Golf in Miami

• Neighborhoods
• Sights & Beaches
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Entertainment
• Shopping
• Activities
• Travel Tips
• Features

Golf

Greater Miami has more than 30 private and public courses. Costs at most courses are higher on weekends and in season, but you can save by playing on weekdays and after 1 or 3 PM, depending on the course -- call ahead to find out when afternoon-twilight rates go into effect. To get a "Golfer's Guide for South Florida," which includes information on most courses in Miami and surrounding areas, call 800/864-6101. The 18-hole, par-71 championship Biltmore Golf Course (1210 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables. 305/460-5364), known for its scenic layout, has been restored to its original Donald Ross design, circa 1925. Green fees range from $65 to $70 in season, and an optional cart is $26. The gorgeous hotel makes a great backdrop.

Overlooking the bay, the Crandon Golf Course (6700 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne. 305/361-9129) is a top-rated 18-hole, par-72 public course in a beautiful tropical setting. Expect to pay $150 to $167 for a round in winter, $61 in summer, cart included. Twilight rates from $31 to $39 apply after 3.

Don Shula's Hotel & Golf Club (7601 Miami Lakes Dr., 154th St. Exit off Rte. 826, Miami Lakes. 305/820-8106. www.donshulahotel.com), in northern Miami, has one of the longest championship courses in the area (7,055 yards, par-72), a lighted par-3 course, and a golf school. Fees are $80 to $170, depending on the season. You'll pay in the lower range on weekdays, more on weekends, and $45 after 3 PM Golf carts are included. The lighted par-3 course is $12 weekdays, $16 weekends. The club hosts more than 75 tournaments a year.

Among its five courses and many annual tournaments, the Doral Golf Resort and Spa (4400 N.W. 87th Ave., 36th St. Exit off Rte. 826, Doral, Miami. 305/592-2000 or 800/713-6725. www.doralresort.com), just west of Miami proper, is best known for the par-72 Blue Monster course and the PGA's annual Ford Championship. (The week of festivities planned around this tournament, which offers $5 million in prize money, brings hordes of pro-golf aficionados in late February and early March.) Fees range from $95 to $295. Carts are not required.

Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club (19999 W. Country Club Dr., Aventura. 305/933-6929. www.fairmont.com/turnberryisle/) has 36 holes redesigned in 2006 by Hall of Fame golfer Raymond Floyd. The South Course's 18th hole is a killer. Green fees, including a mandatory cart and caddy, cost $250 to $350, but since it's private you won't be able to play unless you're a hotel guest. Proper golf shoes are required.

For a casual family outing or for beginners, the 9-hole, par-3 Haulover Golf Course (Haulover Beach Park, 10800 Collins Ave., North Miami-Dade, Miami Beach. 305/940-6719) is right on the Intracoastal Waterway at the north end of Miami Beach. The longest hole on this walking course is 120 yards; green fees are only $7, plus $5 for parking.

Hit the links in the heart of South Beach at the lovely 18-hole, par-72 Miami Beach Golf Club (2301 Alton Rd., South Beach, Miami Beach. 305/532-3350. www.miamibeachgolfclub.com). The 2002 redesign from Arthur Hills took the course to the next level. Green fees are $95 in summer, $200 in winter, including mandatory cart.

Good Will Putting

Golf in South Beach went from sad to fab when the old Bayshore Golf Course got a makeover and re-emerged ready for its close-up as the Miami Beach Golf Club. Now it claims Academy Award winner Matt Damon among its fans.