Florida's Premier Public Golf Courses Unveiled for 2025: Top Picks!

TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA - As the summer sun shines down on the First Coast, excitement is building for one of the region’s premier golf events. The 18th Junior Players Championship is set to unfold at the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, marking a beloved Labor Day Weekend tradition. This momentous tournament, presented by Rolex, will take place from August 29 to September 1, 2024, and features 78 top-ranked male junior golfers competing in a challenging 54-hole, stroke-play format. Just imagine watching some of the brightest young talents as they showcase their skills on this legendary course, a true gem in Florida’s golfing landscape.

In addition to the thrills that await at TPC Sawgrass, Golfweek recently unveiled its list of the top public-access golf courses in Florida for 2025. It’s always exciting to see which courses make the cut. Over a hundred experts evaluated courses based on ten criteria, rated on a scale from one to ten, focusing on aspects such as conditions, service, and amenities. The results? A remarkable lineup that includes some of the state’s best offerings.

Top 20 Public Golf Courses in Florida

The top 20 public golf courses are:

From this list, it’s easy to see why TPC Sawgrass garners so much admiration. Not only does it serve as the backdrop for the beloved Junior Players Championship, but it also ranks as the top public golf course in the state according to Golfweek. Over the years, this prestigious tournament has gained a robust following, featuring players from 12 foreign countries and 17 U.S. states—including an impressive 11 participants from Florida.

Rising Stars Shine Bright

This year’s Junior Players Championship promises thrilling golf and fierce competition. Among the players to watch is defending champion Miles Russell, who is currently the No. 1 player in the Rolex AJGA Rankings. At just 14 years old, he made headlines as the youngest champion in the event’s history. Expect to see him face off against fellow talented golfers like Tyler Watts and Pennson Badgett, each with credentials that underscore their potential on the grand stage.

With the tournament echoing the setup of THE PLAYERS Championship, young athletes will play for glory on the very same greens that have witnessed countless professional pages of golf history. Not only does the AJGA nurture talent that often transitions to the professional circuit, but it is also a springboard that has seen graduates, like Justin Thomas and Scottie Scheffler, go on to capture major championships.

As we gather to cheer for these budding stars at TPC Sawgrass, let us remember how golf brings communities together and inspires the next generation. There’s something to be said for these events—they make not just players, but also memories that fans carry in their hearts for years to come.