Best Golf Courses in Palm Beach County: Public and Private

Golf is a beautiful and timeless game that has been enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels for centuries. It is a sport that combines physical skill, mental strategy, and patience, and offers something for everyone. The origins of golf can be traced back to medieval Scotland, where it was played on rugged terrain using primitive equipment. Over time, the game evolved and became more organized, with the first official rules being written in 1744. Today, golf is played on carefully manicured courses that are designed to challenge players while also providing a beautiful and serene environment. The combination of the natural surroundings and expert course design make golf a truly timeless and delightful game. This is especially true in Palm Beach County, Florida. Home to some of the best golf courses in the world, this region offers a variety of public and private courses that are sure to challenge and delight all types of golfers. Whether you’re an experienced pro or just getting started with the game, here are some of the best public and private golf courses in Palm Beach County.

Private vs. Public: What’s the Difference? 

When it comes to golf courses, there are two main types: private and public. Private courses require a paid membership and their access is limited to members and invited guests only. These courses are typically uncrowded, pristinely manicured, and accompanied by social activities and amenities. Public courses are open to anyone willing to pay for a round of golf and are usually less expensive than private courses.

The Best Private Golf Courses in Palm Beach County

The best private golf courses in Palm Beach offer a serene and unique golfing experience. These courses are designed to challenge players while also providing an aesthetically pleasing environment. The solitude and tranquility offered by private courses make them a great choice for golfers who want to focus on improving their game in an environment absent of the hustle and bustle of public courses. Check out our list of the top private golf courses in Palm Beach County.

Seminole (Juno Beach)

Designed by Donald Ross in 1929, Seminole Golf Club is a private golf club located in North Palm Beach, Florida. This timeless classic is consistently ranked as one of the best courses in the nation and offers 18 holes of championship golf. The course features rolling fairways, undulating greens, and strategic bunkering that will challenge even the best players.

The Bear’s Club (Jupiter)

Jack and Barbara Nicklaus founded The Bear’s Club in 1999 as a way to provide members and their guests with an unforgettable golf experience. At The Bear’s Club, Jack masterfully created a golf community of 369 pristine acres, just one mile from the Atlantic. His uncompromising standards have transformed this native environment into an 18-hole championship course spanning 7,164 yards across rolling landscapes blanketed with native vegetation; old oaks, pines, and cypress trees softened by wetlands areas to create a quintessential Lowcountry atmosphere. You won’t want to miss this incredible course when looking for the best private golf courses in Palm Beach County.

Jupiter Hills Club (Tequesta)

There’s just something about the Jupiter Hills Club that sets it apart from other private golf courses. Located in Martin County, the private Jupiter Hills Club is known for having some of the largest rolling hills for a South Florida golf course. Tequesta, Florida, is home to two remarkable 18-hole golf courses - the Hills Course and Village Course. The former was built in 1970 by George Fazio alongside his talented nephew Tom; the latter followed suit eight years later. While the Hills Course often takes center stage due to its high-quality design, don’t let that stop you from experiencing the excellence of Tequesta’s lesser-known but equally impressive village course! If you’re looking for an unforgettable round of golf with beautiful views, consider Jupiter Hills Club. It’s one of the best private golf courses in Palm Beach County.

The Best Public Golf Courses in Palm Beach County

While private golf courses have their advantages, there are plenty of excellent public courses in Palm Beach County as well. The best public courses in Palm Beach County provide a great golfing experience without the hefty price tag of private courses. These courses are designed to provide a variety of obstacles and challenges that help players improve their game while also providing a scenic atmosphere. If you’re looking for something more affordable and accessible, there are plenty of great public courses in Palm Beach County that you can enjoy. Here’s a selection of our favorites.

Osprey Point Golf Course (Boca Raton)

Designed as one of Florida’s premier public golf courses, Osprey Point has been lauded for its excellence since opening in 2010. This sprawling 27-hole course is separated into three separate nine holes and boasts a tranquil environment with lush Platinum Paspalum turf from tee to green. With such stunning playing surfaces available, you can be sure your next game will provide an unforgettable backdrop!

Southwinds Golf Club (Boca Raton)

If you seek a truly remarkable golfing experience, Southwinds Golf Club in Boca Raton is the perfect option. This 27-hole course provides an abundance of wildlife to observe, with foxes, Canadian geese, otters, and iguanas all making appearances throughout your round. Moreover, each hole features water, requiring a strategic shot placement so that you can make it around this serene setting without penalty strokes! Southwinds has proudly earned the prestigious title of Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary, so you can rest assured that your round has a positive environmental impact!

Boca Dunes Golf & Country Club (Boca Raton)

Concluding our list is the remarkable Boca Dunes Golf & Country Club. This newly renovated course offers a dazzling 18-hole executive golf experience with eight par 4’s, ten par 3’s, and an unforgettable landscape featuring tif-eagle greens and continuous concrete cart paths. Boca Dunes is the ideal course for golfers of all skill sets, boasting a par 62 and extending over 3,600 yards from its furthest tees. If you’re searching for an unbeatable game in Palm Beach County, look no further than Boca Dunes! A perfect challenge awaits, with its generous layout sure to make your experience extraordinary.

Final Thoughts

Palm Beach County is home to some of the most beautiful and thrilling golf courses, both public and private. These courses feature breathtaking landscapes and difficult-hole designs that promise a truly special experience for all who visit them. So no matter what your preference may be, you are sure to find an exemplary course in Palm Beach County.