West Palm Beach sits at the heart of South Florida's premier golf destination, surrounded by five world-class courses that offer everything from PGA Tour venues to oceanfront par-3 layouts.
The top golf courses near West Palm Beach are PGA National Resort's Champion Course, Trump National Golf Club Jupiter, The Breakers Ocean Course, Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course, and Emerald Dunes Club – each within 15 minutes of downtown and offering distinct experiences from championship tests to scenic coastal rounds.
Keep reading for detailed insights into what makes each course special, including booking strategies, pricing information, and insider tips to help you choose the perfect round for your skill level and preferences.
PGA National Resort – The Champion Course: Where Legends Are Made
Just 10 minutes north of West Palm Beach in Palm Beach Gardens, PGA National Resort's Champion Course stands as one of golf's most prestigious venues.
This Jack Nicklaus-designed masterpiece stretches 7,045 yards and currently hosts the PGA TOUR's Cognizant Classic, drawing the world's best players to South Florida each year.
The course earned its fearsome reputation through the “Bear Trap” – three consecutive holes that have humbled tour professionals and weekend warriors alike.
These demanding holes showcase Nicklaus's strategic design philosophy, where wide fairways and spacious greens give you room to work, but strategically placed bunkers and water hazards on most holes demand precision and course management.
You're playing on historic ground when you tee it up here.
The Champion Course hosted the 1983 Ryder Cup, where the United States defended home soil, and the 1987 PGA Championship.
For 19 consecutive years, it also served as the venue for the Senior PGA Championship, cementing its status among golf's elite tournament courses.
The resort experience extends far beyond the Champion Course itself.
You'll find 99 total holes across six different courses, giving you variety whether you want another championship test or a more relaxed round.
After your game, the 40,000 square-foot European Spa offers 32 treatment areas where you can unwind and recover.
PGA National uses dynamic pricing that varies by season, so you'll find better rates during summer months and higher fees during peak winter season.
The full practice facilities and golf academy provide everything you need to prepare for your round or work on your game, making this a complete golf destination rather than just another course.
Trump National Golf Club Jupiter: Private Luxury with Panoramic Views
Located 15 minutes from West Palm Beach in Jupiter, Trump National Golf Club represents the pinnacle of private golf luxury in South Florida.
This Jack Nicklaus-designed course opened in 2002 as the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa before becoming part of the Trump portfolio, and it stretches an impressive 7,242 yards across some of the most scenic terrain in the region.
The course's signature features immediately set it apart from typical Florida layouts.
Deep pot bunkers reminiscent of Scottish links golf challenge your short game, while incredible water hazards – including a magnificent island green – demand both courage and precision.
The elevated tees throughout the course provide panoramic views across picturesque landscapes that showcase why Jupiter has become such a coveted golf destination.
Golf Digest recognized the course's excellence by ranking it 27th Best in State for 2025-'26, a testament to both the design and conditioning standards maintained here.
The immaculate year-round conditioning means you'll find perfect playing surfaces whether you visit in peak winter season or during the quieter summer months.
The private club exclusivity comes with amenities that match the course quality.
The 68,000 square foot clubhouse serves as the social heart of the club, while the 15,000 square foot spa provides world-class relaxation and recovery facilities.
Members also enjoy reciprocal privileges at other Trump properties nationwide, extending the luxury experience beyond Jupiter.
Access requires membership or invitation, making this a destination for those seeking the ultimate in private club golf.
The combination of Nicklaus design, pristine conditioning, and exclusive amenities creates an experience that justifies its reputation among Florida's most sought-after golf venues.
The Breakers Ocean Course: Florida's Historic Oceanside Gem
Just 5 minutes from West Palm Beach in prime Palm Beach, The Breakers Ocean Course carries the distinction of being Florida's oldest golf course, with its original layout dating back to 1897 when Alexander H. Findlay first designed these historic fairways.
This remarkable legacy received a modern update through a complete 2019 renovation by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones, who preserved the course's character while enhancing playability for today's golfers.
The par 70 layout emphasizes wit over power, rewarding strategic thinking as you navigate winding fairways that weave between sandy hazards and six carefully positioned lakes.
Unlike many modern courses that favor long hitters, this design challenges you to think your way around rather than simply overpower it.
The TifEagle Bermuda grass greens provide flawless conditioning year-round, ensuring consistent putting surfaces regardless of when you visit.
What sets this course apart is its unique coastal setting with manicured landscapes that offer occasional glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean.
The salt-tolerant grass and upgraded water-conserving irrigation system reflect both environmental consciousness and the practical needs of oceanside golf, where traditional turf often struggles with salt air and coastal conditions.
Access remains exclusive to resort guests, making a stay at The Breakers your gateway to this historic course.
The John Webster Golf Academy on-site provides professional instruction whether you're looking to improve your game or simply want a lesson before tackling these challenging fairways.
The combination of historic significance, oceanside beauty, and modern conditioning creates an experience you won't find anywhere else in South Florida.
This isn't just a round of golf – it's a journey through more than a century of Florida golf history, played on grounds that have hosted golfers since before the automobile was common.
Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course: Oceanfront Excellence for Every Golfer
Located just 5 minutes from West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course occupies one of the most spectacular settings in American golf, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Florida's Intracoastal Waterway.
Originally designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee in 1961, the course received a thoughtful redesign by Raymond Floyd in 2009 that enhanced both playability and the dramatic water views that make this layout so special.
Golf Digest has twice named this the best par 3 course in the country, recognition that speaks to both the quality of design and the breathtaking scenery you'll encounter.
The 18 holes range from 81 to 211 yards, with three sets of tees on each hole ensuring appropriate challenges for every skill level.
Two holes play directly along the Intracoastal Waterway while two others face the Atlantic Ocean, creating stunning water views throughout your round.
The walkable layout makes this perfect for golfers with time constraints or those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
You can complete a round in under three hours, making it ideal for morning rounds before other activities or evening golf as the sun sets over the water.
The course welcomes all skill levels, from beginners building confidence to scratch golfers working on their short iron precision.
Green fees range from $45 to $62 during high season, with discounts available for local residents and junior golfers.
This represents exceptional value considering the oceanfront location and national recognition the course has received.
The Al Fresco restaurant with ocean views provides the perfect spot to relax after your round while watching boats navigate the Intracoastal.
Whether you're looking for a quick round with spectacular views or want to introduce someone to golf in an inspiring setting, this course delivers an experience that combines accessibility with world-class scenery that few par 3 courses anywhere can match.
Emerald Dunes Club: Tom Fazio's Scottish-Inspired Masterpiece
Located directly in West Palm Beach for ultimate convenience, Emerald Dunes Club showcases Tom Fazio's 1990 design vision that brings a “touch of Scotland” and “feel of the Carolinas” to the South Florida landscape.
The course's most distinctive feature is the unique “Super Dune” – a dramatic 54-foot high mound that provides panoramic views of 14 holes while creating the kind of elevation changes rarely found in Florida golf.
This towering centerpiece features three tees, three greens, and cascading waterfalls that transform the typical flat Florida terrain into something reminiscent of highland golf.
The dramatic elevation changes throughout the course challenge you with uphill and downhill lies that require different club selections and shot strategies than you'll find on most regional courses.
Fazio's design philosophy comes alive through strategic water placement, with water or marshes coming into play on nearly every hole.
This isn't simply about adding visual appeal – each water feature demands careful course management and rewards precision over power.
The multi-million dollar renovation completed by the original designer has enhanced these features while maintaining the course's distinctive character.
Golf Digest recognized the quality with a ranking of 49th Best in State for 2025-'26, acknowledging both the design excellence and conditioning standards that make this course special.
Originally developed as a high-end public course, Emerald Dunes has evolved into one of the most sought-after private clubs in the Palm Beach market, requiring membership for access.
The transformation from public to private reflects the course's growing reputation among serious golfers who appreciate Fazio's artistry.
The Scottish and Carolina influences create a unique playing experience that stands apart from typical resort courses, offering the kind of strategic challenges and scenic beauty that make each round memorable.
Planning Your West Palm Beach Golf Experience: Insider Tips and Strategies
Successfully playing these premier courses requires understanding the different access requirements and timing your visits strategically.
PGA National and Palm Beach Par 3 accept public play, but you'll need to book tee times 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak season.
The Breakers courses remain exclusive to resort guests, meaning you'll need to book accommodations to access these historic fairways.
Private club access presents a different challenge entirely.
Trump National and Emerald Dunes require membership or invitation, making these courses accessible only through connections or reciprocal club agreements.
If you have membership at another private club, check whether reciprocal privileges might open doors to these exclusive venues.
Seasonal timing dramatically affects both availability and pricing.
Winter months from November through April represent peak season with higher rates and premium demand from northern visitors escaping cold weather.
You'll find the best conditions during this period, but expect to pay top dollar and compete for prime tee times.
Smart golfers can find significant value opportunities with the right approach.
Palm Beach Par 3 offers the best public access value, delivering oceanfront golf and national recognition at reasonable rates.
PGA National's dynamic pricing structure often provides better afternoon rates, particularly on weekdays when demand drops after morning rounds.
Summer strategies can unlock substantial savings for flexible golfers.
Consider summer memberships at private clubs or twilight rates that can reduce costs by 30-50% compared to peak season pricing.
The weather remains playable year-round in South Florida, though afternoon thunderstorms become more common during summer months.
Visitor packages at PGA National or The Breakers provide comprehensive resort golf experiences that bundle accommodations with course access.
These packages often include additional amenities and can offer better overall value than booking separately.
For time-constrained golfers, Palm Beach Par 3 delivers spectacular views in under three hours, perfect for fitting golf into busy schedules.
The geographic convenience of having all five courses within 15 minutes of West Palm Beach downtown means you can easily sample multiple venues during an extended visit, creating a complete South Florida golf experience.
Conclusion
These five exceptional golf courses showcase why West Palm Beach stands as one of America's premier golf destinations, offering everything from PGA Tour venues to oceanfront par-3 perfection within a 15-minute radius.
Whether you prefer the championship challenge of PGA National's Bear Trap, the private luxury of Trump National, or the historic charm of The Breakers, each course delivers a distinct and memorable experience.
Plan ahead for peak season access, consider value opportunities during summer months, and prepare for some of the finest golf Florida has to offer.
