This article appeared in the January 2025 Issue of Up and Away Magazine It is reprinted here with permission. Click here to see the original version: Up and Away.
South Florida is renowned for its pristine beaches, cultural scene, and its world-class golf courses. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting to take interest in the sport, the resort golf courses in this region offer an unparalleled experience. Let’s delve into seven standout destinations: Club Wyndham Palm-Aire in Pompano Beach, Turnberry Isle at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa in Aventura, PGA National Resort, Palm Beach Gardens, The Breakers, Palm Beach, The Boca Raton Resort, Trump National Doral, and The Biltmore, Coral Gables.
Club Wyndham Palm-Aire: A Golfer’s Haven
Club Wyndham Palm-Aire is a golf escape located in Pompano Beach, just north of Fort Lauderdale. This resort is an oasis for golf enthusiasts, offering not only exceptional golfing facilities but a host of amenities for the complete resort experience.
Club Wyndham Palm-Aire boasts three spectacular golf courses, Palms, Oaks, and Cypress, each designed to challenge and delight golfers of all skill levels. The Palms Course is known for its wide fairways and strategically placed bunkers. The Palms Course design encourages strategic play, making it a favorite among guests. The Oaks Course lies amidst majestic oak trees. The tight fairways, water hazards, and undulating greens keep golfers on their toes. With its unique Florida landscape, the Cypress Course features marshlands and water hazards that require precision and skill. Its picturesque setting and well-maintained greens make it a standout choice for golf lovers.
Beyond the fairways, Club Wyndham Palm-Aire offers condominium style accommodations and an array of recreational activities. After a day on the links, guests can enjoy a refreshing swim in the outdoor pools, or a soak in the hot tub. The resort’s family friendly atmosphere ensures that there’s something for everyone, from kids to adults.
Essential Online Links For Booking Your Trip to Southeast Florida
Logistics:
There are 3 airports that service Southeast Florida, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach: Uber and Taxis are available. Tri Rail and Brightline trains service Fort Lauderdale and Miami Airports. Private and Multiple Passenger Transfers are available from all three airports: ☆Transportation Service Miami Hotel - Miami International Airport
Advanced Tickets for the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi.
Save on entry fees: If you plan on visiting multiple museums or attractions, it is more economical to purchase a Miami Sightseeing Pass to save money, you can buy this pass for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days.
Top-rated Southeast Florida Tours and Experiences:
☆Seven Isles of Fort Lauderdale Kayak Tour (one of my favorite Southeast Florida experience)
☆Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour (great for foodies)
☆Wynwood Graffiti Golf Cart Small-Group Tour (perfect for art lovers)
☆Skip the Line: Flamingo Gardens Admission Ticket in Fort Lauderdale (essential to avoid lines)
☆1 Hotel South Beach (Luxury, Miami)
☆Yotel (Budget Friendly, Miami)
☆Hollywood Beachside Boutique (Budget Friendly, Fort Lauderdale)
☆The Pillars Hotel (Luxury, Fort Lauderdale)
☆The White Elephant (Luxury, Palm Beach)
☆The Canopy (Budget Friendly, West Palm Beach)
☆Crane's Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas (Amazing Tropical Vibe, Delray Beach)
My favorite Guidebook for Florida: DK Eyewitness Florida
My favorite Novel about Southeast Florida: The Last Train to Key West
Don’t forget to pack: Crossbody Bag for Sightseeing Sun Screen Comfortable Walking Shoes **My Favorite Packable Hat.
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JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa: An Embodiment of Elegance
Located in the upscale city of Aventura, the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is synonymous with luxury and family fun. This resort is for those seeking a golfing experience combined with a variety of off the course activities.
The resort features two championship golf courses, the Soffer and Miller courses, each designed to challenge and delight golfers of all skill levels. Both courses were originally designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. and renovated in 2007 by Raymond Floyd. The Soffer Courses a par-71 course stretches over 7,000 yards and is known for its lush, rolling fairways and strategically placed water features. The Miller Course, slightly shorter but equally challenging, is characterized by its strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. With a par of 70, it requires precision and careful shot planning.
The JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa goes beyond golf to offer a variety experience. Guests can relax in the stylish setting, enjoy fine dining at BOURBON Steak by Michael Mina, or the more casual Corsair Kitchen & Bar. Indulgent spa treatments are available at the spa. The resort also features a state of the art fitness center, multiple swimming pools, and a highly acclaimed water park, Tidal Cove, making it a perfect destination for families and couples alike.
The Biltmore, Coral Gables: Timeless Elegance and Golfing Excellence
The Biltmore in Coral Gables is more than just a resort, it is a historic landmark, its architecture reflecting Italian, Moorish and Spanish influence. Located in the lush, leafy neighborhood of Coral Gables, this resort offers a blend of elegance, sophistication, and challenging golf.
The Biltmore Golf Course, originally designed in 1925 by Donald Ross, is a classic, championship 18-hole, par-71 layout. It has been meticulously restored to preserve its historic charm while offering modern day playability. Spanning 6,800 yards, this course features narrow fairways lined with mature trees and strategically placed bunkers. Its serene setting and immaculate landscape provide a picturesque backdrop for a day on the greens.
The Biltmore is renowned for its chic accommodations, fine dining, and exceptional service. Guests can stay in beautifully appointed rooms with all the modern comforts. The resort’s culinary offerings include award-winning restaurants, a vibrant bar scene, and exquisite outdoor dining options, not to be missed is Sunday Brunch at Fontana.
The Biltmore is not just about golf. The resort features an enormous swimming pool, one of the largest hotel pools in the continental United States. Guests can take a dip in the refreshing waters or lounge in poolside cabanas for a day of leisure. There is a fitness center, tennis courts, and a variety of fitness classes, as well as spa for those seeking serenity.
PGA National Resort Florida: A Golfer’s Sanctuary
Located in Palm Beach Gardens, the PGA National Resort Florida is synonymous with sophistication, challenge, and history. Celebrated for hosting the PGA Tour’s Cognizant Classic, this resort provides golfers with a formidable yet enthralling experience unlike any other.
Boasting five championship courses, each designed with unique complexities, the resort offers golfers a variety of challenges. The Champion Course, redesigned by the Jack Nicklaus, serves as the centerpiece. Its notorious “Bear Trap.” a particularly challenging trio of holes (15, 16, and 17), tests the mettle of the most seasoned golfers, demanding precision and strategic acumen.
Beyond the greens, PGA National shines with its lavish accommodations and exceptional amenities. The newly renovated guest rooms exude modern stylishness, harmonizing contemporary design with comfort. After a round of golf, players can rejuvenate at the spa, offering a diverse array of treatments including the renowned Waters of the World mineral pools.
For dining, the resort showcases a spectrum of culinary delights. The Honeybell features seasonal American cuisine by James Beard Award winning chef, Lindsay Autry. In addition, Sushi by Bob offers an Omakase menu in a 1920’s speakeasy atmosphere. PGA National is not just a resort, it is an experience for those who venture to its verdant fairways and tranquil confines.
The Breakers: Timeless Elegance and Majestic Fairways
A beacon of historic grandeur in Palm Beach, The Breakers stands as an icon of opulence and tradition. Established in 1896 by railroad magnate Henry Flagler, this resort carries a profound legacy, woven with unparalleled luxury and gracious service.
Golf at The Breakers is an experience steeped in tradition and beauty, with two courses that cater to diverse preferences. The Ocean Course, Florida’s oldest 18-hole course, marries a historic layout with modern updates by architect Rees Jones. The shorter, yet equally engaging, Breakers Rees Jones Course is located a short drive from the main hotel and offers a manicured playing field that embodies the highest standards of golf.
Staying at The Breakers is an immersion into a world where classic luxury meets contemporary comfort. Rooms are adorned with elegant furnishings and sweeping ocean views. The resort’s myriad of amenities includes an indoor/outdoor spa, four oceanfront pools, and a long stretch of private beach.
Culinary offerings are nothing short of spectacular. The Flagler Steakhouse delivers an exquisite dining experience, complemented by the finest cuts of meat and an extensive wine list. The Seafood Bar with its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and its aquarium cocktail bar is a must visit.
In essence, The Breakers is where history, luxury, and golf intertwine, creating a tapestry as rich and colorful as the Floridian sunsets that grace its horizon.
Trump National Doral: A Legacy of Championship Golf
Trump National Doral is a golfer's utopia located just a stone's throw from the heart of Miami. Originally established in the 1960s, the resort has undergone significant enhancements under the Trump Organization’s guidance, ensuring it remains at the pinnacle of golf and hospitality.
The crown jewel of Trump National Doral is the Blue Monster course, known for its long fairways, challenging water hazards, and deep bunkers. This iconic course has been the battleground for numerous PGA Tour events. Complementing the Blue Monster are four additional courses: the Red Tiger, the Golden Palm, the Silver Fox, and the Jim McLean Signature Course, each designed to offer unique challenges and aesthetic pleasures.
Accommodations at Trump National Doral exude a refined, neo-classical charm. Lavish guest rooms and suites, adorned with rich mahogany furnishings and plush amenities, offer a perfect blend of comfort and style. The Royal Palm Pool, with its tropical setting, provides a escape to relaxation.
The resort’s spa offer treatments designed to revitalize and rejuvenate. Dining at Trump National Doral is an epicurean adventure, with Champions Bar & Grill serving delectable American fare in a classic pub setting. The BLT Prime restaurant delivers an exceptional steakhouse experience, with premium cuts and sophisticated ambiance.
From first light tee offs to twilight rounds, a day spent at Trump National Doral is filled with luxury, excitement, and refined service, all underscored by a commitment to excellence.
The Boca Raton Resort: A Blend of Old World Charm and Modern Luxury
The Boca Raton Resort, an iconic presence in Boca Raton since 1926, is a testament to timeless elegance, blending historic charm with contemporary comfort. The resort, part of the prestigious Waldorf Astoria collection, is known for its meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to providing an unparalleled guest experience.
Golfing at The Boca Raton Resort is an exceptional experience. The Resort Course, designed by architect Joe Lee, offers players a strategic and rewarding layout that challenges every level of golfer. The course is located in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and offers 18 hole par-71 play, including the island green finishing hole..
Also located in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the Club Course is a private experience tailored for members and resort guests. This 18 hole, par-71 course emphasizing precision and strategy over sheer power, providing a delightful risk/reward challenge.
The Boca Raton Resort offers accommodations that cater to diverse preferences. Whether one chooses the elegance of Cloister rooms, the modern luxury of the Tower, or the serene waterfront suites at the Yacht Club, the resort ensures a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. The spa, one of the largest and most luxurious in Florida, offers a wide range of treatments, giving the guest a rejuvenating experience for mind and body.
Dining at The Boca Raton Resort is a culinary journey. With multiple restaurants offering captivating menus. Principessa Ristorante offers an classic Italian dishes, prepared in magnificent style, while Japanese Bocce Club tantalizes with inventive and exquisite sushi and Asian specialties.
South Florida’s resort golf courses offer more than just a game, they provide a sanctuary of luxury, history, and unparalleled service. Whether navigating the demanding Bear Trap at PGA National, basking in historic splendor at The Breakers, conquering the formidable Blue Monster at Trump National Doral, or soaking in the luxurious elegance at The Boca Raton Resort, each venue offers a unique slice of golfing nirvana. In their manicured greens and exquisite facilities, they embody the quintessence of South Florida's charm and sophistication. So pack your clubs and prepare for an adventure. South Florida’s resort golf courses are waiting you.
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