Best Golf Courses in and Around Vero Beach, FL

Vero Beach, Florida, is a haven for golf lovers seeking picturesque courses combined with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. The area has a range of golf venues, from challenging championship layouts to welcoming public courses, each offering unique landscapes and carefully crafted designs. With its warm climate and scenic surroundings, Vero Beach provides an exceptional setting for golfers to enjoy their favorite sport year-round. This guide unveils the best golf courses in and around Vero Beach, highlighting what makes each one a standout destination for players of every skill level.

Sandridge Golf Club is home to two of the finest public golf courses in Florida: the Dunes Course and the Lakes Course. Designed by Ron Garl, both courses are impeccably maintained and offer distinct challenges. The Dunes Course features a unique layout built on an old sand ridge, offering rolling fairways and elevation changes not often found in Florida. The Lakes Course lives up to its name with water hazards coming into play on most holes, demanding accuracy and careful shot planning. As a municipal course, Sandridge is accessible to all and widely respected for its high quality and affordable rates.

For those seeking a classic private club experience, Riomar Country Club offers old Florida charm and exclusivity. Established in the early 20th century and redesigned over the years by noted architects, the course maintains a timeless elegance. Set along the Atlantic Ocean, this 18-hole course provides breathtaking ocean views and breezy coastal conditions that add a layer of difficulty to each round. Membership is selective, and the club emphasizes tradition, social camaraderie, and a top-tier golf experience, making it one of the most revered institutions in Vero Beach.

Quail Valley Golf Club offers a premier golfing experience on a spectacular 280-acre, 18-hole course. Co-designed by golf legend Nick Price and architect Tommy Fazio, the course challenges players of all skill levels. The designers ingeniously created a hilly, rolling landscape on what was once flat Florida land by digging irrigation ponds and using the leftover soil. This unique design, combined with seven lakes and numerous bunkers, provides a constantly engaging and strategic round. With a par of 72 and a max yardage of 7,460, the course is a serious test of golf.

Located in the heart of Vero Beach, the Vero Beach Country Club blends classic design with modern updates. The club, established in 1924, features an 18-hole, par-72 course that has undergone renovations to improve playability while retaining its traditional character. Majestic oak trees, challenging bunkers, and strategic water features make each hole engaging. The club also prides itself on its friendly atmosphere, active tournaments, and strong junior golf program. It offers both equity and social memberships, appealing to golfers and non-golfers alike who are looking for a welcoming private club environment.

Bent Pine Golf Club is a hidden gem known for its outstanding course conditions and member-focused atmosphere. Designed by Joe Lee, this private, 18-hole championship course challenges players with its narrow fairways, plentiful water hazards, and fast greens. The club places an emphasis on golf as the central experience, with limited non-golf amenities and a pace of play that’s swift and uninterrupted. With a layout that favors precision over power, Bent Pine attracts serious golfers who appreciate a purist approach to the game.

The Moorings Yacht & Country Club provides a total of 36 holes of golf. Its centerpiece is The Hawk’s Nest Championship Course, a challenging, world-renowned course designed by Jim Fazio. This course is notable for its high elevations and lack of surrounding homes, offering a pure and immersive golfing experience. In 2020, it was recognized as the 30th best course in Florida by Top100GolfCourses.com. The club's second course, Pete Dye's signature course, further adds to the diverse golfing options available to members.

Located just south of Vero Beach, Indian River Club combines scenic beauty with a course that rewards smart strategy. The course was designed by Ron Garl and is set within a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, emphasizing both playability and environmental stewardship. Native vegetation, natural lakes, and an emphasis on wildlife habitat enhance the visual appeal and tranquility of the property. The par-72 course features a mix of wide fairways and more compact, tactical holes that require thoughtful club selection. Members enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with a strong sense of community.

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club presents a luxurious coastal lifestyle paired with exceptional golfing. The 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed course is the centerpiece of this ocean-to-river private community. The course is well-known for its beauty, with tropical landscaping, water features, and native wildlife throughout. Strategic bunkering and undulating greens make each round a test of skill and adaptability. The club’s full suite of amenities, including a beach club, spa, and tennis facilities, enhances the lifestyle experience, appealing to those who seek elegance on and off the course.

Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club features two distinct and beautifully renovated 18-hole courses. The Harbor Course, originally designed by the legendary Pete Dye, underwent a restoration project led by his protégé, Chris Lutzke, to honor Dye's original Scottish links-style vision. The course features tiered greens, undulating fairways, and deep pot bunkers. The River Course, designed by "Gentleman Joe" Lee, winds through scenic salt marshes and along the Intracoastal Waterway. Both courses provide an exceptional and diverse golfing experience, set against pristine water vistas and lush landscapes of oaks and palms.

Pointe West Country Club offers a more contemporary golf experience with a strong emphasis on accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere. Designed by John Sanford, the 18-hole course features wide fairways, generous greens, and strategic water and sand placements. Pointe West is semi-private, providing opportunities for both members and the public to enjoy the course. The club hosts numerous community events and junior programs, making it a favorite among younger families and those new to the area. Its convenient location west of I-95 makes it easily reachable from anywhere in Vero Beach.

Windsor is a private, luxury community that boasts one of the most prestigious golf courses in the region. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Windsor course is a challenging 18-hole layout that harmonizes with the area’s natural wetlands and coastal terrain. The design integrates native vegetation, bold bunkering, and distinctive green complexes to create a strategic and visually stunning experience. Windsor's exclusivity and commitment to excellence extend beyond golf to include fine dining, equestrian facilities, and elegant architecture, offering a complete lifestyle for its select membership.

For those dreaming of life on or near the fairways, Vero Beach offers more than just world-class golf—it provides a coastal lifestyle marked by luxury, relaxation, and connection. Whether you're considering a private golf community or a home with views of the green, now is the time to make your move. Contact Kristin Dobson to explore real estate opportunities near Vero Beach’s top golf courses.

_{*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash}