Florida is the best state in the U.S. for golfers, thanks to its abundance of courses, lovely weather, and high number of great public courses

Choosing the perfect golfing location can be a challenge, given the vast array of courses and climates in the U.S. To narrow down the options, we've considered three primary factors: the total number of golf courses, the amount of annual sunshine, and the number of best public courses. With that in mind, let's explore the top 10 states for golfers.

#1. Florida

Florida isn't just chock full of amusement parks, gators, and beaches. It's a fan favorite for golf lovers, offering an exceptional combination of courses, favorable weather, and picturesque backdrops. With an impressive 101 sunny days each year, Florida stands out for its ideal golfing climate and the highest number of courses in the United States, totaling 1,154. The state also shines in Golf Digest's list of America's greatest public golf courses, featuring five courses, making it a prime destination for golf enthusiasts.

The 5 Best Golf Courses in Florida

• TPC Sawgrass: By the gorgeous white sands in Ponte Vedra Beach, this course — including The Players Stadium Course, which is the first of its kind, and the top-rated Dye's Valley course — is celebrated for its challenging layout. It hosts the annual Players Championship, a prestigious event on the PGA Tour.
• Bay Hill Club & Lodge: Renovated by Arnold Palmer in 2009, Bay Hill Club & Lodge captures the vibrant tropical beauty of Central Florida in 18 holes. It's celebrated for its association with the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
• Streamsong Resort: Streamsong Resort distills the paradisiacal scenery and charm of Central Florida into three courses, each of which provides a distinct golfing experience. Streamsong Red is on Golfweek's list of the best U.S. courses. According to course architect Bill Coore, it has “some of the most unusual, interesting and dramatic landforms we have ever encountered, from its towering dunes, sandy fields, and pristine lakes."
• The Park West Palm: This 18-hole community course excels through inclusivity, with a focus on teaching golf to people of all ages, abilities, and walks of life. There's something here for everyone, from greens that vary in difficulty, to plenty of par 3s, to Floridian features you won't forget.
• PGA National Resort & Spa: Located in Palm Beach Gardens, PGA National Resort & Spa has an incredible six courses that are known internationally for their quality and beauty. The resort is famous for its Champion Course, home to the PGA Tour's Honda Classic.

Fun Florida Golf Facts

• Scenic coasts: Florida's Gulf Coast is particularly famous for its picturesque golf courses, including those at Naples and Sarasota. The region is celebrated for its beautiful coastal scenery, which provides a stunning backdrop for a round of golf.
• Endless sunshine: The state's favorable climate allows for year-round play, with many courses designed to take advantage of the sunny weather.
• Exceptional courses: Florida's golf courses are known for their quality and scenic beauty, making it a favorite destination for golfers from across the country.

Which U.S. States Have the Most Golf Courses?

The United States is home to a diverse and extensive array of golf courses, with several states leading the way. Here's a closer look at the states with the most golf courses:

Florida

The Sunshine State's stats go a long way toward painting the picture of this golfer's paradise. It has 1,154 golf courses which collectively host an average of 48 million rounds annually. The PGA Tour has its headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach while the LPGA calls Daytona home. With a strong retirement community, Florida offers plenty of affordable options for players looking to settle down and golf regularly.

Via HOTSPRING