9 Best Golf Courses in Tampa for All Skill Levels

Great food, vibrant culture, and white sand beaches - there are more than enough reasons to make Tampa, Florida your next holiday vacation. While there are many things to do and places to explore in the area, Tampa and the surrounding area holds special significance for golfers. The region’s sandy soil, gentle but varied terrain, and surrounding sea views make it an ideal place to spend your days perfecting your game in comfort.

With over 100 courses in and around the Tampa Bay area , it’s a popular destination for thousands of golfers to plan getaways to every year. But with so many to choose from, it can be a challenge to assemble the perfect itinerary for a golf-focused vacation. Fortunately, you can start by reviewing some of the best public courses in Tampa in the guide below.

Take a look at what this Florida city offers before planning your next trip.

Pristine Golf Courses

1. Lakewood National Golf Club

Lakewood National, a planned community located between Bradenton and Sarasota just south of Tampa, is also home to one of the newest and best-designed golf courses in the region. The 36-hole facility was designed by senior Arnold Palmer Design Company architect Brandon Johnson and offers five sets of tees for players of all skill levels. The course is available to the public at around $150 in winter.

2. Fox Hollow Golf Club

One of the last designs by legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., Fox Hollow, north of Tampa in Trinity, Florida, opened its gates in 1994 and has been a perennial favorite ever since. An 18-hole, par 71 course, the club features brilliant green scenery and white sand bunkers with some satisfyingly challenging shots for experienced players. The course also offers 25 range bays, personalized coaching services, and The Grille, a restaurant serving delicious dishes that is also available to hire for private functions.

3. Innisbrook Golf Resort

Innisbrook, northwest of Tampa on the western side of Lake Tarpon, offers four courses designed by Lawrence Packard: Island Course, North Course, South Course, and Copperhead Course. Copperhead, the resort’s flagship, is home to the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship, making it an attractive destination for vacationing golfers eager to compare their skills to professionals. Dining options include Packard's Steakhouse and nearby restaurants and bars.

Budget-Friendly Courses

4. Cabot Citrus Farms

Formerly known as World Woods Golf Club, Cabot Citrus Farms is one of many affordable courses which make Brooksville, north of Tampa, a must-visit destination for golfers. The 36-hole facility offers two Tom Fazio-designed courses, consistently placing it among the country's top public golf facilities. Set to reopen in 2023, the course is also conveniently close to other budget-friendly options and plenty of affordable dining and accommodation.

5. Dunedin Golf Club

First opened in 1927, Dunedin Golf Club has been the destination of choice for generations of golf enthusiasts who want to take in historic courses without breaking the bank. An 18-hole, par 72 course with five sets of tees ranging from 4,700 to 6,600 yards, once played host to the Senior Tour Championship. Dunedin offers plenty of challenges for golfers of all abilities for unbeatable green fees. Relax with a refreshing drink or a satisfying meal at the Fairway Grille between tee times.

6. Babe Zaharias Golf Course

Another example of the classic features which made Florida a golf haven over a century ago, Babe Zaharias Golf Club, dates to 1926. It is named for former owner and champion golfer Babe Zaharias. Situated in North Forest Hills, just 15 minutes from downtown Tampa, this 18-hole, par-70 course offers four sets of tees playing from 4,800 to 6,000 yards. Owned by the city of Tampa since 1974, access comes with reasonable fees and plenty of opportunities for beginners to perfect their game in a setting that pays tribute to golf’s rich history.

Challenging Golf Courses

7. The Claw at USF

Even if you’re heading south to focus on golf, no trip to Florida is complete without taking in the state’s stunning natural beauty and wildlife. Luckily, The Claw makes it possible to do both. As a National Audubon site, you can expect to see countless tropical birds, alligators, deer, and other fauna while you play. As the University of South Florida’s home course, you can expect a satisfying challenge when you play their signature 14-hole course.

8. TPC of Tampa Bay

Widely regarded as one of the most challenging public golf courses in the Tampa area, TPC of Tampa Bay is the result of a collaboration between renowned architect Bobby Weed and eight-time PGA Tour winner Chi-Chi Rodríguez. Taking in the best of Florida’s scenery, this 18-hole, par-71 course covers wetlands, woods and lakes. Located in Lutz, just a 20-minute drive from Tampa International Airport, the course is open to golfers looking for a challenge seven days a week.

9. Westchase Golf Club

Westchase Golf Club is known as one of the best public courses within Tampa city limits, incorporating the area’s terrain into its length to make it a satisfying test for experienced golfers. A 6699-yard, 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Lloyd Clifton, Westchase is close enough to Tampa’s main attractions to make it possible to slip away for a quick afternoon of golf. The on-site bar and grill also offer plenty of delicious cocktails and fresh food to refresh you after your round.

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