Discover Florida Golf

Saturday, Aug 31, 2024 0

The Sunshine State is the number one destination for the UK traveler heading to the United States. With the weather, quality and variety of courses, and ease of access to the major Florida hubs from the UK, it is not surprising that golf is a major part of that attraction.

But venture a little further afield from usual haunts and you discover a rich seam of Golf courses waiting to be discovered. While they may be relatively unknown to the UK visitor, they have long been recognized by US and Canadian traveler as being among the best of the best.

A short drive northwest of Tampa takes you to Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach. This wonderful gem reminds us why we fell in love with Florida. With a mixture of uncrowded beaches and nature and wildlife in abundance, it highlights the qualities that cause people flock back to Florida time and again. It is also the perfect backdrop to play some of the best golf you will find anywhere.

With access to over 15 well-designed and thoughtfully laid out courses in the vicinity, all beautifully maintained, players of every ability will find their perfect spot. And after a day on the course, relax and watch spectacular sunsets over a cold beverage while enjoying wonderful food.

Here are just five examples

Riverwood Golf Club regularly ranks in the top 10 on “Best of” Florida golf course lists. This 18-hole championship course boasts a gorgeous layout amidst beautiful natural terrain. It is challenging as you would expect from a course of this quality, but exceptional course management, layout and course conditions mean this is a joy to play. And the onsite restaurant is itself an award winner.

Babcock National Golf Club features a distinctive Gordon Lewis layout over 460 Acres. The 18-hole course is more than 7,000 yards long, it was completed in 2020 and is part of a brand-new planned community. It may be new, but it has consistently attracted plaudits from the golf world, players and journalists alike. Currently a public golf course, its perfect surfaces are a pleasure to play 365 days a year.

Rotonda Golf & Country Club is unique, with five distinct golf courses and a total of 99 holes. The Hills will test a golfer’s accuracy with its well-placed water hazards, each of Long Marsh’s 27 holes has its own character, The Palms boasts multi-tiered greens and two of Florida’s most demanding holes, Pinemore is a paradise of rolling fairways, and The Links, with its triple tiered greens and multi-fingered sand traps, will test club selection and skill. With all 5 accessible all year round the keen golfer may never have to venture any further.

Twin Isles Country Club is a Par 72, 18-hole championship course featuring plenty of water features and wide fairways that provide challenges for both high and low handicappers. Many bird species call the course home and often provide interesting displays. Entertainment is also high on the list in the Country Club with events, competitions and themed evenings part of the after-Golf mix.

Aileron Golf Club is a private course, in the sense it is only available to guests of the amazing Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor. This championship level Par 72, 18-hole course is easily accessible by guests, with shuttle service directly to and from the course. Featuring a brand-new clubhouse, onsite restaurant, pro shop, and much more. The Sunseeker Hotel itself is situated between Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach area is a brand-new resort hotel with over 20 dining options within the hotel complex two pools, one on the ground level the other at roof level, an adult only pool area and bar and dining.

Not Just Golf

Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach has craft markets and festivals to visit, beautiful unspoiled beaches, sensibly priced food beverage and hotel accommodation, water sports, river and harbour cruises and so much more, it will make any golfing trip truly memorable, for all the right reasons.