The Best Golf Courses in the Tampa Area: Where to Hit the Links in Central Florida

Florida may be known for its beaches and watersports, but the Tampa area is also home to quite a few first class golf courses as well. So whether you're just planning a visit or are lucky enough to call Florida's Gulf Coast home, here's a closer look at just some of the best golf courses in the Tampa area. 

Old Memorial Golf Club - Tampa

13600 Hixon Rd, Tampa, FL 33626 | Website

Golf Digest recently ranked Old Memorial Golf Club in the top 20 when it comes to some of “The Best Golf Courses in Florida”. The invitation-only golf club was constructed in the mid 1990s, and its clubhouse opened a few months later. The private club offers more than 100 professionally trained caddies.

TPC Tampa Bay - Lutz

 5300 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Lutz, FL 33558 | Website

TPC Tampa Bay sits to the north of Tampa in Lutz. For 21 consecutive years the course has hosted the PGA Tour Champions event. This 18-hole, par 71 golf course is challenging for the pros and for those still working on their game. Designed by Bobby Weed, the golf course offers memberships and public daily rates. 

Saddlebrook Resort- Wesley Chapel 

5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 | Website

Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel has two golf courses. The site is also home to the Saddlebrook Golf Academy. Both courses at Saddlebrook were designed by Arnold Palmer. One of the courses is an 18-hole, par 71 course, while the other is an 18-hole, par 70 course. 

Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club - Palm Harbor

36750 US Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684 | Website 

The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club is one of four courses that golfers can choose from at the club. In the past, some of the world’s best golfers have played Copperhead. The course is known for its tall pines and its dramatic changes in elevation. Innisbrook sits northwest of Tampa in Palm Harbor. 

Sanctuary at River Strand Golf & Country Club - Bradenton

7155 Grand Estuary Trail, Bradenton, FL 34212 | Website 

River Strand Golf & Country Club has close to 1,300 golf-deeded homes, with golf memberships only available to those homeowners. The 27-hole, championship golf facility at River Strand was designed by Arthur Hills. The Sanctuary is a nine-hole course, while the Estuary is considered the club’s most challenging. There is also the option of The Tributary course at River Strand in nearby Bradenton.

Cabot Citrus Farms - Brooksville

17590 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34614 | Website

World Woods Golf Club in Brooksville has recently been rebranded Cabot Citrus Farms. Originally the club featured two Tom Fazio-designed, championship golf courses, and when the property reopens again next year, it’s expected to include two 18-hole golf courses, a new nine-hole course, and a par-three course. It will also include a new clubhouse and a practice facility.

The Club at Cheval - North Tampa

 4312 Cheval Blvd, Lutz, FL 33558 | Website

The Club at Cheval is a semi-private club in North Tampa. Tucked away inside a gated neighborhood, much of the course is surrounded by tall trees. The challenging, 18-hole course is just one part of the property. The club also features a newly renovated clubhouse and restaurant, a fitness center, and tennis courts.