English Golf Courses

Golf in Florida

Americans are obsessed by golf and they're not afraid to show it - something that is evident from the moment you step onto a typical US-style golf course. Always immaculate, entertaining, beautifully sculpted and surrounded by wonderful picture book scenery, our friends across the Atlantic don't just build standard golf courses, they create works of art.

Golf courses designers who hail from the land of Uncle Sam are often heralded for their creations. For these are golf courses that many Americans, rightly or wrongly, judge to be among the finest in the world.

And who could begrudge them of such a conviction? These are the courses where some of the finest tournaments in the world are played. Indeed, three of the four 'Majors' are played in the US and only a couple of years ago four of the World Golf Championship events were played in the America. This country, then, is very serious about its golf and a visit is not so much recommended but required.

There are, of course, regions where the game is a more prevalent source of entertainment than others, a trait to be found in most golfing countries. That, however, makes it all the sweeter when you do come across a golfer's paradise.

Myrtle Beach, for one, is popular both with the locals and tourists who come from the UK, mainland Europe and Asia. But that particular golfing hideout has rather stiff competition in the form of Florida - the home of Mickey and friends.

The area is so vast you are literally spoilt for choice and may feel at little bemused at where to start. There are various tour operators who organise trips to the area for golfers and non-golfers alike. Instead of worrying about hotels and guesthouses, a tour operator will put you up in a luxury villa, hotel, self-catering apartment or simple bed and breakfast. Most types of accommodation are in close proximity to Disney, so the kids needn't worry too much.

There are hoards of courses to try and almost every one complete with the sparkling bright green turf that shines next to the sandy white bunkers, much like Augusta National.

What will strike you first, though, is the surprising price of most green fees, which tend to average around the $50 mark. Furthermore, these courses are certainly not viewed as holiday offerings or simply pitch and putt. Various professionals Tours have enjoyed stop-off points in Florida, such as the Ben Hogan and Nike Tours. The USPGA Tour's qualifying school has also featured a number of Florida courses, so the area is well versed in welcoming travelling golfers.

There are a number of must play courses in this corner of America and the Sandestin Resort, which is home to four stunning links courses on Florida's Gulf Coast, is certainly a place to put on your list. The Raven Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr, features lots of water and thick avenues of pine trees that line the white sandy beaches.

The Doral Golf Resort is another must visit region. It has previously been voted the best golfing resort in America and is still going strong. Although a little pricey at peak season - it is one of the more expensive Florida golf resorts - it is certainly worth the visit, if not just for the experience.

Florida, of course, is well known for its sunny weather and it can become quite hot during the day, especially in the mid afternoon. Therefore, after your round you can even cool-off in one of the many swimming pools before making the hard decision of whether to head for the golf course yet again. All in all, it's a pretty good lifestyle and one we golfers need to get more of.