Florida’s Enduring Golf Legacy Begins in the South

Florida has more golf courses than any other state in the country, with over 1,100 public and private venues scattered across its landscape. But it’s not just about quantity, it’s about origin. South Florida, with its coastal breezes, sunny winters, and flat, buildable terrain, laid the groundwork for much of the sport’s growth in the Sunshine State. The history of golf in South Florida begins not just with sport, but with legacy, a fusion of luxury, landscape, and leisure that shaped the region’s identity. From early golf boomtowns in Palm Beach to modern-day country clubs in Boca Raton, the region has long served as a national hub for the game. One such example is Deer Creek Golf Club, a course that blends historic design inspiration with modern playability in the heart of Deerfield Beach. In this blog, we explore the history of golf in South Florida,  a story that spans over a century of innovation, architecture, and community.

South Florida helped define golf for generations of Americans. This article traces that history from Henry Flagler’s visionary design and the golf architecture boom of the 1920s, to pop culture milestones like Caddyshack, and finally to the billion-dollar golf economy that defines South Florida today. Let’s tee off where it all began…

The Origins – Palm Beach and Florida’s First 18-Hole Course (1897)

In 1897, oil magnate Henry Flagler commissioned Florida’s first 18-hole golf course at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach. More than a luxury amenity, the course helped position South Florida as a premier winter destination for affluent Northerners. The area’s flat terrain and warm climate made year-round play not only possible but desirable. This early innovation caught the attention of golf enthusiasts nationwide, and it wasn’t long before the region became synonymous with resort-style golf.

According to the Florida Historic Golf Trail, these early courses played a key role in spreading the game across the state. Deer Creek Golf Club continues this architectural tradition, blending classical course design with modern amenities that cater to today’s golfer.

Roaring 20s to the Grand Slam Era – A Golf Boom on the Coast

This period marked a defining chapter in the history of golf, as South Florida emerged not just as a winter retreat, but as a creative and competitive force in American course development. The 1920s ushered in a golf construction boom across South Florida, fueled by land development, tourism, and an influx of wealthy investors. Towns like Coral Gables, Miami, and Boca Raton incorporated golf courses into their city planning, often designing them alongside hotels and real estate developments to attract luxury buyers. Course designers began experimenting with mounding, water hazards, and palm-lined fairways to give South Florida courses a distinct aesthetic.

As golf’s popularity rose nationally, Florida played host to major tournaments, including rotating Grand Slam events like the PGA Championship and The Masters. The architectural experimentation and private membership trends of the 1920s helped define what we now recognize as Florida club golf culture.

The Golden Years – Golf Meets Celebrity and Innovation

The period from the 1950s through the 1970s marked the Golden Era of American golf, and South Florida was right in the thick of it. It was a defining moment in golf history when televised tournaments, charismatic pros, and sunny Florida backdrops came together in the public imagination. TV brought the sport into millions of homes, and charismatic stars like Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus became household names. Their impact helped popularize professional golf and elevated the prestige of Florida courses.

Pop culture further enshrined South Florida in golf lore when the iconic film Caddyshack (1980) was shot at Rolling Hills Golf Club in Davie, now known as Grande Oaks. The film added a layer of comedy and relatability to golf’s otherwise buttoned-up reputation.

In 1971, Deer Creek Golf Club opened its doors in Deerfield Beach, designed by legendary course architect Arthur Hills. A 2004 renovation modernized the layout while preserving Hills’ original vision, a nod to the course’s rich legacy.

Modern Golf in South Florida – Billion-Dollar Industry, Year-Round Play

Today, golf in South Florida isn’t just a pastime, it’s a booming industry. According to data from the National Golf Foundation, the sport generates over $10 billion annually for the state of Florida. Today’s top golf resorts in South Florida blend luxury with accessibility, offering travelers and residents championship-level amenities in places like Boca Raton, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade. 

The region supports a vibrant mix of youth programs, senior leagues, seasonal snowbirds, and international tourists, all drawn by the promise of world-class greens and sunny skies. Public-private partnerships continue to support new developments, and the Florida Historic Golf Trail ensures that historic courses remain part of the region’s cultural fabric.

Cultural Impact – Golf as Identity in South Florida

Golf has become embedded in South Florida’s identity. The region’s role in the history of golf includes helping popularize televised events and community-focused play long before those became national trends. The region’s role in the history of golf includes helping popularize televised events and community-focused play long before those became national trends. From private clubs that double as social hubs to public courses where generations of locals have learned the game, golf is more than a sport here, it’s a lifestyle.

While South Florida may not be the “St. Andrews of America,” its contributions to the history of the game are undeniable. The region helped shape modern American golf culture by hosting televised events, nurturing junior talent, and creating a sustainable economy around the sport. The golf industry here has spun off jobs in everything from turf management to hospitality and instruction.

From municipal layouts to exclusive clubs, South Florida golf courses reflect the region’s diversity, offering something for every type of golfer. Community-focused events like celebrity tournaments, junior championships, and charity scrambles keep the sport accessible while honoring its rich roots.

Learn More About Golf and the South Florida Legacy at Deer Creek

If this rich history inspires you to take your next swing more seriously, we invite you to experience it firsthand at Deer Creek Golf Club. Our instructors offer customized golf lessons that account for the nuances of South Florida’s terrain, from sea-level ball flight to midday humidity. Whether you’re visiting or a local, our instructors are here to help you master the unique challenges of our Florida golf course through expert tips and real-time guidance.

You can also explore our course’s history and its distinct Arthur Hills design, try out premium rentals, or book a group outing steeped in the region’s legacy. Whether you’re brushing up your short game or booking a tee time for your next trip, you’re part of a continuing tradition that’s over a century in the making.

Want to Walk Through South Florida Golf History?

The next chapter of South Florida’s golf legacy could include you. Deer Creek Golf Club stands as a living monument to a century of change, challenge, and championship-level play, all rooted in the spirit of innovation and excellence that began in Palm Beach. When you play at Deer Creek, you’re not just booking a round, you’re stepping into the living history of golf in South Florida.

Ready to play where history lives? Contact us today! Book your tee time now and discover why South Florida remains one of the greatest golf destinations in the world. Want to learn more? Read our blog!

Sources:

Florida Historic Golf Trail – https://www.floridahistoricgolftrail.com/