Miami is fantastic in the winter, as we know. And, also as we know, the beautiful weather attracts tons of events and people. If you’re looking to make a tee time that won’t put you behind scads of slower players, check out these less populated spots.
1. Granada Golf Course
Tucked in the heart of the Gables, this nine-hole course is perfect for players of all skill levels to get in a quick round. Granada has a fully stocked pro shop, locker rooms, handcart rental, electric golf cart rental and a restaurant on site. Sand traps keep players off balance to add obstacles throughout the course. What makes this course great for beginners? No water hazards. 2001 Granada Blvd, Coral Gables; 305-460-5367. Daily 7am–6pm.
2. Killian Greens Golf Course
While not the most aesthetically pleasing course, Killian Greens is a par-72, 18-hole course offering a unique layout and a central location in Miami-Dade County. The Karnitas Grill café on-site is a nice place to grab a bite or drink before or after a round. Water hazards are few, but 40 sand traps will challenge players of all skill levels. What makes this course extra special? You can get an entire round for just $16! 9980 SW 104th St; 305-271-0917. Daily 7am–7pm.
3. Palmetto Golf Course
Calling itself “Miami’s favorite golf course since 1959,” Palmetto is a par-70 course on 121 acres running parallel to U.S. 1. The 18-hole course, designed by Dick Wilson and built in 1959 by developers Porter, Russell and Wagor, was bought by Miami-Dade County in 1967. A unique aspect is the serpentine canal system running through the course that challenges golfers on every hole. On site is a lighted driving range, lighted putting green, spacious clubhouse and fully stocked golf shop, plus a Sports Grill. 9300 SW 152nd St; 305-238-2922. Daily 6:30am–8pm.
4. Greynolds Park Golf Course
A par-36, nine-hole course similar to Granada, Greynolds Park is in North Miami Beach. A 3,100-yard, challenging layout designed by Mark Mahannah in 1964, this is one of the county’s most popular designs for all levels of play. The course offers electric carts, reasonable green fees and club rentals. Best thing about Greynolds? You can play the course for just $13! 17530 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach; 305-949-1741. Daily 7am–7pm.
5. Briar Bay Golf Course
A more frequented course than some others on this list, Briar Bay Golf Course has more than 40,000 rounds played on it each year. The Miami Parks Department acquired Briar Bay in 1979 and has operated the par-31, nine-hole venue that sits eight blocks west of U.S.1. Designed by Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge and built in 1974 by real estate developer Alec Courtelis, Briar Bay offers a unique experience for golfers of all skill levels for as little as $13. 9373 SW 95th Ave; 305-235-6754. Daily 7:30am–7pm.
6. Country Club of Miami
Don’t let the name fool you, this municipal course offers two well-maintained 18-hole courses, as well as a grass driving range and large pitching, putting and chipping areas in Hialeah. A Robert Trent Jones design, the club was founded in 1961 with Arnold Palmer as its first professional. Well worth the $55 winter rate, the Miami West Course was the original site of the National Airlines Open. After your round, stop by The Club Bar & Grill on site and try one of the signature Florida lobster rolls. 6801 NW 186th St, Hialeah; 305-829-8456. Mon–Sat 7:30am–7pm; Sun 7:30am–3pm.
7. Costa Del Sol Golf Club
Costa del Sol Golf Club is an 18-hole public golf course in Doral with a driving range and new putting green. The course was one of the first designs by ASGCA architect Robert E. Cupp, who later went on to join Jack Nicklaus Design as a senior course designer. The course opened in 1974 and features 6,011 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course is truly “an oasis in Doral,” as they've dubbed themselves, and the newly renovated greens create an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. 100 Costa Del Sol Blvd, Doral; 305-592-3300. Daily 6:30am–7pm.
8. Crandon Golf Course at Key Biscayne
This course does draw snowbirds, but every list of public golf courses in Miami must include this stunning 18-hole course on Key Biscayne. It’s the perfect alternative to civilization, a day enveloped by the tropics. Crandon was the site of the Senior PGA Tour for 18 years and offers a unique challenge: Players must escape copious water hazards, deep sand traps and maybe even the occasional crocodile. Views of Brickell and downtown are breathtaking on the final few holes. Florida residents get nearly a $50 discount on a round during the winter season. 6700 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne; 305-361-9129. Mon 7am–6pm; Tue 8am–8pm; Wed–Sun 7am–8pm.
Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.