By: Kara Franker
Doral is one of the most popular golfing destinations in America.
Doral boasts a world-renowned golf scene that draws the attention of the pros and novices alike. One of the most famous places to golf is Trump National Doral, which has been the home of PGA-level golf tournaments for as long as South Florida residents can remember. Top contenders like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson and more have been found teeing-off on Doral’s glamorous and expansive courses. These world-renowned courses have been played by all the best pros in the game, and you too can play them while visiting Miami.
Explore Trump National Doral and it’s Championship Courses
Located in sunny South Florida, this luxurious hotel and golf resort boasts four, state-of-the-art golf courses, including the Blue Monster, Golden Palm, Red Tiger and Silver Fox.
Blue Monster: When it comes to golfing in Doral, there is no course more popular than the Blue Monster. Designed by golf course architect Gil Hanse, this 7,590 yard course is filled with strategically-placed bunkers, fairways, greens, Bermuda rough and unique water hazards – creating a course that is equally fun and difficult, and one that is challenging for even the most avid golfers. It’s infamous 18th hole is viewed as one of the most difficult.
Golden Palm: Named after the tree most commonly found on the golf course, this course is known amongst golfers for its wide open vistas, narrow, tree-lined fairways, sculpted greens, and a unique bunker that has both clean edges and a heavy rough. Due to its design and intricate details, Golden Palm is a challenging course for golfers of all skill levels, and has routinely hosted some of the biggest names in the sport.
Red Tiger: Named after Jackie Gleason, this course was designed with expert players in mind. Reminiscent of a typical, New England-style course, with different palm trees to give it that characteristic South Florida flair, Red Tiger sits on 120 acres. Its small-scaled greens force golfers to approach their game with the utmost attention to detail.
Silver Fox: With water on 16 of its 18 holes, this Trump National Doral course is a test of any player’s skill. 50 bunkers are strategically-placed throughout the golf course, and Celebration Bermuda grass can be found everywhere you turn. Silver Fox is equal parts enchanting and intimidating, making for a fun, but challenging day on the green.
The Jim McLean Golf School
Having been recognized by publications like US News and World Report, CNN and Travel & Leisure Magazine, the facility offers private lessons for all levels on the weekends and weekdays, group clinics, three-dimensional BioDynamic Swing Analysis, Summer Junior Golf Camps, Summer and Holiday Junior Elite Golf Schools and After-School Junior Programs. The Jim McLean Golf School is open every day of the week and the weekends.
Costa Del Sol Golf Club
Costa Del Sol Golf Club is the only major golf course in Doral that is not a part of the Trump National Doral. While the Trump courses are decidedly more famous, this golf club certainly stands on its own merits. Tucked into a residential community, it spans 18 holes and features 6,273 yards of course. First opened in 1974, it was designed by ASGCA Architect Robert E. Cupp, who later went on to join the team at Jack Nicklaus Design. It is open to golfers of all ages, and is good for a game, lessons, or even just a day spent at its one-of-a-kind driving range.