucket
Many courses include range balls with your green fee, so factor that into your value calculations.
Book smarter, play cheaper
Strategic booking can slash your Miami golf expenses without sacrificing quality.
The Premier Card South Florida provides exclusive summer rates from April 15 to November 15, plus 10-20% winter discounts at 11 championship courses. Playing during summer's wet season can save 40-60% versus peak winter rates… just bring a towel and embrace the humidity. Twilight tee times after 2 PM typically offer $15-60 discounts, though you risk darkness catching you on the back nine.
Online booking dominates the reservation game:
- GolfNow partners with major courses offering "Hot Deals" up to 50% off
- TeeOff.com promotes no booking fees with similar discounts
- Most courses allow 5-7 day advance booking for public play
- Members get 10-day advance booking at premium facilities
- 24-hour cancellation policies are standard
Book early for peak season, hunt deals for summer play, and always check multiple platforms before pulling the trigger.
How Miami stacks up against Florida's golf giants
Golf Digest ranks the Blue Monster #28 in Florida, with Miami Beach Golf Club at #71 and Turnberry Isle at #45. Only two Miami public courses crack Florida's top 75, compared to Orlando's embarrassment of riches or the Streamsong triple threat occupying spots #3, #5, and #13.
Yet Miami offers unique advantages:
- 30-minute average from Miami International Airport beats Orlando's sprawl
- Year-round playability without inland Florida's temperature extremes
- World-class dining and nightlife for après-golf entertainment
- Subtropical settings with ocean views and mangroves
- Improving tournament credentials with 2026 PGA Tour return
Your Miami golf game plan
Miami golf spans every experience level and budget, from the Blue Monster's $300 championship challenge to hidden gems like Miami Springs offering twilight rounds for $65. December through April brings perfect weather at premium prices, while May through November rewards flexible players with deep discounts and empty fairways.
Smart money leverages patron cards, online booking platforms, and twilight rates to cut costs in half. The abundance of practice facilities and professional instruction supports year-round improvement, while the mix of championship venues and neighborhood courses ensures you'll find your perfect match.
Miami might rank fourth among Florida's major golf destinations by pure course rankings, but nowhere else combines PGA Tour heritage, diverse playing options, and world-class urban amenities in one subtropical package. Book your tee times, pack extra balls for those water hazards, and prepare to discover why Miami golf hits different than anywhere else in the Sunshine State.
