With non-stop sunshine, tropical landscaping, and great golf courses, no one suffers from cabin fever in Florida. In fact, the fantastic climate and verdant environment are perfect for golfing. That’s probably why the state has over 1,100 golf courses, according to the Florida Sports Foundation.
A subset of these includes private golf communities that offer an amenity-rich, exclusive golfing environment for active people. When searching for a private club in Florida, you'll find plentiful options.
Here are seven of the best-gated golf communities for your consideration.
- Bella Collina
- The Club at Quail Ridge
- Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club
- The Concession Golf Club
- Ocean Reef Club
- Grand Haven
- Sailfish Point
1. The Club at Quail Ridge
Located in: Boynton Beach, Florida
This 600-acre community presents a lush and bird-friendly environment where golfers can test their skills on two 18-hole courses designed by Joe Lee. The artful landscaping creates a beautiful private country club community only 15 minutes from the ocean—pines, oaks, palms, and hibiscus grace the property. Paspalum grass produces a tough yet luxurious turf on the golf course.
Any desire for new golf equipment can be met when you visit Quail Ridge's pro shop. Should you want to improve your game, lessons are presented for people of all skill levels.
Residents enjoy the peace of mind provided by the gated community's 24-hour security and on-site maintenance services. A clubhouse remodeled in 2016 includes an event venue.
Community amenities also include:
- 6,000-square-foot fitness center
- Tennis courts
- Swimming pools
2. Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club
Located in: Stuart, Florida
If you love playing on the water as much as golfing, Harbour Ridge on the Treasure Coast brings together land and sea. This 885-acre, member-owned club operates a marina and two 18-hole golf courses designed by Joe Lee and Pete Dye.
Each course designer brought unique visions to the landscape. As a result, residents have access to two courses that produce different playing experiences.
Harbour Ridge includes a modern golf practice facility staffed by golf professionals. Mike Malizia runs a golf academy at the site that caters to both residents and golf pros.
The residential community consists of 28 individual villages that feature 14 home and condominium styles. With so many options, people can find exactly the type of home that fits their lifestyle goals.
3. The Concession Golf Club
Located in: Bradenton, Florida
If big yards are on your must-have list, then the Concession Golf Club near the Gulf Coast has the breathing room that you crave. This private gated community has restricted development to only 255 estates across 1,200 acres. Homes are on lots ranging from one-half acre to a full acre.
The famous Jack Nicklaus collaborated with Tony Jacklin to design Concession's 18-hole course amid 100-year-old oaks, pines, and fragrant magnolias. You also get access to a unique 23-acre private practice area with:
- Dual-ended driving range
- 14,000-square-foot chipping green
- 10,000-square-foot putting green
At the center of the community's social life is a grand clubhouse. For events large or small, you can plan on using:
- Meeting rooms
- Casual dining area
- Formal dining area
- Cardrooms
- Pro shop
4. Ocean Reef Club
Located in: Key Largo, Florida
Tropical Atlantic breezes caress the golf courses at the Ocean Reef Club in the state's far south. This private community 50 miles from Miami has two 18-hole golf courses: The Dolphin and The Hammock. Scenic ocean views surround you with every swing of the club.
On the Dolphin course, you'll encounter water hazards that challenge you to improve your accuracy. As you advance through the course, exotic flora, like mahogany trees and tamarind, reach into the blue sky.
The Hammock course is considered more challenging with 14 water hazards, enhancing the beautiful landscape. The course runs adjacent to a wildlife sanctuary.
Residents dwell in an oceanfront community of 1,700 estates, condos, and villas. Club amenities include:
- Marina access
- Tennis courts
- Recreational centers
- Dining
- Shopping
- Spa and salon
5. Grand Haven
Located in: Palm Coast, Florida
At about the midway point on Florida's Atlantic Coast, you find Grand Haven. Winding fairways and sunny skies welcome golfers of all levels of experience. The private club includes a Jack Nicklaus signature course where golfers take in sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
This 1,350-acre gated community is close to Orlando, Daytona Beach, and St. Augustine, unlike some more remote choices. The ocean is nearby for residents who enjoy water sports, but the amenities offer plenty to keep residents happy at home, such as:
- Tennis courts
- Clubhouse with banquet rooms
- Bar
- Pro shop
- European-style coffee shop
- Fitness center
- Spa
The community is structured around small villages. This design allows people to meet their neighbors while preserving the tranquility that is part of a private Florida golf lifestyle.
6. Sailfish Point
Located in: Stuart, Florida
For those attracted to the idea of living on a private island, Sailfish Point brings you pretty close to that dream on the Treasure Coast. The Atlantic Ocean surrounds the community on three sides.
The 532-acre community has 520 homes with access to five miles of gorgeous coastline. Homebuyers select from properties with oceanfront views or facing the Jack Nicklaus signature 18-hole golf course.
Ocean breezes keep golfers comfortable year-round. No matter where you are on the course, you can savor great views of the Indian River, Atlantic Ocean, or St. Lucie Inlet.
As a highly regarded community, you can expect all of the best amenities, including:
- Marina
- Tennis courts
- Fitness center
- Spa
- 24-hour staffed gatehouse
7. Bella Collina
Located in: Montverde, Florida
Bella Collina stands out among private clubs with its Old World aesthetic. Tuscan architecture defines the private golf community set amid the rolling hills of Central Florida. Although the hustle and bustle of Orlando are barely 30 minutes away, you'll feel like you've entered an enchanted realm where sunsets sparkle on spring-fed lakes.
Bella Collina's 1,900 acres include an upscale gated community. However, the golf course offers private memberships to non-residents as well. Sir Nick Faldo, famed for sculpting legendary courses from the most beautiful landscapes, designed the course so that the surrounding natural beauty will clear your mind.
The golf course is challenging but still pleasurable for beginners. You can also take lessons from PGA golfers at Bella Collina through their Golf Academy.
World-class amenities make members feel like royalty. You get access to:
- Fitness center
- Swimming pool
- Golf tournaments
- Tennis courts
- Fine dining
- Premier wedding venue
- Vacation rentals
Bella Collina's membership packages offer options for vacationing families, part-time residents, and full-time residents. Avid golfers looking for a centrally located Florida private golf course can contact us today.
