If you're looking for the best public golf courses in Palm Beach County, the short answer is this: the county's public and semi-private market splits into three lanes — value-driven county courses under the PBC Golf umbrella, semi-private clubs like Winston Trails and Palm Beach National, and newer public destinations like The Park in West Palm Beach. Which one is right for you depends on how you play, where you live, and what you want out of a round.
We've put together an honest, local look at the courses worth your time, plus the practical stuff — booking windows, junior rates, walking policies — that actually shapes your day on the course.
The Palm Beach County Golf Landscape in 2026
Palm Beach County offers year-round golf thanks to South Florida's warm climate, which keeps courses busy across every season and draws snowbirds heavily from roughly November through April. That demand shapes tee times, pricing, and how far in advance you need to book.
The public-access market breaks down cleanly:
- County-run courses (PBC Golf): 93 holes across five facilities — accessible, affordable, and spread across the county.
- Semi-private clubs: Public tee times plus membership perks. Winston Trails and Palm Beach National anchor this category.
- Newer public destinations: The Park in West Palm Beach is the standout, mixing championship golf with dining and community programming.
- Resort and designer courses: PGA National Resort and the Tom Fazio-designed Emerald Dunes are frequently cited among the area's top-tier plays.
The Top Public and Semi-Private Golf Courses in Palm Beach County
The Park (West Palm Beach)
The Park at 7301 Georgia Avenue is arguably the most talked-about public golf destination in West Palm Beach right now. It offers a championship course, a 9-hole par-3 called the Lit 9 (walk-ups only — no reservations), a full driving range, and two on-site dining spots: The House Kitchen & Bar and The Cabana.
What makes The Park distinct is the community-first vibe. There's a dedicated youth program called The Path, expert instruction, and the place is designed to feel welcoming whether you're chasing a low round or bringing kids for their first lesson. Open Tuesday through Sunday — plan around the Monday closure.
PBC Golf County Courses
PBC Golf runs five facilities, and each has its own personality:
- Okeeheelee (West Palm Beach): A 27-hole layout with three nines that mix and match — good variety for regulars.
- Osprey Point (Boca Raton): 27 holes adjacent to a National Wildlife Refuge. Bring your camera; the wildlife scenery is part of the round.
- Southwinds (Boca Raton): 18 holes, straightforward, a solid pick if you want to keep the day simple.
- Park Ridge (Lake Worth): 18 holes with actual elevation changes — genuinely rare in South Florida and worth a trip for that alone.
- John Prince Golf Learning Center: Driving range and a 3-hole practice course. Where you go to grind.
Junior golfers age 17 and under get 50% off regular rates at county courses — except on weekends and holidays before the first price break. Walking rates are available at all county locations, which matters if you'd rather stretch your legs than pay for a cart. Specific dollar pricing varies by course, day, and time, so it's worth checking directly with the facility before you go.
Winston Trails Golf Club (Lake Worth)
Winston Trails is a semi-private Joe Lee-designed championship course that's hosted major tournaments for more than 12 years. Public tee times are available, but members get reduced cart and green fees plus priority access. If you're a regular player in the Lake Worth area, the math on membership tends to work out fast.
Palm Beach National Golf & Country Club (West Palm Beach)
Palm Beach National is a public-access club in West Palm Beach with a golf shop, tee-time booking, and extended daily hours built around how locals actually schedule their rounds. It's a practical, everyday-golfer option — the kind of place where you can grab a last-minute tee time without jumping through hoops.
PGA National Resort and Emerald Dunes
PGA National Resort sits in Palm Beach Gardens and remains one of the most recognized resort golf destinations in the area, with recent course updates keeping it on national radar. Emerald Dunes, a Tom Fazio design in West Palm Beach, gets consistent mention as a top-notch layout in the county. Both play at the premium end of the market.
How to Pick the Right Course for Your Round
Choosing where to play in Palm Beach County usually comes down to four things: location, price, course character, and how far ahead you can book.
Location and Convenience
Courses are spread across West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, and Palm Beach Gardens. Drive time is a real factor here — I-95 traffic during snowbird season can turn a 20-minute trip into an hour. Pick something close to home for weekly rounds and save the destination courses for weekends.
Booking Windows Actually Matter
PBC Golf tee times can be reserved up to 7 days in advance by the general public. Frequent Player Card holders get a 10-day window — a legitimate edge if you play county courses regularly and want the good weekend slots. Holiday rates apply on New Year's Day, MLK Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Course Character
Think about what you want out of the round:
- Wildlife and scenery? Osprey Point near the National Wildlife Refuge.
- Unusual terrain? Park Ridge for those South Florida elevation changes.
- A social, dining-included day? The Park.
- Championship-caliber play with membership perks? Winston Trails.
- Easy, no-fuss weekday golf in West Palm Beach? Palm Beach National.
Membership vs. Pay-as-You-Play
If you're playing 40+ rounds a year, semi-private membership starts to make sense fast — reduced fees, priority tee times, and access to member events. If you play a handful of times a year, county courses and public destinations are the smarter spend.
FAQ: Golf in Palm Beach County
What are the best public golf courses in West Palm Beach?
The Park, Okeeheelee (PBC Golf), Palm Beach National, and Emerald Dunes are the most commonly recommended public-access options in West Palm Beach. PGA National Resort in nearby Palm Beach Gardens rounds out the top-tier list.
How far in advance can I book a tee time at a county course?
Seven days in advance for the general public, and up to 10 days in advance if you hold a PBC Frequent Player Card. For big weekends or holidays, the card is worth it.
Do Palm Beach County courses offer junior rates?
Yes. PBC Golf courses give juniors age 17 and under 50% off regular rates — except on weekends and holidays before the first price break of the day.
Can I walk instead of ride?
Yes, walking rates are available at all PBC Golf county locations. Policies at semi-private and resort courses vary — call ahead.
When is peak season for golf in Palm Beach County?
Roughly November through April, when the weather is at its best and snowbird demand is highest. Summer rounds are cheaper and less crowded, but plan for early tee times to beat the heat and afternoon thunderstorms.
The Bottom Line
Palm Beach County's public golf scene has something for every kind of player — from the value-driven regular working through the PBC Golf rotation, to the weekend player chasing a championship layout at Winston Trails or PGA National, to the family looking for a full day out at The Park.
If you're in West Palm Beach and want a straightforward, public-access club with real daily hours and easy tee-time booking, Palm Beach National Golf & Country Club is a solid everyday option — you can check tee times and course details at palmbeachnational.com. Wherever you tee it up, book ahead during snowbird season, keep an eye on holiday rate days, and take advantage of that year-round Florida sun.