Crandon Golf At Key Biscayne

When it comes to choosing where to tee it up for your next round of golf in the Miami area, golfers have a lot to choose from. There are over 40 public and private courses in Miami-Dade County alone, making it one of the most golf-rich counties in the state.

The County itself operates 6 golf courses at five properties. I recently had the opportunity to play what many consider the County’s top two courses, Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne and Palmetto Golf Course.

Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne is located inside Crandon Park, which was once part of the largest coconut plantation in the United States. It opened for play in 1972 and was designed by Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge. Crandon Golf is the crème de la crème of the Miami-Dade County courses and is located just 10 minutes from downtown Miami.

The golf course is considered one of the most beautiful and difficult par-72 courses in the state and is the epitome of island golf. Water, mangroves, and lush, tropical foliage surround the entire course. Unlike many Florida golf courses, there are no alligators here, just saltwater crocodiles! Crandon is the only public golf course on Biscayne Bay and was designed by @$!*% Wilson.

The first thing I’ll remember about the course is the par 5s, beginning with the first hole, a 472-yard (White Tees) dogleg left, with a drive over water and mangroves. A good drive short of the bunkers on the far side of the fairway may leave an opportunity to go for the green in two and a chance to start your round with a low score. The course ends with a straight 481-yarder that brings the water, mangroves, and numerous sand traps into play.

The 7th hole is a beautiful and challenging par 4 that has been hailed as “One of the Greatest Holes in Golf.” From the back tees, it’s a 445-yard par 4 dogleg right that requires a solid, accurate drive past the mangroves on the right, but short of the fairway bunkers on the left. From there, you’ll be faced with an approach shot of about 150 yards over water and between the mangroves, onto a large green protected in front and back by large bunkers.

The second thing I’ll remember is the families of raccoons that live in the woods near the 10th green and 11th tee box. Don’t let their cuteness fool you. These masked little bandits roam the woods and can appear at a moment’s notice; they will rob you blind and aren’t afraid to invade your golf cart and take anything edible or shiny while you're away! There are several cell phones and tablets in the woods!

The County’s other courses include Palmetto Golf Course, The Country Club of Miami, Greynolds Golf Course, and Briar Bay Golf Course. Palmetto has been a Miami favorite since 1959 and continues to delight all who play. The Country Club of Miami offers two 18-hole golf courses; many golfers will recognize it as the home of Jackie Gleason, who would often play with his celebrity buddies, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Robert Trent Jones designed both courses, Arnold Palmer served as the first club professional, and Jack Nicklaus played his first professional tournament at the club. The golf courses will be undergoing a major renovation later this year.

Greynolds and Briar Bay are both 9-hole layouts. Greynolds plays 3,080 yards with a par of 36 and was designed by Mark Mahannah. Two par 4s play over 400 yards, and there’s a 521-yard par 5 that will challenge golfers at any level. It’s one of the county’s most popular nine-hole courses.

Briar Bay was also designed by Devlin and Von Hagge and is a par-31 executive course; it receives over 40,000 rounds of golf each year. None of the 5 par 3 holes play over 150 yards, so it allows you to work on your mid-iron approach shots. It has become a popular venue for top players and beginners alike; there’s something for everyone.

Miami-Dade County is serious about golf and seeing that all patrons enjoy themselves. To learn more about a course or to book your next tee time at any of the six courses, visit their website