How To Organize An Epic Golf Outing: Miami Edition

Fore! Here’s how to plan a golf outing

Organizing a golf outing in Miami is like planning for sunshine: it seems simple, but there are layers of detail—course choice, timing, membership rules, club culture, extras—that can make or break the day. As someone who’s seen both high-end tournaments and casual rounds with friends, I can tell you: doing your homework (and maybe bracing for a surprise iguana or two) pays off big. Whether you're hosting a corporate group, family gathering or a friendly competition, Miami has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to golf — especially when you factor in the many Miami county clubs and private country clubs sprinkled throughout the city.

⛳ Best golf courses in Miami: what to consider & which ones shine

When selecting which course(s) you want for an outing, consider:

• Skill levels and pace of play: Some courses are brutally long or tricky, so mix in something accessible.
• Scenery & ambiance: Beach views, palm trees, water hazards, historic architecture—these make memories (and photos).
• Club type & access: Public vs private vs country club or semi-private. Knowing membership or guest policy matters.
• Facilities: Practice area, clubhouse amenities, food & beverage, carts, staff, trophy/prize room.
• Cost: Green fees, cart fees, food, drink, tips, possible guest fees in country clubs.

Some of the best golf courses in Miami and notable Miami county clubs you might want to consider:

• Trump National Doral — Especially the famous Blue Monster. It has hosted PGA tournaments, has big reputation, dramatic holes, tricky hazards.
• Biltmore Golf Course (Miami Biltmore Hotel & Country Club, Coral Gables) — Designed by Donald Ross in 1925, par-71, historic, lush.
• Miami Shores Country Club — Majestic oaks, gentle terrain, historic layout, good value.
• Normandy Shores Golf Club (Miami Beach) — Beautiful setting, good package deals, accessible.
• Miami Beach Golf Club — Once known as Bayshore, restored, an elegant landmark course.
• Miami Springs Golf & Country Club — Historic, well-located, character, charm.

Weird stories, fun facts, and course culture

• Iguanas, monkeys, maybe crocodiles? On certain courses near mangroves (e.g. Crandon on Key Biscayne, or near Doral), you might spot iguanas, herons, even playful birds following your ball. Brings the wild into your swing.
• Segregation history at Miami Springs Golf & Country Club: From about 1949 to 1957, Black players were allowed only on Mondays. After legal battles, that restriction was finally lifted.
• The “Big Storm” that re-made parts of Doral: The Doral area became a huge vision in the swamp (literally), developed in 1959 by Alfred Kaskel, turning swamp land into one of the premier golf and resort hubs. t
• Legendary design architects: Donald Ross (at Biltmore), Robert Trent Jones (Country Club of Miami), “Red” Lawrence (Miami Shores) — courses with pedigree. Knowing who designed a course tells you something about its quirks.

Tips & checklist when organizing your outing

Here’s what to tick off your list so your golf outing isn’t bogey-full of problems:

1. Set date & backup plan
   • Avoid rainy season (typically summer afternoons) if you can.
   • Have a rain delay plan (use clubhouse, order food early, postpone tee-offs).
2. Define group size & skill mix
   • Sets the number of tee times, cart needs, pace.
   • If mix of beginners and pros, consider shuffling tee boxes or pairings.
3. Choose course(s) and negotiate fees
   • Contact the club: for country clubs, guest access, group rates, tournament green fees.
   • Understand additional costs: cart, driving range, caddie, food, beverages, gratuities.
4. Food, drink, and hospitality
   • On-course snacks or food trucks if allowed.
   • Post-round dinner or banquet options at the clubhouse or nearby restaurant.
   • Drinks for after golf: sometimes included, sometimes expensive, plan ahead.
5. Prizes, trophies & extras
   • Trophies, gift certificates, maybe golf swag.
   • Consider photography: group photos, action shots.
   • Optional pro-clinic or “closest to pin / longest drive” holes.
6. Transportation & lodging
   • If people are coming from out of town, pick lodging near the course.
   • Plan to deal with traffic: Miami can surprise you (I-95 backups, bridge delays, etc.).
7. Permits & club rules
   • Dress code, guest-rules, cancellation policy.
   • If you are using a private or country club, sometimes there are membership or sponsorship requirements.

☀️ Best times & scheduling advice

• Morning tee times are golden in Miami, especially to avoid heat, humidity, and possible afternoon thunderstorms.
• Weekdays are generally cheaper, less crowded than weekends. Tuesday-Thursday often best.
• Off-peak seasons (late spring, early fall) may offer discounted green fees.

🏆 Miami country clubs

If you’re organizing a golf outing in Miami, chances are you’ll want to consider the city’s legendary country clubs. These aren’t just places to play golf — they’re hubs of history, luxury, and local culture. Here are some of the top Miami country clubs and what makes each one shine:

• La Gorce Country Club – Ultra-exclusive, known for immaculate greens and attracting celebrities; best for prestige and privacy.
• Indian Creek Country Club – Nicknamed the “Billionaire’s Bunker” with fewer than 300 members; best for exclusivity and networking with Miami’s elite.
• Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club – Combines golf, tennis, and a private marina in Coral Gables; best for a country-club lifestyle on the water.
• Coral Reef Yacht Club – A social and boating powerhouse with a golf connection; best for events and an active social calendar.
• Miami Shores Country Club – Historic yet welcoming, with affordable memberships; best for accessibility and community vibes.
• Fisher Island Club – Reachable only by ferry or yacht, offering a luxury escape; best for a private island experience.
• Key Biscayne’s Links at Fisher Island – Bayfront nine-hole course with stunning views; best for scenery and quick but memorable rounds.
• Biltmore Golf Course & Country Club – A Donald Ross–designed course at the historic Biltmore Hotel; best for history, charm, and championship play.

Local budget estimates

Here’s a rough example: group of 30 people, mixed skill, wants a 18-hole round + food + prizes.

• Course: Trump National Doral Blue Monster (premium) vs Biltmore or Miami Shores (mid-premium)
• Green fees + carts: could run $100-$250 per person depending on club & time
• Food & drinks: dinner banquet or clubhouse lunch might add another $30-$80/person
• Prizes & extras: trophies, photography, maybe pro-clinic add $500-$1,500 total depending on level

Helpful local tips & avoiding pitfalls

• Confirm tee times & deposits weeks ahead, especially for popular courses.
• Weather checks: afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer; always have shelter or alternate plan.
• Cart availability & pace of play: sometimes courses are busy; ask if they offer shotgun starts or twosomes.
• Bug spray, sunscreen, hats: Florida sun + bugs = best overlooked enemy.
• For large group photos, pick a scenic hole (water hazard, palm trees, ocean view if applicable).

A Miami golf outing can be one of those memories people talk about years later: under palm trees, birdies (or bogeys), laughter, maybe an iguana scurrying by, a sunset cocktail. With a little planning — choosing the right course among the best golf courses in Miami, respecting what Miami county clubs demand, and covering your logistical bases — you’ll host something smooth, fun, and maybe even legendary. And if you want help organizing it: from tee times to trophies, The Miami Tour Company is here — we know the courses, we know the clubs, and we'd love to make your golf event one people won’t forget (in a good way).

💡 If you found this Golf Outing post helpful, be sure to check out our Travel Agents's Guide for even more tips on making the most of your time in Miami.