The 'Sunshine State' never deserved its name more than on the sunny year-long greens of its more than 1,000 golf courses. Picking a time to golf in Florida is unusually easy but choosing where to go can be more confusing. Pristine top rate courses are spread throughout the state but what sets Florida apart is its diverse environment. Golf's top course designers have altered different landscapes into unique course features.

Sand dune and coastal courses like those on Amelia Islands and the northeast can incorporate large sand bunkers to pitch from one to another. More traditional tree lined fairways use the undulation of central Florida's gentle hills to challenge unique shots. The menacing everglades of the southwest devour sliced shots. Here courses can use native pines and crushed shells to create the course roughs. These are great options for players looking for a challenge and change of scenery. Florida's heavy tourist flow also means self arranging vacations and tours are relatively easy. The many varied courses can offer something for all preferred styles, yet what makes Florida golf special are the surprises.