Florida is synonymous with blue skies and green courses, and the same goes for Greater Fort Lauderdale. The area boasts more than 35 world-class golf courses, with renowned architects such as Donald Ross, George and Tom Fazio, and Robert Trent Jones creating an impressive experience for both novices and pro golfers.
For the ultimate golfing itinerary, check out this three-day schedule of golfing followed by dining at top restaurants to celebrate those birdie
DAY 1
Morning
Book a tee time at the Jacaranda Golf Club in Plantation, a course with 36 holes that has been lauded with four stars by Golf Digest. As a semi-private facility, visitors from out of town are welcome to join the ranks of club members, including access to two courses. On the East Course, golfers will find fairways lined with trees, sloping greens, bunkers, and water hazards to up the ante and keep things interesting. The shorter but no less exciting West Course is a shotmakers course, with lagoons, doglegs and bunkers that will keep players on their toes. For those who are newer to the game, Jacaranda Golf Club has instructors on staff, led by a director of golf with PGA Class A professional status.
Afternoon
When the group is ready to pack up their clubs, head to Fort Lauderdale’s downtown corridor to explore buzzing Las Olas Boulevard. The walkable thoroughfare is the heartbeat of the city, filled with restaurants, bars, boutiques, art galleries, and plenty of people-watching. Golfers may enjoy popping into Edward Beiner Eyewear for a new pair of shades, Yeti for products to keep drinks cool, or Maus & Hoffman for stylish looks appropriate for the golf course.
Evening:
Walk to Salt7, a riverfront restaurant that serves up happy hour drink and food specials from 3 to 6 p.m. While noshing on oysters on the half shell, mini wagyu corn dogs, hamachi pizzelle, or quail poppers, guests can indulge in views of the yachts traversing the New River.
End the night on Fort Lauderdale beach with dinner at MAASS, the signature contemporary American restaurant at The Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale. With Chef Ryan Ratino at the helm, he leads a team of Michelin-lauded culinary pros. Intimate groups can enjoy sitting at the chef’s counter, a 14-seat, front-row seat to the kitchen to watch the chefs in action.
DAY 2
Morning
For a second morning of golf, tee up at Eagle Trace Golf Club in Coral Springs, a PGA-caliber facility owned by ClubLink. The championship tees offer more than 7,000 yards while forward tees have just over 5,100 yards of play. A unique find in Florida, there is an island green surrounded by bulkheads. Finally, the 18th, par-4 finishing hole can be stretched out to 470 yards.
Evening
Head east to Pompano Beach, a bustling beach city known for its impressive 896-foot-long pier (which is in the shape of a fish!) Park at the marine-decorated parking garage for an easy walk to dinner reservations at Oceanic, an indoor-outdoor restaurant with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The menu includes Florida favorites such as conch chowder, ceviche, churrasco steak, Mahi Mahi and other delectable bites. Not ready to end the night? With the Pompano Circuit, a free electric shuttle, it’s easy to get around and explore the many restaurants and bars along the coastline.
DAY 3
Morning
Golfers have been booking tee times at Orangebrook Golf & Country Club in Hollywood since 1933, when it first opened as an 18-hole course. It’s since expanded to 36 holes, with a West Course and East Course each offering a different experience. The west is more geared to beginners, thanks to the larger greens. Smaller, more challenging greens can be found on the east side. After a morning on the links, grab some lunch from the 19th hole restaurant, serving up sandwiches, salads, burgers, and other comfort fare.
Evening
To close out a long weekend of golfing in Greater Fort Lauderdale, celebrate with a trip to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Whether there’s an interest in gambling, live entertainment, exploring displays of celebrity outfits, or fine dining, there’s plenty to do on the property. Council Oak is one of the signature restaurants at the casino, an American steakhouse with top-notch service and a menu filled with surf and turf options — including prime dry-aged beef and a selection of more than 400 wines. Opt for a table by the floor-to-ceiling glass walls, where guests can get a front-row seat to the light and fountain show.