Florida’s 2025 golf season features major professional events like THE PLAYERS Championship, Arnold Palmer Invitational, Cognizant Classic, and Valspar Championship, alongside popular amateur and junior tournaments such as the Winter Series Stableford and Four-Ball. These tournaments typically occur from February through March, showcasing world-class courses and attracting top players and amateurs alike. Florida’s warm climate and diverse courses make it a prime destination for year-round golf competition.
Florida is gearing up for an exceptional lineup of golf tournaments in 2025, showcasing events that cater to professionals, amateurs, and junior golfers alike. Known as the Sunshine State, Florida’s warm climate and world-class courses make it a premier destination for golf enthusiasts year-round. Whether you’re a passionate PGA Tour follower, an aspiring amateur competitor, or someone who simply appreciates the beauty and challenge of the game, Florida’s 2025 tournament calendar holds something exciting for everyone.
Dates: February 27 – March 2, 2025
Location: PGA National Resort (The Champion Course), Palm Beach Gardens
Purse: $9.2 million
The 2025 season in Florida kicks off with the Cognizant Classic held at the renowned PGA National Resort. The Champion Course, famous for its demanding “Bear Trap” – a sequence of three notoriously challenging holes (15, 16, and 17) – will push even the most skilled golfers to their limits. This tournament often serves as a critical early-season indicator for players settling into form, attracting many PGA Tour professionals eager to gain momentum. The $9.2 million purse makes it a highly competitive event that blends strategy, skill, and mental toughness.
Dates: March 3–9, 2025
Location: Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando
Purse: $20 million
One of the crown jewels of Florida’s golf schedule, the Arnold Palmer Invitational honors the legendary “King” himself. Played at the scenic Bay Hill Club & Lodge, this tournament consistently draws a stellar field of top-ranked players. The event is distinguished not only by its impressive $20 million purse but also by the prestige associated with winning on Arnie’s home course. The Invitational is known for challenging the full spectrum of a player’s skills — from precision tee shots to clutch putting — making it one of the most eagerly watched stops on the PGA Tour.
Dates: March 11–16, 2025
Location: TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach
Purse: $25 million
Marking its 50th anniversary in 2025, THE PLAYERS Championship exceeds the stature of a typical PGA Tour event. Often referred to as the “fifth major,” this tournament boasts one of the richest purses – $25 million – and features the iconic 17th-hole island green, one of golf’s most visually striking and nerve-wracking holes. The event is famed for dramatic moments and breakthrough performances, with past champions often going on to secure major titles. For fans and players alike, THE PLAYERS Championship is a must-see highlight of Florida’s golf calendar.
Dates: March 17–23, 2025
Location: Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor
Purse: $8.7 million
The Valspar Championship at Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course challenges competitors with a unique layout that emphasizes shot-making and strategy. The course’s undulating greens and narrow fairways demand precision, while the natural Floridian landscape provides a stunning backdrop. This tournament is well-loved by players for its fairness yet difficulty, and by spectators for its scenic beauty. The $8.7 million purse and competitive field make it a fantastic week of golf to follow or attend.
Dates: February 3–4, 2025
Location: Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club (North Course), Dade City
As part of the Florida State Golf Association’s Winter Series, the Stableford tournament at Lake Jovita offers a unique scoring system that rewards aggressive play. Unlike traditional stroke play, Stableford awards points based on the number of strokes taken relative to par on each hole, encouraging players to take calculated risks. This format is especially popular among senior amateurs looking to sharpen their competitive edge early in the season. The North Course here is known for its natural beauty combined with challenging holes that test shot-making and course management.
Dates: February 17–18, 2025
Location: Country Club of Ocala, Ocala
The Winter Series Four-Ball format brings an exciting team element to amateur competition. In this event, pairs compete as partners, with each golfer playing their own ball and the better score on each hole counting for the team. This format fosters camaraderie while maintaining a high level of competition, making it great for amateur golfers looking to enjoy the social aspect of golf alongside skill testing play. The Country Club of Ocala’s well-maintained course provides a challenging and enjoyable environment for this popular event.
Yes, all the major professional tournaments in Florida, including THE PLAYERS Championship and the Arnold Palmer Invitational, welcome spectators. Tickets often sell out quickly, so it’s advisable to purchase them well in advance. These events offer fantastic opportunities to see top PGA Tour players up close, enjoy hospitality areas, and experience the electric atmosphere.
Amateur players can register for Florida State Golf Association events through their official website. Many tournaments have specific eligibility requirements, such as handicap limits, so make sure to check the guidelines carefully. Early registration is recommended as spots tend to fill quickly, especially for popular formats like Stableford and Four-Ball.
Yes, Florida hosts numerous junior golf tournaments throughout the year, including regional qualifiers and championships sanctioned by the Florida Junior Golf Tour and the AJGA (American Junior Golf Association). These events provide young players with competitive opportunities to develop their skills and gain visibility. Checking with organizations like the Florida State Golf Association and local clubs will provide the most up-to-date schedules.
Florida’s unique combination of mild winter weather, diverse and challenging golf courses, and strong golf culture make it a natural hub for tournaments year-round. Many courses are designed by legendary architects and offer a variety of layouts that test all facets of a player’s game. Additionally, Florida’s robust golf infrastructure supports both world-class professional events and developmental amateur competitions, attracting players and fans from around the globe.
Florida’s 2025 golf calendar promises an exhilarating mix of prestigious professional tournaments and vibrant amateur events. Whether you want to witness the world’s top golfers compete for major titles or participate in well-organized amateur competitions, the Sunshine State’s courses deliver the perfect stage. From the strategic “Bear Trap” holes at PGA National to the iconic island green at TPC Sawgrass, Florida continues to be one of the most exciting golf destinations in the world.
Plan ahead, mark your calendars, and get ready to experience the best of golf in Florida in 2025!
Read our latest stories about everything golf, from travel tips to equipment reviews.
Planning a weekend getaway in Miami is a dream for many golf enthusiasts. With its beautiful weather, scenic courses, and vibrant city vibe, Miami offers an unbeatable golfing experience. But...
Read more →
Why Florida is a mini-golf paradise Florida is famous for its world-class golf courses, but it's also a hotspot for mini-golf enthusiasts of all ages. Thanks to its warm climate...
Read more →
Understanding the yips in golf Every golfer, from weekend warriors to seasoned pros, dreads the yips. This sudden, involuntary loss of fine motor skills during putting or short shots can...
Read more →