Best season
Winter
Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb
Trip cost · per golfer
$1,140–$2,400
6-night trip
Nearest airport
TPA
16 mi · TPA
Difficulty
beginner-friendly
Handicap 10–20
Overview
Lakeland, Florida, offers an appealing blend of classic Florida golf courses and a vibrant, growing downtown, all at a more budget-friendly price point than coastal destinations. You'll find well-maintained layouts amidst beautiful natural landscapes, perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable golf getaway.
Top courses
Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.
Design by Ron Garl · Par 72 · 7,010 yds
A classic Ron Garl design known for its superb conditioning and challenging layout amidst rolling terrain. Playing from the correct tees is crucial to enjoying this well-bunkered course.
Design by William S. Flynn (original 18), additional nines by other architects · Par 72 · 6,770 yds
A historic 27-hole municipal facility offering great value and a variety of playing experiences since 1925. Expect some slower play on weekends, but it's a great option for an affordable round.
Design by Ron Garl · Par 72 · 7,000 yds
This magnificent course boasts dramatic elevation changes, excellent conditions, and an enjoyable challenge for all skill levels. Take advantage of the extensive practice facilities before your round.
Design by Ron Garl · Par 72 · 6,900 yds
A semi-private course known for its well-maintained greens, friendly staff, and fair but challenging layout amidst a senior community. Watch out for alligators around the water features, especially in the mornings.
Stay & play
Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.
Boutique Hotel
A historic, beautifully restored hotel offering upscale accommodations and a prime downtown location.
Mid-range Hotel
Modern and comfortable hotel adjacent to the RP Funding Center, perfect for business or leisure.
Extended Stay Hotel
Extended-stay hotel with spacious suites, full kitchens, and amenities ideal for longer trips.
Budget Hotel
Reliable and comfortable lodging offering complimentary breakfast and easy access to local attractions.
Off the course
Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.
Enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Mirror with a relaxing sailing experience or explore the promenade.
Explore the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world at this beautiful campus.
A nature preserve offering excellent wildlife viewing, especially alligators and various bird species.
Discover downtown Lakeland's hidden gems and history through an interactive and fun scavenger hunt.
Catch a Grapefruit League game if visiting during spring training season (February-March).
Itineraries
Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.
Day 1
Land at TPA, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at Nineteen61.
Day 2
Morning tee time at Grasslands Golf & Country Club. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Palace of Asia.
Day 3
Early tee time at Schalamar Creek Golf Course, light lunch, then transfer back to TPA.
Budget
Realistic ranges sourced from current resort rates, public green fees, and group dining averages.
Lodging 6 nights · $163/nt | $978 |
Golf 5 rounds · $120 avg | $600 |
Food & drink ~$110/day | $660 |
Ground transport Rideshare + cart fees | $360 |
Flights Search Skyscanner for live fares | Variable |
| Estimated total · per golfer | $2,598 |
Season
subtropical
When to book: 3-6 months out
Dining
From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.
Modern Latin American
Upscale dining featuring creative Latin American dishes and an excellent wine list in a stylish setting.
Southern/Cajun Seafood
A vibrant downtown spot serving classic New Orleans and Southern-inspired seafood dishes.
Indian
Authentic Indian cuisine with a wide menu, known for its flavorful curries and tandoori specialties.
American/Small Plates
A cozy jazz club offering delicious small plates, craft cocktails, and live music.
American/Farm-to-Table
Upscale restaurant focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients with a creative, ever-changing menu.
Italian
A charming bistro serving classic Italian fare, including pastas, pizzas, and fresh seafood, in a relaxed atmosphere.
After dark
Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.
Jazz Club/Bar
A sophisticated jazz club offering live music, craft cocktails, and a cozy ambiance.
Brewery/Taproom
A popular local brewery with a spacious taproom, outdoor seating, and a rotating selection of craft beers.
Cocktail Bar
A trendy downtown bar known for its creative cocktails, vibrant atmosphere, and often live music or DJ.
Tee times
Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.
FAQ
Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar). subtropical
Plan on $1,140–$2,400 per golfer for a 6-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.
TPA, about 16 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via TPA.
6 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 5 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.
Yes — popular with couples, solo. Quieter evenings, ideal for golf-focused groups.
Ready to book
Lock in tee times on GolfNow, secure your stay on Booking.com, or let our AI planner build the entire itinerary for your group in under a minute.
MyTeeTrip earns a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
Trip snapshot
Related guides
USA guide
From the Monterey cliffs to Carolina sandhills, these are the trips every American golfer should put on the list.
Florida guide
Year-round golf, championship pedigree, and the easiest logistics on the East Coast — Florida's resort belt is built for buddy trips and family escapes.
USA rankings
Twelve trips that define American golf — from Monterey cliffs to Carolina sandhills, ranked by course pedigree, lodging and weather windows.