Dreaming of a Golfcation? 

If you live in the northern US, “Winter is Coming!” The leaves have fallen, it’s getting colder, your local course is shutting down until the spring, and your clubs have found their temporary resting place in your garage or in the trunk of your car. If you’re like us, waiting until March to get back on the course isn’t an option, so here are three of our favorite Florida-based golf courses to fix your golf craving over the winter.

Raptor Bay Golf Club // SaltLeaf Golf Preserve - Bonita Springs, Florida 

• 30-35 minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport
• 40-45 minutes from Naples Airport 

 If you prefer the Gulf side of the state, look no further than Raptor Bay, soon-to-be SaltLeaf Golf Preserve in Bonita Springs. Scheduled to open in early 2023, SaltLeaf is set on 144 acres of beautiful greenery next to Estero Bay, the state’s first aquatic preserve. Designed by Raymond Floyd, this course will most definitely pass the eye test. 

While, Raptor Bay wasn’t the most challenging course we’ve ever played, it was an excellent place to shake the rust off. With a decent practice area, no traditional bunkers, wide fairways, and an awesome bar, this is a great first stop on your winter golf vacation.

King & Bear - World Golf Village - St. Augustine, Florida 

• 55-60 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport

 If you’re making a trip to the World Golf Village, it goes without saying that you should be prepared for an incredible experience. Not only is this property absolutely stunning, but the surrounding St. Augustine area makes it easy to play world-class golf every day of your vacation.

From the tips, King & Bear is a grueling 7,300 yards. Its challenging length is paired with plenty of water and sand, making it one of the toughest courses in the area. We suggest playing from the Blues, taking a few dozen golf balls, and praying you see the beer cart more than twice during your round (spoiler alert – you will!). 

TPC Sawgrass - Stadium Course - Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 

• 40-45 minutes from the Jacksonville International Airport

 TPC Sawgrass, is it expensive? Yes. Is it hard? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. This is the crown jewel, the creme de la creme, the mecca, and one of the top three courses in Florida. 

For the average golfer, we suggested leaving the scorecard in your bag and soaking up everything this facility offers. Bunkers that go on forever, perfectly manicured landscaping, and greens so pure even non-golfers can admire their beauty.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is something you and your friends will be talking about until you’re 100. If you are lucky enough to find a tee time, ensure you get there hours early and stay at the bar until they kick you out. 

As we move towards the winter months towards 1803 Golf's official launch, new lines of products, and the addition of our new marketplace partners, follow us on I @1803golf for recommendations on where to golf and what to wear.