DwayneTucker.com

If you’re traveling to Miami with your clubs, you’ve probably asked the same question I hear all the time:

Where should I play?

Through Instagram and the golf community, I’ve met golfers from all over the world. Whether they’re visiting for a weekend, a business trip, or a full vacation, the conversation always ends up here.

Miami looks like a golf paradise from the outside. But once you get here, you realize the experience can vary. Conditions, pace of play, pricing, and overall vibe all matter.

My name is Dwayne Tucker. I’ve been playing consistent golf in Miami for over a decade.

I play a lot of golf.

But I make better shots with my camera.

This guide isn’t based on rankings, sponsorships, or marketing. It’s based on real experience; the courses I actually play, the ones I rotate through, and the ones I recommend when someone asks where they should tee it up.

Miami Lakes Golf Club

The Best Overall Public Golf Experience Right Now

A few years ago, my answer would have been Melreese.

Not just because of the layout, but because of the energy. The outside staff, management, kitchen, maintenance; everyone felt like family. That kind of community matters on a public course, especially when the course is working hard to stay in good condition.

When Melreese closed, a lot of us wondered where that feeling would go.

Today, that energy lives at Miami Lakes.

The course reopened to the public in late 2025, and you can feel the difference the moment you arrive. A good number of the staff from Melreese made the move, and the atmosphere reflects that same welcoming energy.

Condition-wise, it’s one of the best public setups in Miami. The turf feels healthy, the lies are clean, and the greens have real personality. They’re bold, undulated, and reward players who understand where to miss and how to manage the course.

From a photographer’s perspective, the property feels open and calm. Morning light cuts across the fairways beautifully, and late afternoons bring a quiet rhythm to the space.

If someone asks me where to play first in Miami, this is my answer.

Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne

A Championship Test in a True South Florida Environment

Crandon feels different before you even get to the first tee.

The drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway sets the tone. Once you’re there, you’re dealing with wind, heat, exposure, and a layout that doesn’t give you anything easy.

This is one of the toughest public courses in Miami. It’s long, demanding, and will show you exactly where your game stands.

They’ve made recent improvements to the greens and bunkers, and the difference shows. Fairways can still be inconsistent in spots, but maintaining turf this close to saltwater is a challenge most inland courses don’t deal with.

King tides can occasionally impact holes on the property, which is something to keep in mind when planning your round.

Wildlife is everywhere. Iguanas, raccoons, and the occasional surprise remind you that this is real South Florida.

If you pay attention, hole 18 gives you a quiet window where the Miami skyline opens up. It’s one of my favorite photo moments on any public course in the city.

Just remember; take the photo and keep the pace moving.

The Biltmore Golf Course

Classic Miami Resort Golf

The Biltmore is about the experience.

As a local, it’s not part of my regular rotation, but I understand what it offers. This is a historic resort property designed around the visitor experience.

Everything here carries a premium feel; pricing, parking, range access; but that comes with the territory.

The course itself is long, open, and fair. It’s not overly complicated, but it requires solid ball-striking and patience.

The practice facilities are strong, and the Jim McLean Golf School on property adds serious credibility for players looking to invest in their game.

If you’re visiting Miami and want a classic resort round with history behind it, the Biltmore delivers.

JW Turnberry Resort

True Resort Atmosphere

Turnberry gives you a full resort golf experience.

Both courses require target golf and smart positioning. It’s less about overpowering the course and more about managing your way around.

The conditioning is strong, the landscaping is polished, and the overall environment feels built around enjoying the day rather than grinding through a competitive round.

If you’re staying at the resort, the experience is seamless. If you’re visiting from elsewhere, expect valet and resort-style logistics.

Trump National Doral

Championship Conditions and a Serious Test

Doral is one of the most recognized golf properties in South Florida.

The Blue Monster gets most of the attention, and the name fits. It’s long, exposed, and unforgiving. Water is everywhere, and if you miss the fairway by a little, you may not find your ball.

Personally, I enjoy the Red Tiger and Golden Palm. They feel more balanced and playable while still demanding good golf.

Conditions across the property are consistently excellent, and the practice facility is one of the best in Miami; unlimited balls, large putting areas, and strong short-game space.

This is serious golf. Between the length, wind, heat, and layout, it will show you exactly where your game stands.

Miami Beach Area Courses

Convenience for Beach Visitors

If you’re staying near the beach, these are the courses I rotate through depending on what I’m working on.

Miami Beach Golf Club

The strength here is the practice facility.

The short-game area helped me tighten up my chipping and pitching more than anywhere else locally. The range now has lights, fans, and coverage for evening sessions.

The downside is pricing. A large bucket has gone from about $13 to around $24.

The course itself is solid but busy. Early morning or late-day rounds are the best move.

Normandy Shores Golf Club

Normandy is straightforward, relaxed, and honest.

The range is mostly mats, but the putting surfaces roll well, and the overall vibe is social and easygoing.

Miami Shores Country Club

Miami Shores has an old-school municipal feel.

The greens have a subtle elevated “turtle shell” shape, and the rough can be heavy St. Augustine. The range stays open late, which makes it a good after-work practice option.

Hole 17 is a tough par three, so it helps to give yourself some room before you get there.

Granada Golf Course

A Historic Nine-Hole Gem

Opened in 1923 and designed by Donald Ross, Granada is one of the oldest courses in South Florida.

Strategy matters more than power here. What makes the course special is the community. I’ve shown up as a single many times and ended up paired with the same local players.

It’s simple, social, and one of the most authentic golf experiences in Miami.

Miami Springs Golf & Country Club

A historic municipal course that once hosted early professional events.

Recent renovations improved the greens, and the layout is fair and approachable. It’s an easy walk and a solid relaxed round.

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Private Clubs

Some of Miami’s best courses require member access, including La Gorce, Indian Creek, Riviera, and Deering Bay. Outstanding facilities, but you’ll need a connection to experience them.

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Where Should You Play First?

If you only have time for one round:

Best overall public experience; Miami Lakes

Best challenge; Crandon

Best resort experience; Doral or Turnberry

Best local feel; Granada

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Final Thoughts

Miami golf isn’t perfect. It’s expensive. Conditions vary. The weather will test you.

But the variety is real.

This guide comes from a local perspective after years of playing across the city.

I play a lot of golf.

But I make better shots with my camera.

If you’re visiting Miami, enjoy the round. Stay hydrated. Bring patience.

And if you see me out there, say what’s up.

Stay tuned,

Tucker