We can’t think of a better way to soak up the Tampa Bay area’s green space than spending some time on the links. Whether you’re looking to connect outdoors with friends or you’re honing in on the perfect swing, here are 20+ golf offerings in and around Tampa + St. Pete.
Public courses
Rocky Point Golf Course, 4151 Dana Shores Dr., Tampa | Managed by the Tampa Sports Authority, this public, 18-hole course is part of the Historic Florida Golf Trail and offers local memberships for reduced rates, rental clubs and carts, and a grill for chowing down post-round.
Westchase Golf Club, 11602 Westchase Golf Dr., Tampa | Also known as the “Friendliest Course in Tampa,” this daily-fee facility winds through natural wetlands, wooden bridges, and bulkheads. The course also boasts a full kitchen, bar, and lesson options.
Twin Brooks Golf Course, 3800 22nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Home to the First Tee of St. Petersburg, this nine-hole, par-three course also features a driving range, pro shop, and snack bar. Golfers of all abilities will thrive.
Babe Zaharias Golf Course, 11412 N. Forest Hills Dr., Tampa | This historical municipal course first opened in 1926 in Tampa’s quaint Forest Hills neighborhood. It’s still a firm favorite among TBAY golfers, with a wide range of tee distances, winding fairways, and plenty of challenging hazards.
Mangrove Bay Golf Course, 875 62nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | Recognized by Men’s Health in 2023, this northeast St. Pete course sits on 180 acres of pristine land + is suitable for golfers of all levels. We recommend booking early to save your spot.
Mildred Ella “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias bought the course in 1949.
Photo by TBAYtoday
Members only
Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, 1601 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa | This South Tampa course was founded in 1916 and tops out at 6,300 yards. The luxe pool and clubhouse are perfect for relaxing after your Sunday morning round.
Innisbrook Golf Resort, 36750 US Hwy. 19 N., Palm Harbor | Golf’s greats walk the Copperhead Course each year at the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship. Its notorious “Snake Pit” — the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes — has humbled many a seasoned pro.
Vinoy Golf Club, 501 5th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | Located on Snell Isle, the historical hotel’s scenic 18-hole course was redesigned by Ron Garl. The club offers plenty of practice options like a driving range, putting green, golf simulator, short game area, and lessons with a pro.
Old Memorial Golf Club, 13600 National Golf Dr., Tampa | A longtime Tampa favorite, this course was built by Outback Steakhouse founders Chris Sullivan, Bob Basham, and Bob Merritt. The invitation-only course offers caddies, a pro shop, and dining.
The Valspar Championship typically takes place in March.
Photo by Chad Davis via Wikimedia Commons
Just puttin’ around
Par Bar Mini Golf Bar, 2253 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Bring your buds for this one. Located right off Central Avenue, this 21+ bar has an 18-hole mini golf course and hosts leagues, parties, and weeknight rounds.
Popstroke, 25297 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz | Make your way through two 18-hole putting courses with synthetic turf, fairways, bunkers, and roughs — and order food right from the course. Plus, it’s owned by Tiger Woods himself, so you know it’s good.
Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf, multiple locations | With a spot in Madeira Beach and another in Indian Shores, these putt-putt havens have 20-30 live alligators each — with educational experiences to boot. Coupled with pirate ships, waterfalls, and caves, there’s fun for the whole fam.
Text the group chat to join the Par Bar’s league.
Photo via @parbarstp
Learn the ropes
Rogers Park Golf Course, 7911 N. 30th St., Tampa | This spot has been open since the 1950s, but its 18-hole full-sized course is now accompanied by a par-three option. That means holes are shorter, and are perfect for beginners. Heads up: The nine-hole short course is closed to the public on Saturdays, as the YMCA’s First Tee of Tampa Bay uses it to teach local kiddos the game.
Countryway Golf Club, 11111 W. Waters. Ave., Tampa | If you’re looking to play your first ever 18, Countryway is a lot shorter than the typical course. The maximum total distance is ~3,500 yards, whereas other courses can get close to double that length — plus rounds are pretty cheap.
Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis, 10315 Paradise Blvd., Treasure Island | You don’t need to book a tee time to play nine holes at the picturesque par-three course on Boca Ciega Bay. Locals get a discount, and the Treasure Island Ladies Golf League tees off on Tuesday mornings.
Topgolf, multiple locations | Here’s a way to grow the game. Topgolf has a location either side of the Bay, offering hourly bookings with interactive games. Need more convincing? There’s food and drink table service, making this an option for any hour of the day — or night.
Watch out for the gators at Countryway.
Photo by TBAYtoday
Take it indoors
Birdie Club, 3409 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa | Now you can work on your game even when it’s steamy outside. South Tampa’s first indoor golf lounge boasts three Trackman simulators where you can play at famous courses from across the globe.
Golftec, multiple locations | Level up your game with Golftec’s swing training sessions, video practice, and putting lessons. Plus, the business offers club fitting, so you can make sure you’re ready to shoot low.
Ferg’s Clubhouse, 1320 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | The popular Rays bar is now home to a full swing sports simulator. The 21+ experience is available for up to four people.
Yeoman’s Top Golf Swing Suite, 202 N. Morgan St., Tampa | This British-themed downtown Tampa bar is known for hearty food, Lightning fanatics, and bookable golf bays. Book by the hour while chowing down on fish and chips, bangers and mash, and a pint or fore.
Golfology, 2400 5th Ave. S., St. Pete | Opening in the Burg later this year, the veteran-owned golf business boasts six bays equipped with Trackman simulators, and state-of-the-art tech. There’s also a range of classic courses to choose from, so you can play a major with your golfing buddies.
What dream course would you play at the Birdie Club?
Photo via @birdieclubtampa
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