A Perfect Itinerary for a Guy’s Golf Trip in Southern Florida
Latest updated: 4th February 2025
Reading time: 5 minutes
Southern Florida is the ultimate playground for a guy’s golf getaway. With stunning weather, top-notch courses, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained after the last putt drops, it’s the perfect spot for a long weekend or even a full week of golf and fun. If you and your buddies are looking to get away for a golf-focused adventure, here’s an itinerary that will make the most of your time in Southern Florida.
Day 1: Arrival & Warm-Up Round
Morning: Fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and gather your crew. Once you’ve settled in, head over to your hotel to drop off your bags and get into your golf mindset. If you want to stay in luxury, the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is a great base with upscale amenities and proximity to several fantastic courses.
Afternoon: Start your trip with a warm-up round at The Club at Emerald Hills in Hollywood. This course is highly rated among locals and offers an enjoyable yet challenging layout to kick off your trip. The greens are immaculate, and the fairways provide a good test of your accuracy.
Evening: Head back to the hotel, freshen up, and make your way to Miami for a laid-back dinner. Wynwood has a vibrant nightlife scene with great bars and restaurants to choose from. Grab some tacos and a few craft beers at Coyo Taco and enjoy the lively atmosphere to kick off your trip right.
Day 2: Golf & Gulf Coast Adventure
Morning: Start your day with an early tee time at Trump National Doral Miami. The Blue Monster course is world-famous for a reason, featuring a mix of water hazards, deep bunkers, and long fairways that will challenge everyone in the group. It’s a bucket-list experience for any golfer, and the pristine conditions make it worth the splurge.
Afternoon: After the round, have lunch at the Champions Bar & Grill right on-site to relax and discuss everyone’s best shots (and maybe some of the worst ones). Afterward, head to the Gulf Coast side, making your way to Naples for a change of scenery.
Evening: Once in Naples, check in at a local hotel like LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. Grab dinner at The Turtle Club for some great beachfront views, and finish the evening with drinks by the water as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico.
Day 3: Naples Golf & Night Out
Morning: Kick off Day 3 with a round at Tiburón Golf Club, which features two Greg Norman-designed courses—the Gold and the Black. The Gold Course is the more famous of the two, often hosting PGA and LPGA Tour events. The conditions are pristine, and the layout offers a mix of challenging bunkers and water hazards that make for a fun round.
Afternoon: Enjoy a post-round lunch at the Tiburón Golf Clubhouse. Then, spend some time relaxing at the beach or taking advantage of the pool facilities at the resort. For those who still have energy, you can also hit up one of the many nearby driving ranges for some friendly competitions.
Evening: For dinner, try Ocean Prime in Naples for a fantastic steak and seafood experience. After dinner, check out Fifth Avenue South, a hotspot for nightlife with bars, live music, and plenty of spots to relax and unwind with the guys.
Day 4: Morning Golf & Departure
Morning: For your final round, head over to Raptor Bay Golf Club in Bonita Springs. This Raymond Floyd-designed course is known for its environmental beauty, with lush native landscapes, no bunkers, and a focus on natural hazards like lakes and wetlands. It’s a great, relaxed round to finish off your trip on a high note.
Afternoon: After wrapping up your round, grab a quick bite at the Raptor Bay Clubhouse before packing up. Depending on your flight schedule, you can spend a bit more time lounging at the beach or enjoying a drink at a local bar to soak in the last bit of Southern Florida sun.
Departure: Make your way back to either Miami or Fort Lauderdale to catch your flight home. By now, you’ve experienced some of Southern Florida’s best courses, enjoyed quality time with friends, and created plenty of memories that’ll have you planning your next golf trip before you even get on the plane.
Tips for a Great Golf Trip
- Book Tee Times Early: Florida’s best courses fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Make sure to book your rounds well in advance to secure your desired tee times.
- Pack for the Heat: Southern Florida is warm year-round, so make sure to pack breathable golf apparel, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Mix Up the Courses: This itinerary features a mix of championship courses and relaxed rounds. Keeping a balance helps avoid burnout and makes the trip enjoyable for golfers of all levels.
- Stay Hydrated: Don’t underestimate the heat. Keep plenty of water on hand to stay hydrated throughout your rounds.
Conclusion
Southern Florida is an ideal destination for a guys’ golf trip, with a mix of challenging and iconic courses, great food, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re seeking championship-level challenges or just want to have fun with your friends, this itinerary will give you a taste of what makes Southern Florida a golfer’s dream. Pack your clubs, gather your crew, and get ready for an unforgettable golfing adventure.
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