Miami golf courses
Here is a sampling of Miami-area golf
courses:
Crandon Golf at Key
Biscayne
6700 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne FL 33149;
Tel. 305.361.9120
This picturesque ocean-side course, lined with palms and native flowers, is
just seven miles from downtown Miami. It's long, measuring 7,108 yards from
the tips, but it's also flat. One golfer remarks: "Beware of the resident
Iguanas." Whether he's referring to actual lizards or grumpy retirees,
you'll have to find out for yourself. Pricey, but allegedly worth it for the
views, green fees for Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne are in the $55-$120
range.
Don Shula's Golf
Club
7601 Miami Lakes Dr., Miami Lakes FL 33014;
Tel. 305.820.8106
This semi-private resort facility carrying the namesake of the most
successful coach in Miami Dolphins football history is just ten miles from
downtown Miami. This Miami golf course itself is a par-72, 7,055 yard track
designed by Bill Watts. Golf Digest mentions it in its top 50
well-paced courses in the country, probably because everyone wants to finish
up and get a steak at Don Shula's world-famous steak house on premises,
where you can try and join the "48 oz" club. Call or check on-line for
seasonal rates.
Doral Golf Resort
and Spa
4400 N.W. 87th Ave., Miami FL 33178; Tel.
305.592.2000
This massive Miami golf facility is one the largest golf complexes in the
world, featuring five separate championship courses. The Blue Course and the
Gold Course are the top two of the five courses, playing host to the PGA's
annual Ford Championship. The other three courses are not far behind in
quality however, just built slightly more for the average golfer. The Great
White Course, designed by the shark himself, Greg Norman, is the newest of
the five, opening to the public in 2000. A round at any of Doral's courses
will set you back a few: green fees range from $85-$250.
Miami National Golf
Club
6401 Kendale Lakes Dr., Miami FL 33183; Tel.
305.382.3930
This 27-hole facility opened in 1970, the design of architect Mark Mahannah.
The Barracuda/Marlin Course plays 6,719 yards from the tips, and the
Dolphin/Barracuda combination plays 6,679 yards from the back tees.
Reviewers call it a great place to practice, and a great value. Green fees
are in the $35-$45 range.
Palmetto Golf
Course
9300 S.W.
152nd St., Miami FL 33157; Tel. 305.238.2922
A municipal Miami golf course operated by Miami-Dade County, Palmetto is a
6,648 yard, par-71 track within the Miami city limits. First Opened in 1959,
and designed by architect Dick Wilson, this Miami golf course features an
intricate canal system bordering the fairways. Green fees are low, $12-$25
year-round. |
