Best Public Golf Course in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County is recognized for its golf culture, offering a wide selection of public courses that provide both challenge and accessibility. These courses appeal to seasoned players and newcomers, combining scenic landscapes with thoughtful design. This guide identifies some of the best public golf courses in Palm Beach County, highlighting their unique features and reasons they stand out.

The Park in West Palm Beach has quickly gained recognition as a premier public course since its recent redevelopment. This 18-hole championship course was designed to provide high-level golf at an accessible rate, focusing on serving the community. Wide fairways and strategic bunkering create a layout that challenges low-handicap players while remaining approachable for beginners.

The Park also includes extensive practice facilities, including a large driving range, short-game areas, and putting greens. The course integrates modern amenities like GPS-equipped carts and advanced irrigation systems. Its balance of community focus and high-quality design ensures it is considered one of the best public golf courses in Palm Beach County.

Palm Beach Par-3 Golf Course is one of the county's most iconic public golf facilities. The course is designed along the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway and offers an 18-hole layout. Its compact design focuses on par-3 holes, challenging players with precision rather than distance.

Golfers appreciate the course’s unique setting, where water views surround nearly every hole. The Raymond Floyd-designed layout was renovated to improve greens, bunkers, and landscaping, ensuring the course remains in excellent condition. Its central location and scenic design place it at the top of many lists of the best public golf courses in Palm Beach County.

Okeeheelee Golf Course in West Palm Beach features three distinct nine-hole layouts that can be combined into multiple 18-hole rounds. This flexibility makes it attractive to golfers seeking different challenges on repeat visits. Each course incorporates lakes, fairway bunkers, and tree-lined holes, demanding thoughtful shot placement.

The facility also includes a driving range and practice greens, making it popular for casual rounds and skill development. Okeeheelee’s design and variety make it one of the best public golf courses in Palm Beach County for those who value options and repeat playability.

Osprey Point in Boca Raton is widely regarded as one of the most environmentally conscious courses in the region. Certified as an Audubon International Classic Sanctuary, the course emphasizes sustainable practices while delivering a high-quality golf experience. It includes three nine-hole layouts, offering golfers flexibility similar to Okeeheelee.

Each nine features wide fairways, undulating greens, and native landscaping, creating both challenge and visual appeal. The course’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its consistently high maintenance standards make it a standout among public facilities in the county.

Southwinds Golf Course in Boca Raton offers a traditional 18-hole layout set among waterways and lush vegetation. The course measures 5,633 yards from the back tees, providing a moderate length that still requires accuracy and smart decision-making.

Its layout emphasizes shot strategy, with water in play on many holes and well-placed bunkers. Golfers also enjoy the abundance of wildlife that inhabits the course, adding a natural element to the round. Southwinds’ balance of playability and challenge secures its place among the best public golf courses in Palm Beach County.

Located in Lake Worth, the John Prince Golf Learning Center focuses on practice and short-game play. While not a full-length course, it includes a nine-hole pitch-and-putt facility ideal for beginners or experienced players working on approach shots. Its emphasis on short-game improvement makes it unique among Palm Beach County golf options.

The center also features one of the most extensive practice ranges in the area, with multiple target greens, bunkers, and chipping areas. For players seeking development rather than a traditional round, this facility complements the larger public courses and strengthens the county’s reputation as a golf hub.

Sandhill Crane Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens is one of the few courses in South Florida that traverses wetlands and nature preserves. Its 18-hole layout stretches 6,504 yards, with water hazards playing a role on several holes. Renovations have enhanced its greens and fairways, creating a modern playing experience.

The course includes a comprehensive practice facility and a clubhouse overlooking the grounds. Its unique natural setting and updated design features make Sandhill Crane a distinctive choice among the best public golf courses in Palm Beach County.

Lake Worth Beach Golf Club is one of the oldest public courses in Palm Beach County. It offers historic character alongside its coastal setting. The 18-hole layout runs along the Intracoastal Waterway, providing scenic views throughout the round. At 6,100 yards, it combines traditional design elements with a moderate length that appeals to a wide range of players.

Lake Worth Beach Golf Club's history and location make it a favorite for those who value charm and accessibility. Renovations have maintained the quality of the greens and fairways while preserving the course’s original appeal. Its long-standing presence ensures it remains part of any discussion of the county’s best public courses.

The Palm Beach County golf scene is as much about lifestyle as the game itself. Whether you're looking for a laid-back public course, a competitive club atmosphere, or a luxury community with golf at its core, the options here make it easy to find your fit.

If you're considering a move to Palm Beach County or thinking about buying near one of these top-tier courses, Candace Friis can help guide you to the right neighborhood and property. With decades of experience and a deep knowledge of local real estate and lifestyle trends, she can help you find a home that aligns with your priorities on and off the green. Reach out today to get started!