What State Has the Most Golf Courses? (2025 Data)

By Emma Wilson · September 25, 2027

Florida has the most golf courses in the United States, with a total of 1,491 courses as of 2025. Its warm climate, expansive land, and tourism-driven economy make it the nation's leader in golf infrastructure.

Why Florida Leads in Golf Course Count

Several key factors contribute to Florida's dominance in the number of golf courses:

Climate: Florida's subtropical weather allows for year-round golf, attracting both residents and tourists.
Tourism: As a top vacation destination, resorts and retirement communities incorporate golf to enhance appeal.
Retirement Communities: Large developments like The Villages include multiple courses tailored to active retirees.
Land Availability: Ample undeveloped space in regions like Central and Southwest Florida supports course construction.

Growth Drivers in the Golf Industry

The state benefits from strong support by local governments and private developers who view golf as both recreational and economic infrastructure. Real estate values often increase when properties are adjacent to well-maintained courses.

Comparison with Other Top States

While Florida leads by a wide margin, other states also host a significant number of courses due to population size, climate, or cultural interest in golf.

60.2

State	Total Golf Courses	Public Courses	Private Clubs	Courses per 100k Residents
Florida	1,491	867	624	68.5
California	997	612	385	24.6
New York	897	521	376	45.7
Texas	867	542	325	30.1
North Carolina	645	412	233
Pennsylvania	633	389	244	49.8

Table data source:National Golf Foundation, Golf.com

The data shows Florida surpasses the next closest state, California, by over 490 courses. Despite larger states like Texas and populous ones like New York, no other state comes close in total count. Florida also ranks high in courses per capita, indicating deep cultural integration of the sport.

Types of Golf Courses in Florida

Florida offers a diverse mix of course types catering to different players:

Resort Courses: Located within major hotels and vacation complexes, such as those in Orlando and Miami.
Private Country Clubs: Exclusive facilities offering premium amenities and membership services.
Public Municipal Courses: City-run or county-operated courses providing affordable access.
Pay-to-Play Facilities: Open to all players for a fee, often managed by third-party operators.

Regional Distribution Within Florida

Golf courses are not evenly distributed across Florida. Key clusters include:

South Florida (Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach): High concentration due to wealth and tourism.
Central Florida (Orlando-Tampa): Driven by retirees and family resorts.
The Villages Area (Sumter County): Home to one of the largest retirement communities in the U.S., featuring over 60 courses within a single development.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Courses by State

Which state has the most golf courses per capita?

While Florida leads in total numbers, North Dakota has one of the highest ratios of golf courses per 100,000 residents due to its small population and widespread rural courses. However, among highly populated states, Florida ranks exceptionally high at 68.5 courses per 100,000 people.

What is the second state with the most golf courses?

California ranks second with 997 golf courses. Its large geographic size, population, and favorable climate in many regions support a robust golf industry, especially in Southern California and the Bay Area.

Does Texas have more golf courses than Florida?

No, Texas has 867 golf courses, significantly fewer than Florida’s 1,491. Although Texas is geographically large and populous, its hotter inland climate and lower density of retirement communities limit golf course proliferation compared to Florida.

Are most golf courses in Florida public or private?

As of 2025, Florida has 867 public courses and 624 private clubs. Public access dominates, reflecting the state’s focus on tourism and inclusive recreation opportunities.

Is the number of golf courses growing in Florida?

Yes, Florida continues to see modest growth in golf facilities, particularly in master-planned communities and renovations converting older courses into modern, sustainable layouts. The National Golf Foundation reports steady demand driven by retiree migration and resort investments.