Golf Vacation Guide: Tee Off on Great South Florida Fairways

Palm Beach County, Florida is known as a premier golf location for players of all ages and all experience levels. Although many of the golf courses in the area require a hefty membership fee, there are many beautiful courses in and around the surrounding areas of Palm Beach County that do not require these fees. All of the courses listed below are open to the general public year round. Some of the courses highlighted in this article even offer some great country club amenities.

John Prince Golf Learning Center: This is not just an ordinary golf course; it is a learning center specialized for golfers. This practice facility managed by Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation is host to 42 hitting stations with two covered hitting areas, a lighted driving range, a practice fairway bunker, three regulation practice holes (a par four and two par threes) and 16,000 square feet of practice putting and chipping greens. The golfing center provides group and private instruction for all ages and abilities. They also offer a fully stocked golf pro shop for all your golfing needs that may arise while you are out on the course. They also have instructors standing by ready to help with club fitting and swing analysis. The center is located in east Lake Worth.

Deer Creek: This course is technically not in Palm Beach County, it is just over the border in Deerfield Beach, which is just south of Boca Raton. This beautifully landscaped and well-maintained upscale public golf course has a country club atmosphere. The landscape and scenery surrounding Deer Creek is beautiful. It is an 18-hole Championship golf course designed by world-renowned architect Arthur Hill. Deer Creek also offers a large 2,500 square foot fully stocked pro shop for just about anything a golfer could dream of. Deer Creek host two golf schools, along with numerous tournaments and other events. The clubhouse features a dining and banquet room along with a bar. They also have a full service locker room facility to use. PGA and LPGA professionals offer full service private and group lessons.

Polo Trace: Located in Delray Beach, Polo Trace golf course features unique water features on 13 separate holes on a links-style course. It also features a driving range and putting greens to help with your short game. This course offers a variety of specials including their twilight rate starting at 2 pm daily, golfers can currently play starting at $59.00 per player. There is also a pro shop and a bar & grill area serving a great breakfast, lunch and dinner on the premises.

Southwinds Golf Course: This course features an 18-hole Championship course, driving range, putting green and full practice facilities. Southwinds Golf Course is located in west Boca Raton. Southwinds was voted "The Best of Boca" in 2003 and 2004. The course is open seven days a week including most holidays. The course is also fully staffed with professional instructors who offer private and group classes. Combine the many water hazards and the lush outdoor surroundings, Southwinds is considered a fun course to play.

Red Reef Park Executive Golf Course: This 9 hole course is great way to take in a short round of golf and enjoys South Florida's beautiful coastline at the same time. Located between the Intercostals Waterway and Atlantic Ocean this course offers spectacular views. The scenery is simply breathtaking and refreshing. This course is great for beginners. Golf Cart and Club rental is available. Advanced tee time can also be arranged. Very affordably priced, unlike most courses this one won't break your wallet either.

Okeeheelee Golf Course: Located in West Palm Beach, Okeeheelee Golf Course is great for a quick practice round or for a full day of competition. Okeeheelee offers 27 holes of championship golf; 3 nine hole courses that may be played in 3 eighteen hole combinations. This course is a great place to experience a round of golf and the great wildlife park atmosphere. Okeeheelee has putting and chipping practice areas, a pro shop, golf instructors, golf cart and
club rentals, and a snack bar.

West Palm Beach Golf Course: Located just east of Interstate 95 in West Palm Beach, this golf course offers a putting and chipping practice area, driving range, private and group lessons, a pro shop, a restaurant, bar and much more. This is an 18 hole, par 72, championship course. West Palm Beach Golf Course host many yearly events specialized just for children such as junior tournaments, junior camps, and kids clinic. This is a great way to enjoy spending the day on one of those special father son outings.

The Links at Boynton Beach: Open to the public year round The Links at Boynton Beach is a complete golf facility. The Links offers an 18-hole par 71 course and a nine-hole par 30 executive course. The have a complete practice area including a driving range and putting greens/chipping greens. Their full service pro shop has a professional staff ready to assist you with instructional lessons, club fitting and any type of golfing advice you may need. The Links cafe is open daily serving great breakfast and lunch specials. The Links at Boynton Beach host a wonderful junior golf program for children ages 8-17. The Links also host many adult and junior tournaments.

Delray Beach Golf Club: Located close to Atlantic Avenue and Historical Delray Beach, Delray Beach Golf Club offers an 18 hole, 72 par municipal course offers a pro shop, driving range, league play, tournaments for adults and children, private and group lessons, on site instructors and junior programs. Golf Magazine named Delray Beach Golf course one of America's 100 Best Value Courses. Delray Beach Golf Club is not only for a day of golfing, they also have a restaurant, banquet rooms, catering facilities and party facilities.

Tradition Golf Club: Located in Royal Palm Beach Tradition Golf Course is said to be a challenging course that demands attention where the tree line and water hazards come into play frequently. It is an 18 hole, par 72 course. Tradition is equipped with a driving range, putting green, chipping practice area, pro shop, on site instructors, club rentals and cart rentals, restaurant, bar and snack bar.

Palm Beach County offers an abundance of bright sunny golfing days at all price ranges and skill levels. The courses listed above are scattered throughout all of Palm Beach County, ranging from Royal Palm Beach, Florida to Boca Raton, Florida. These courses are just a handful of many available to the public.