DESTINATION · FLORIDA

Florida — the snowbird destination for German seniors.

Florida has over 1,200 golf courses — the highest density in the world. Year-round playability, established US senior golf culture, excellent courses from mid-range to premium. What makes a Florida trip so attractive during the German winter and which three regions senior golfers need to know.

MMy daughter's honeymoon was my first trip to Florida—I spontaneously packed my clubs. That turned into my tradition: two weeks of Florida golf every February. 25°C (77°F), a huge selection of courses, good hotels, easy language. Senior golfers from Germany (with advance planning for visa/ESTA issues) will find an unbeatable winter trip here.

Florida is the US senior golf mecca: 1,200+ courses, year-round playability (with thunderstorms in the summer), excellent senior culture (PGA Tour senior players train here, senior rates are standard). For German senior golfers, it's a premium winter destination – with higher travel costs than the Mediterranean, but an unbeatable course selection.

Three Florida Senior Regions

Region 1 – Naples / Marco Island (Southwest)

✓ HIGHEST SENIOR FOCUS.

Naples is the Senior Golf Capital of the USA: highest concentration of senior golfers in the country, excellent courses (Tiburon, The Strand, Eagle Creek), premium hotels (Ritz-Carlton, Inn on Fifth). High-end segment.

Region 2 — Orlando / Reunion (Central)

✓ DISNEY + GOLF COMBINATION.

Orlando area (especially Reunion Resort, ChampionsGate, Grand Cypress): perfect for seniors traveling with their grandchildren (Disney). Green fees: 80–180 $; less geared toward seniors than Naples.

Region 3 - Palm Beach / Boca Raton (Southeast)

✓ PREMIUM LEVEL.

Palm Beach Region: PGA National (PGA Tour Honda Classic), Trump International, The Breakers. Premium courses, premium hotels, premium prices (200–450 $ green fee). For senior golfers with a generous budget.

1.200+

Golf Courses in Florida — Highest Density Worldwide

PGA America Course Database 2024

Plus 25°C in the German winter and established US senior culture. Premium destination with preparation effort.

Five Florida Must-Play Courses for Senior Golfers

1st Place - TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra)

The Players Championship.

TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course: Annual host of The Players Championship. Green fee: 200–450 $. Challenging, but playable for senior-level players from multiple tees. A must-visit destination.

2nd Place — PGA National (Palm Beach Gardens)

HONDA CLASSIC.

PGA National (Champion Course): Home of the Honda Classic. The "Bear Trap" holes 15–17 are legendary. Green fee: 150–300 $. Resort hotel right on the course.

3rd Place — Pinehurst No. 2 (North Carolina, near Florida)

✓ PURE HISTORY.

Pinehurst No. 2 (US Open 2014, 1999, 2005): A Donald Ross classic. Green fee: 250–500 $. A senior pilgrimage. 4 hours north of the Florida border—can be combined with a trip to Florida.

4th Place - Bay Hill Club (Orlando)

✓ ARNOLD PALMER HERITAGE.

Bay Hill Club & Lodge: Home of Arnold Palmer, host of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Green fee: 200–350 $ (includes overnight stay at the lodge). Of great historical significance for seniors.

5th Place — Streamsong Resort (Bowling Green)

✓ MODERN PRIDE.

Streamsong Resort (Red, Blue, Black Courses): three modern courses in one complex. Green fee: 200–400 $. Resort hotel right on the course. Ranked in the top 10 in the U.S. in many rankings.

Florida is to senior golf what Wimbledon is to tennis — a destination every dedicated player should experience at least once.

— Jack Nicklaus, 18× Major Champion (Florida Resident)

Three tips for Florida senior travel.

ESTA + Travel Insurance Prepare

For travel to Florida, ESTA (Online Travel Authorization USA) is mandatory – at least 72 hours before travel. Also, extended travel insurance is recommended due to the US healthcare system.

Rental Car Requirement

Florida is huge — a rental car is essential. An SUV is recommended for multi-course trips due to comfortable club transport.

Secure tee times before your trip

Top courses (TPC Sawgrass, PGA National, Streamsong) are often booked 4-6 weeks in advance. Online booking is mandatory.

On this page

ON THIS PAGE

01 Three Florida regions

02 Five mandatory seats

03 What Florida is not

Mathias Struwe

PUBLISHER · HCP 31 · 68 YRS.

1.200+

Places in Florida - highest density worldwide.

REFERENCE

DGV Member Statistics 2024. Golf Tourism Reports (KPMG 2024). PGA Travel Partner Overview. IAGTO Golf Tourism Report 2024. World Golf Awards 2024.

What Florida is not

Florida is the US senior golf pilgrimage — but it's not cheap. Higher green fees than Europe, higher hotel prices, mandatory rental cars, ESTA hassle. For senior German golfers, Florida is a premium trip with a premium experience — not an inexpensive alternative to Europe.

THREE FIRST STEPS

How to Plan Your Florida Trip in 60 Minutes

Apply for ESTA online

At esta.cbp.dhs.gov. 21 $. At least 72 hours before travel. Valid for 2 years for multiple trips.

Choose Region + Secure Tee Times

Naples (Senior-Hub), Orlando (Mix with Grandchildren), Palm Beach (Premium). Book regions first, then top spots online in advance.

Extend travel insurance

Standard international health insurance often isn't enough for the USA. Upgrade your plan explicitly for the USA — hospital costs in the USA are dramatic.