Florida’s Premier Golfing Destination
Introduction
The Palm Beaches are widely recognized as one of the greatest golfing destinations in the world, offering an unmatched combination of championship-level courses, year-round sunshine, and a rich history of hosting PGA Tour events. With over 160 courses spread across this tropical paradise, it’s no surprise that this region is home to some of the world’s most prestigious golf venues.
Whether you’re looking to walk in the footsteps of legends at PGA National Resort, take on the challenging layouts of Trump International Golf Club, or experience the coastal beauty of The Breakers Ocean Course, The Palm Beaches deliver an unparalleled golf experience.
General Information
Full Name: The Palm Beaches Golf Region
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida, USA
Number of Golf Courses: Over 160
Famous Course Architects: Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio
What Makes Golf in The Palm Beaches Unique?
Variety of Championship Courses
The Palm Beaches feature some of the most diverse and challenging courses in the United States, offering a mix of links-style, parkland, and coastal courses. Many of these courses have hosted PGA Tour, LPGA, and Champions Tour events, making them bucket-list destinations for serious golfers.
Signature Courses
- PGA National Resort – The Champion Course: Home of the Honda Classic, featuring the infamous Bear Trap (holes 15-17), one of the toughest stretches in golf.
- The Breakers Ocean Course: Florida’s oldest 18-hole golf course, redesigned by Rees Jones to showcase stunning Atlantic Ocean views.
- Trump International Golf Club: A world-class, private golf experience with meticulously maintained fairways and deep bunkers.
- Abacoa Golf Club: A public gem designed by Joe Lee, featuring challenging water hazards and strategic shot-making opportunities.
Tournaments & Legacy
The Palm Beaches have been at the heart of professional golf for decades, hosting some of the sport’s most prestigious events. The Honda Classic at PGA National Resort is one of the premier stops on the PGA Tour, drawing top-ranked players every year.
Memorable Moments
- 2012: Rory McIlroy won the Honda Classic, briefly becoming World No. 1.
- 2018: Justin Thomas outlasted Luke List in a thrilling playoff.
- 2020: Sungjae Im claimed victory, solidifying his place among golf’s rising stars.
Champions of the Last 5 Years (Honda Classic)
- 2024: TBA
- 2023: Chris Kirk (-14)
- 2022: Sepp Straka (-10)
- 2021: Matt Jones (-12)
- 2020: Sungjae Im (-6)
World-Class Facilities & Membership
Golfing in The Palm Beaches means more than just great courses – it’s about luxury, relaxation, and first-class service. From world-class clubhouses and dining experiences to elite training academies, this region offers an unrivaled golfing lifestyle.
Membership & Green Fees
- PGA National Resort: Public access, green fees range from $150 to $450
- Trump International Golf Club: Private, membership by invitation only
- The Breakers Ocean Course: Public access, green fees range from $250 to $500
- Abacoa Golf Club: Public, green fees range from $50 to $150
Golfing Legends & Course Records
Many of golf’s biggest stars call The Palm Beaches home, including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Thomas.
Lowest Winning Score (Honda Classic): -24 (Justin Leonard, 2003)
Most Wins (Honda Classic): Jack Nicklaus (3)
Fascinating Facts & Little-Known Secrets
- Palm Beach County has more golf courses per capita than anywhere in the U.S.
- Tiger Woods and Greg Norman both own homes in the region.
- The Breakers Ocean Course was originally built in 1896, making it one of the oldest courses in the U.S.
- The Bear Trap at PGA National is considered one of the hardest three-hole stretches on the PGA Tour.
Why Every Golfer Should Play Here
The Palm Beaches offer the ultimate golf experience, blending world-class course design, rich history, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re looking for a challenge at PGA National, a scenic round by the ocean, or a relaxed public course, there’s something for every golfer here.
With its perfect year-round weather, top-ranked courses, and legendary status as a golf mecca, The Palm Beaches are a must-visit destination for any golf enthusiast.
