Whether you're a scratch golfer looking for your next challenge or someone just learning to swing a club, the Dadeland area of South Florida almost certainly has a golf course that fits your game. Within just a few miles of this bustling Miami neighborhood, you'll find everything from historic championship layouts to beginner-friendly nine-hole courses, each offering its own slice of Florida golf culture.

The variety is what makes this area special. You can tee off at a course that hosted PGA Tour events for decades, practice your swing at South Florida's only night-lit driving range, or play the same holes where Arnold Palmer made his professional debut. Whether you live in our Downtown Dadeland apartments or are just swinging through (hah!), here’s what's available for golfers around Dadeland.

Golf courses around Dadeland

Palmetto Golf Course

If you're looking for a classic Miami golf experience, Palmetto Golf Course can give you exactly that! 

This Par-70 championship course designed by Dick Wilson sits on a beautiful 121 acres along US-1, though its crowning jewel is its serpentine canal system that winds through the entire property. These waterways don't just sit there looking pretty, either; they come into play alongside tree-lined fairways, creating both strategic challenges and scenic views throughout the course. 

The facility also includes a 22-position lighted driving range, a lighted putting green and a full pro shop. If you're looking to improve your game, Crandon Golf Academy runs lessons, clinics and junior camps here throughout the year. 

Basically, it’s got everything you’d need!

Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne

Just 10 minutes from downtown Miami on Key Biscayne, Crandon Golf offers something you won't find at any other public course in the area — the only public golf course on Biscayne Bay! 

The championship 18-hole layout is surrounded by water, mangroves and tropical foliage that create an explosion of color and gorgeous scenery throughout your round. It really is a bucket-list course!

The island location means you're playing with cool ocean breezes and stunning bay views that make even a bad round feel like a mini vacation. The course has hosted plenty of PGA Tour Champions events, too, so while the scenery might be distracting, the golf itself demands your attention. The combination of strategic design and natural beauty really does make this one of South Florida's most memorable golf experiences.

Miami Springs Golf & Country Club

Miami Springs holds two important distinctions: first, it's one of Miami's oldest courses (opening in 1923); and second, it has the only practice facility in South Florida with nighttime access! 

The course's history reads like a who's who of golf, as it hosted the Miami Open all the way from 1925 to 1955, with winners including Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen and Byron Nelson, to name a few. Arnold Palmer also made his professional debut here at the 1954 Miami Open, and while he missed the cut that year, he returned in 1955 and finished tied for eighth. Like we said, it’s got a history!

Today, the course attracts players who appreciate both its history and its practical amenities, with the all-grass driving range staying lit until 9 p.m. and is perfect for those who can only practice after work. The facility also includes a practice bunker and two practice greens, giving you everything needed to work on your game, day or night.

Killian Greens Golf Club

Killian Greens offers straightforward, enjoyable golf at reasonable prices. It’s a great, no-nonsense spot to play, no matter your skill level!

The course features what they call a Cayman practice range, along with a 100-yard range and practice areas for putting, chipping and bunker play. The pro shop stays well-stocked, and there's a cafe on site for food and drinks. What Killian Greens lacks in glamour, it makes up for in accessibility and solid course conditions that serve both local residents and visitors equally well.

Biltmore Golf Course

The Biltmore Golf Course stands as one of Florida's most historic layouts. Donald Ross designed this 18-hole, par-71 championship course in 1925, and it stretches 6,700 yards through the heart of scenic Coral Gables. The course serves as the annual host of the Junior Orange Bowl Golf Tournament, the nation's largest junior golf championship.

Playing here means golfing in the shadow of the iconic Biltmore Hotel, which provides a stunning backdrop throughout your round. The combination of Ross's classic design philosophy and the course's role in developing young talent makes it an important part of South Florida's golf landscape. The facility includes full practice areas and a pro shop, with the hotel's amenities nearby for dining and events.

Granada Golf Course

Granada holds a special place in Florida golf history as the oldest operating nine-hole course in the state, opening in 1923. This par-36 layout sits just outside downtown Coral Gables and manages to maintain a private club atmosphere while remaining open to the public.

Despite being nearly a century old, Granada stays current with modern amenities including a fully-stocked pro shop, locker rooms, cart rentals and a restaurant. The golf instruction program caters to a wide range of abilities and skill levels, too, offering private lessons, group sessions, junior programs and specialty shot classes. At just nine holes, it's perfect for beginners, quick rounds, or anyone who wants to experience a piece of Florida golf history without committing to a full 18 holes.

Riviera Country Club

Riviera Country Club operates as a private facility but deserves its own mention for its role in the local golf community! 

The 18-hole course plays 6,511 yards and specifically caters to beginners and juniors looking to develop their skills. While membership is required, the club's focus on player development makes it an important part of the area's golf instruction landscape.

Trump National Doral Miami

Trump National Doral stands as one of golf's most recognizable destinations, anchored by the famous Blue Monster course. 

The resort features four distinct courses, each offering its own challenges and character. Dick Wilson designed the Blue Monster in 1962, creating what became the template for modern South Florida golf courses with abundant water hazards, deep bunkers and elevated greens.

The course underwent significant updates by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, who added new slopes and ridges while creating new lakes on the par-3 15th and drivable par-4 16th holes. These changes arrived just before the PGA Tour ended its long run at Doral, which had hosted tour events from 1962 to 2016.

Beyond the Blue Monster, the resort offers The Red Tiger, The Golden Palm and The Silver Fox courses, each providing their own unique playing experiences. The facility includes a state-of-the-art LED practice facility and The Trump Golf Academy for instruction. While resort courses typically come with resort prices, the quality and variety of golf here justify the cost for many players.

Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club

Deering Bay sits nestled in Coral Gables' lush landscape, featuring an 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed golf course that’s beloved by its patrons. 

As you'd expect from a Palmer design, the course balances playability with a good amount of strategic interest, making it enjoyable for members of varying skill levels.

The club goes well beyond golf, too, offering seven tennis courts, three pickleball courts, a fitness center, an aerobic studio and a junior Olympic-size pool; finally, two dining venues and event spaces round out the impressive list of amenities. 

While it is a private club, the Palmer pedigree and comprehensive facilities make it one of the area's premier golf destinations for those with access.

Making your choice

The golf courses around Dadeland offer something for every player and budget. Beginners might start at Granada's historic nine holes, while serious players seeking a challenge should head to Trump National Doral's Blue Monster.

For those who can only practice after work, Miami Springs' lighted driving range stays open until 9 p.m. If you want the full Florida golf experience with ocean breezes and tropical scenery, Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne delivers both beauty and challenge.

Most courses in the area incorporate South Florida's natural water features into their designs, so bring extra balls if you tend to spray your shots. The tropical vegetation and wildlife viewing opportunities add to the experience, reminding you that you're golfing in one of the country's most unique environments.

Whether you're a resident of our Dadeland apartments looking for a regular playing spot or a visitor wanting to experience South Florida golf, these courses provide plenty of options. From municipal courses offering affordable daily play to resort destinations where golf becomes an event, the variety ensures you'll find the right fit for your game and budget.

Enjoy!

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