Golf aficionados should not miss visiting the picturesque and historically significant Florida Trail, a must-see destination for them.
Discover the Charm of the Florida Historic Golf Trail
The Florida Historic Golf Trail, established in 2014, winds through more than 50 historic golf courses from Pensacola to Key West. This unique trail showcases the rich history of golf in Florida, a state that has been home to the sport since before it was established on this side of the Atlantic.
The Florida Historic Golf Trail features golf courses that were built at a time when Florida was developing its railways, hotels, and resorts. Many of these courses first welcomed players in the 1920s and 1930s, an era when Florida was experiencing a boom in beautiful dreams and grand architecture.
One such course is the Brentwood Golf Course in Jacksonville, opened in 1923. This public course, part of the Historic Golf Trail, has hosted prestigious tournaments like the United States National Public Links and the Jacksonville Open. Brentwood also supports community programs like the First Tee of North Florida, which helps children develop life skills through golf.
Another notable course is the Key West Golf Club, the southernmost golf course in the continental U.S., built in 1923. Despite the flat land and lack of soil, this course presents challenges that necessitate the shipping of soil from the mainland. The Key West Golf Club offers stunning views and is a great spot to enjoy Key West sunsets.
The Florida Historic Golf Trail also boasts several vintage miniature golf courses, such as Goofy Golf in Fort Walton Beach, Panama City Beach Goofy Golf, and Polynesian Putter in St. Pete Beach. These courses are notable for their historical significance and unique features.
Goofy Golf, Fort Walton Beach, established in 1958, features two 18-hole courses with the iconic handmade 23-foot-tall T-rex "Hammy" and the infamous "Snake's Mouth" final hole. Goofy Golf, Panama City Beach, offers scenic views along the Matanzas River with views of the historic Bridge of Lions. Polynesian Putter, built in 1967, retains nearly all of its original holes featuring tropical jungle hazards and distinctive large Tiki heads and snakes.
All courses on the Florida Historic Golf Trail are open to the public and do not require membership. Some historic golf courses on the trail offer stay-and-play packages in partnership with local hotels. The best time to visit the Florida Historic Golf Trail is during winter and early spring for the best weather, although fall is also a beautiful time to visit, albeit less crowded.
The Biltmore Golf Course in Coral Gables, one of the courses on the Florida Historic Golf Trail, was built in 1921 and still features its original design layout. This course adjoins the elegant Biltmore Hotel, which boasts Mediterranean architecture.
The Florida Historic Golf Trail offers courses designed by golfing greats like Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and historical experience, the Florida Historic Golf Trail is a must-visit destination.
Experience the charm of playing golf at courses designed by legends like Bobby Jones and Arnold Palmer, as you journey through the Florida Historic Golf Trail. venturing through the Trail's rich offerings, such as theBrentwood Golf Course in Jacksonville and the Key West Golf Club, both built in the 1920s, you'll encounter charming vintage miniature golf courses like Goofy Golf in Fort Walton Beach, part of this historic trail since 1958.
