Palm Beach is home to sun-soaked beaches, great restaurants, stunning five-star resorts and—most importantly—over 150 unique golf courses. The continually gorgeous weather and diverse course selection makes Palm Beach a year-round golfer’s paradise, and an ideal destination for a Christmas Vacation. Golfer’s of all skill-levels are represented here, so every kind of links-enthusiast will find an array of choices. And if you’d like to bring your A-game to that course, take some inspiration from Rory McIlroy’s workout routine. But with so many options, it can be tough to decide on which courses, specifically, are the most impressive, and the most worth your time. This is where we come in. What follows are the top five golf courses in Palm Beach that you must play on your Christmas Vacation:
The Breakers Ocean Course | 1 South Country Rd.
As the oldest 18-hole golf course in all of Florida, The Breakers Ocean Course is a tried and true classic in every sense of the word. Redesigned in 2000 by famed architect Brian Silva, the classic elements of the original design were mixed with some contemporary features to update the course while still honoring its rich past. As one may expect by its name, the course is situated right on the Atlantic Ocean, with stunning views and an incredibly refreshing breeze wafting in off the water. It is one of the most impressive courses around from an aesthetic standpoint—the whole expanse is beautiful, and the course itself is challenging, impeccably designed and very well laid out.
The Champion- PGA National | 400 Avenue of the Champions
PGA National is one of the most well-known golf resorts on the planet. It is home to five courses, but the most impressive, and one of the most well-known courses in the state, is The Champion. The Champion was redesigned by Jack Nicklaus and is the course of the Honda Classic PGA Tour event. It’s a vibrant and challenging course that seasoned golfers searching for a true test will adore. Karen Crouse of the New York Times called it, “7140 yards of venom, a king cobra of a course that rises without warning to strike down the world’s best golfers.” This is not a course for beginners, although they do have five tee positions so being a great golfer is not exactly a pre-requisite—but nonetheless, it is advised. The course itself is remarkably well-designed and maintained as every inch of the 7000+ yards is in pristine condition.
West Palm Beach Golf Course | 7001 Parker Avenue
Another well very known and respected destination, West Palm Beach Golf Course has been one of the top courses in the Florida for over 60 years. The layout is decidedly different from other courses in the area as it is waterless and boasts a unique layout with remarkable landscape work and brilliant expanses of rolling hills. The course is difficult but accessible for most skill-levels due to its varied tee locations. Through and through it’s a distinct course with an abundance of character.
North Palm Beach Country Club- Jack Nicklaus Signature Course | 951 U.S. 1
The aforementioned Jack Nicklaus is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers to ever swing a club—and many would argue he is the greatest. The signature course he designed at North Palm Beach Country club is only the second signature Nicklaus course in the US. It’s a links-style course that coalesces wonderfully with the natural surroundings—the entire flow of the course is a thing of beauty. With large, lush fairways, expansive vistas, immaculate greens and the bordering Intracoastal Waterway, every element of this course is top notch.
Abacoa | 105 Barbados Drive
Opened in 1999 and designed by well-known course architect Joe Lee, Abacoa is a great course for all skill-levels. It’s challenging, but not overtly, so, which places it right in the sweet spot for newbies and scratch golfer’s alike. And the course itself is stunning, with long sprawling fairways, pristine lakes, lush greens and vibrant vegetation scattered throughout. The greens use TifEagle grass, which is one of the best around and it shows in the consistent quality throughout the 18 holes. Overall, a great atmosphere and a great course.
Christmas in Palm Beach is a sun-infused affair—it’s beautiful. The golf is world-class, the beaches are serene, the food is great and the resorts are luxurious. But they do fill up fast. If you’d love to enjoy the beauty of Palm Beach whenever you so desire, beat the crowds to one of the stunning new condos set to arise in area: The Bristol. A permanent residence means no more hassle booking a room – you can enjoy some of the best golf in the world whenever you choose. What are you waiting for? Pack your favorite golf bag and get ready for a golfing holiday!
Note: This is a guest post by Candace Schaffer; the views and opinions expressed are those of the author.
Sandomy
November 5, 2015 at 12:42 pmYou have really nice blog, keep working great!
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Carmen
November 13, 2015 at 9:05 amThanks that’s so sweet.
Dennis L. Ward
April 18, 2017 at 5:24 amThe PGA resort is just awesome, looks like a portrait by a famous painter.
Thanks for sharing.
Carmen Edelson
April 18, 2017 at 9:35 amYou’re welcome, Dennis!
Brooke
May 13, 2017 at 9:12 amAmazing list! One of the most beautiful courses I have ever seen was El Dorado in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! Something about a pristine green turf overlooking the ocean is mesmerizing to me! I was reading some great essays recently from people who are as passionate about the tee as you seem yo be. You can check them out here: Golf Essay
Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2017 at 10:14 amThank you! And thanks for sharing 🙂
Abby
August 30, 2017 at 2:27 pmMy dad and brother have been working on playing a variety of golf courses in Florida. I will have to give them this list for reference! Thanks for sharing!
Carmen Edelson
August 31, 2017 at 12:06 amThat’s great to hear! Thanks.
Sharon
December 29, 2017 at 2:50 amHi Carmen,
Some great golf course in the area, thanks for the finer details. Much to enjoy.
Sharon…
Carmen Edelson
January 2, 2018 at 1:58 pmThanks for reading, Sharon!
Cark
April 22, 2018 at 12:38 pmPlayed West balm beach and it was amazing, some of the others are on my golf bucket list.
Carmen Edelson
April 23, 2018 at 9:40 amI hope you get to enjoy all the ones on your list 🙂
Michael
May 5, 2018 at 3:38 amThese look so beautiful. Thanks for sharing, I’ll save that list.
Carmen Edelson
May 6, 2018 at 10:36 pmI’m glad to hear it, Michael! 🙂
Markz Perez
May 16, 2018 at 8:19 amThese golf courses are mind relaxing. Palm beach seems an ideal place to play golf
Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2018 at 2:50 pmIt’s a beautiful place to stay and golf!
Golf Guy
June 4, 2018 at 5:47 pmHow would you rate the town of Palm Beach for a “guys golf trip”? Is the nightlife up to par (no pun intended) or is it a more laid back atmosphere?
Carmen Edelson
June 7, 2018 at 3:30 pmIt’s a bit of both actually! Plenty nightlife options though, I wouldn’t worry 🙂
Carmen Edelson
June 16, 2018 at 2:37 pmI agree, it’s incredible!
Matt S
October 12, 2018 at 9:33 pmI’m planning a golf trip with some buddies, and The Champion looks awesome! I don’t think it will be hard to convince the others that we should play there. Thanks for this post!
Carmen Edelson
October 13, 2018 at 9:49 pmYou’re so welcome, Matt! Have a great time 🙂
golf tips
October 19, 2018 at 2:28 amAmazing place. These are all beautiful courses. I love the views, very relaxing. I will add this on my list. I can’t wait to play golf here. Thanks for sharing.
Carmen Edelson
October 22, 2018 at 4:41 pmIf you are a golf lover, than you will enjoy playing in any of these golf courses.
Abdullah Akram
March 19, 2019 at 5:38 amThanks for sharing such an amazing list my brother love to play golf i will share this list with him
Carmen Edelson
March 23, 2019 at 11:34 pmYou’re very welcome!
Yegar
May 28, 2019 at 5:06 pmThese places are just amazing. I’ve fallen in love with these golf courses. I can’t wait to visit these golf courses. Thanks for sharing this informative article and beautiful pictures. Thanks a lot.
Carmen Edelson
June 1, 2019 at 2:04 pmThey are all excellent choices!
Jon
July 20, 2019 at 11:48 amThese golf courses look awesome!
Carmen Edelson
August 6, 2019 at 2:59 pmThey really are!
Finn Collins
February 13, 2020 at 6:14 amAww! I was searching for the beautiful golf courses & I found your blog. I love every description of your blog. I love the north palm beach country club this natural scenery attract me very much. Thanks for your wonderful description.
Carmen Edelson
February 22, 2020 at 4:23 pmThank you, Finn!
Jhon B. Williams
March 15, 2020 at 4:46 pmHey Carmen Edelson, thanks for your beautiful review. One of my friend was searching for this topic & i mentioned your website. The Breaker Rees Jones course is personally FAVORITE to me.
Carmen Edelson
March 16, 2020 at 6:03 pmAwesome, thank you for sharing!
Masum
May 12, 2020 at 7:59 amWow, What a great review on the golf course that I ever found. One of my Friends who is staying in Florida and he asked me to visit your site. Really excellent, of course, PGA national resort is a place of legendary moment in golf.
Carmen Edelson
May 18, 2020 at 7:27 pmThank you for visiting my website 🙂
Mary James
November 3, 2020 at 7:41 pmOne of my friends recently introduced me to this sport. I will definitely try it out this season. Thanks and cheers!
Carmen Edelson
November 9, 2020 at 2:27 pmThat’s great – enjoy!
JHON SMITH
October 7, 2021 at 5:51 amHi Carmen, It is an Amazing list. The PGA National Course is an awesome one. Thanks for the finest details. already following yours on Instagram. Take Love.
Thanks
Carmen Edelson
October 8, 2021 at 10:35 amThank you!