There’s no shortage of great golf in Florida with Streamsong, Sawgrass, and many points in between the Sunshine State is a golfer’s paradise that offers seemingly endless choices.
Want to play some of the nation’s premier courses in a remote location? Florida has that.
Want to follow in the footsteps of PGA Tour pros? Florida has that, too.
Florida’s varied experiences and the ability to play year-round distinguish it from other golf meccas.
And Volusia County represents the perfect combination: outstanding golf, beachfront accommodations, unique local restaurants, and great value.
Sure, cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Palm Beach Gardens are more well-known (and have PGA Tour stops), but the overall experience in the Daytona Beach area is second to none.
Nearly 20 Daytona Beach golf courses offer diverse experiences within a long drive (ok, maybe a few long drives) of the sand on Daytona Beach.
LPGA International
LPGA International is, without a doubt, Volusia County’s flagship golf facility.
The property has been the home of the LPGA Tour for the last thirty years and currently hosts the final stage of the LPGA Qualifying School.
There are 36 holes with courses designed by renowned architects Arthur Hills and Rees Jones.
The Hills Course is challenging off the tee, especially for those (like me) who are playing it for the first time. It takes thought to pick the right club and the right line on a number of the par-4s.
The par-5s are especially difficult, with hazards on both sides of holes that all play as three-shotters.
As new housing developments take shape around the property, the visuals are ever-changing, but quality conditions remain a staple of a track that annually challenges some of the best female golfers in the world.
The outstanding practice facility is not to be missed. The driving range features some of the best turf I’ve ever experienced, so be sure to arrive early and plan to hit a small bucket.
New Smyrna Golf Club
With a setup that is friendly for those who spray the ball off the tee, the New Smyrna Golf Club is a great trip starter – or ender, depending on your perspective.
The Donald Ross design is a classic municipal with superb greens that match the condition of a private club.
The course features tee shots that ask different questions. There are some holes that call for less than driver while others allow you to let loose – with little penalty even if you’re 50+ yards offline.
The closing stretch is especially strong with a challenging long par-3 (#15), a drivable par-4 (#16), a green that requires a precise approach (#17), and a reachable par-5 as the final hole.
Cypress Head Golf Club
Cypress Head Golf Club in Port Orange features one of the best collections of par-3s in Central Florida. The short holes require players to hit a variety of clubs to visually engaging targets.
The City of Port Orange owns the course, which is operated by KemperSports. This group also manages Bandon Dunes, Streamsong, and Sand Valley, a trio representing some of the world’s best golf.
Given that, you’d expect the course to be well-kept. And it delivers with consistent conditioning from start to finish.
The closing stretch is a lot of fun, with birdie chances and the potential for disaster on the final four holes. You’ll likely have wedges into the green at 15 and 16 and before ending with back-to-back par 5’s. Water impacts the second and third shots at the penultimate hole, and there’s a legit chance to get home in two at the 18th, which has a ton of space and gives you the chance to rip a driver.
The course will undergo a full bunker renovation in 2025, which will significantly enhance playability around the greens.
All three courses are a short drive from the beach and whether you are loyal to a chain or put an emphasis on independent properties, there are a plethora of choices to stay right on the Atlantic Ocean. The family owned and operated Bahama House is certainly worth a look as you peruse the offerings.
And if you’re looking for a hidden gem for dinner, check out Millie’s Restaurant in Daytona Beach Shores. The sous vide pork chop is a culinary delight.
Daytona Beach Golf
Daytona Beach Golf might surprise you, but with nearly 20 courses, it caters to all skill levels, from championship layouts designed by legends like Rees Jones and Donald Ross to scenic public courses. Beyond the courses themselves, Daytona Beach offers incredible value. Many hotels and courses partner up for stay-and-play packages, making planning a budget-friendly golf getaway easy. Plus, there’s plenty of fun to be had off the course, from exploring the “World’s Most Famous Beach” to enjoying the vibrant city atmosphere. Daytona Beach offers a winning combination of golf, affordability, and entertainment.
For more information, go to DaytonaBeach.com/things-to-do/golf.
Photos Courtesy of LPGA International (feature image) and Cypress Head Golf Club
