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Known for the oldest and largest university in Florida, Gainesville is much more than just another name in the Sunshine State.
The city is the largest in Alachua County and is a beautiful blend of urban and suburban life.
If you are a tee, club, and iron person, then Gainesville is one of the places you will feel right at home.
If you are new in the city and are looking for a golf course nearby, or a great place to hang out, then the public golf courses in Gainesville will be a great place to start.
And before you complete that thought, NO, you do not have to break the bank or be a pro to enjoy the game of golf here.
The city has a good number of beautiful public, very affordable courses and even makes it a point to improve your game with lessons tailored just for you and your skill level.
1. Ironwood Golf Course
Once named by Golf Digest on their “Best Places to Play” list, Ironwood is a public par 72 championship course owned by the city of Gainesville.
Hosting over 50 tournaments in a normal active year, Ironwood is not just made for pros and you, but it is meant to be a story that tells and preserves history.
The course was opened in 1964, designed by David Wallace, Mike Beebe, and MacCurrach Golf. Carpeted with Bermuda grass, the course is home to some interesting wildlife and some of the city’s oldest flora.
Some of the pines on the course are over a century old!
How Much Does It Cost at Ironwood Golf Course?
The rates at Ironwood golf course are very attractive and will have you thinking of your next time even before you are done with the current visit.
With cart: From Monday to Thursday, the rate ranges from $18 to $35, depending on the time you come in. The morning hours peak at $35 (7-11 am), drops to $31 (11am-2:30pm), $25 (2:30-5pm), and then $18 (5 pm -COB).
For a nine-hole game, the rate holds at $25 from 7 AM – 2:30 PM and drops to $21 from 2:30–5 PM, before hitting $16 for 5 PM till COB.
For Fridays – Sundays, the rate runs from $39 to $20 for 18-hole games, with $34 and $27 in between, for the different hours mentioned above. While the rate ticks from $27 to $16 for 9-hole games.
Without cart: This is an opportunity to enjoy the scenery of the course while saving on some extra cash in the process.
The highest amount you will have to dish out while walking is $26.50, and that would be on Friday – Sunday mornings. For all the other times and irrespective of the number of holes, no price goes above $22.
The club offers special lower rates for High Schoolers and juniors at $6 and $30.25 for students. Seniors (50 years and above) are not forgotten, given $28.5 and $33.15 during the week and weekend tee times.
You can download a scorecard for Ironwood Golf Course, FL here.
Facilities
The impressive facilities of the course include:
- Rentals for carts and clubs.
- Driving range.
- Pro in house.
- Competitive leagues.
- Full events calendar.
Ironwood Golf Course FL: Contact Information & Directions
Ironwood Golf Course, 2100 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609.
Tel: (352)-393-8500
Website: www.ironwoodgolfcourse.org
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 7.00AM – 8PM / Friday – Sunday: 7.00AM – 10PM.
Click here For directions to Ironwood Golf Course.
2. Gainesville Golf and Country Club
Many come for the golf, are satisfied, but stay for the hospitality and service, which are even more impressive.
The Gainesville Golf and Country Club is renowned for its hospitality, like a true Southern home!
Founded in 1921, the club offers golf alongside tennis and swimming.
How Much Does It Cost at Gainesville Golf and Country Club?
With cart: 7:30AM – 10 AM: The highest rate of the day is $60. 10AM – 2PM: A drop by $10, to $50. 2PM – 5:30PM: The lowest rate of the course at $40 per round.
The rates are standard from Tuesday through Sunday.
The club does not open on Mondays, and inquiries for rates without a cart may have to be done upon contact.
You can download a scorecard for Gainesville Golf and Country Club, FL here.
Facilities
The club has an online pro shop, from where customers can buy or rent equipment and also a comprehensive golf lesson clinic for golfers who want specialized golf coaching in the Gainesville area.
The Birdie Box is the club’s restaurant and has good reviews from most of those who have visited – there is a menu on the website so you can decide before you set off for a round of golf.
The club also offers an events service where you can organize charity or business events including rounds of golf, topped off by some good food afterward.
Gainesville Golf and Country Club FL: Contact Information & Directions
Gainesville Golf and Country Club, 7300 S.W. 35th Way Gainesville, FL 32608.
Tel: (352)-372-1458
Website: www.gainesvillecc.com
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7.30AM – 7PM.
Click here For directions to Gainesville Golf and Country Club.
3. Turkey Creek Golf Course
The Turkey Creek Golf course is a highly rated and visited pubic golf course in Gainsville.
A renovated iteration of the Plantation Oaks Golf course, Turkey Creek is setting the standard amongst courses in the Gainsville area by proposing a value entirely different from usual.
With low-cost fixed rates every day of the year, Turkey Creek, since 2019, has invested in growing your skills by expanding and improving its practice facility to make one of the best in the county.
The course was recently voted the best practice facility in North Florida!
How Much Does It Cost at Turkey Creek Golf Course FL?
The course does not offer rates for people who choose to tee without a cart, but the rates with the cart are worth it and offer real value for money for golfers looking for a decent public course near Gainsville, FL.
From Monday to Sunday, the rates are fixed for all tee times. The rate is $38 for 18 holes and $22 for nine holes.
You can download a scorecard for Turkey Creek Golf Course, FL here.
Facilities
The stand-out feature at the club is their expanded practice facility and driving range, making this the perfect club for an amateur or enthusiast looking to up their game.
The restaurant, Creek’s 19th, is one you should try out, especially after a demanding practice or full round on the fairways.
With regular events held throughout the year, if you are looking for Golf courses near me at Gainsville, FL then be sure to try out Turkey Creek!
Turkey Creek Golf Course FL: Contact Information & Directions
Turkey Creek Golf Course, 11400 Turkey Creek Blvd, Alachua, FL 32615.
Tel: (386)-518-6815
Website: www.turkeycreekgolfcourse.com
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7.00AM – 6PM.
Click here For directions to Turkey Creek Golf Course.
Best Public Golf Courses in the Gainesville, FL Area
Three courses with three different focus points, but all centered around public golf courses in the Gainesville, Alachua County area.
If you are more interested in developing your game and improving your skill, the Turkey Greek Golf Course offers the best value and proposition.
A great restaurant is also at your disposal to fuel up after a day out on the green.
Ironwood offers a more diverse palette to your golfing experience, with a pro-level course that has a great history and collection of wildlife for you to enjoy.
The Gainesville Golf and Country Club is an embodiment of Southern hospitality and does more than just golf; you get to indulge in tennis and cool off in a pool.
The rates hover around $35 on average, with the exception of the Gainesville Golf and Country Club who have rates of $60 and $40.
The Turkey Creek Golf Club works perfectly for golf-centric minds with fixed rates that run throughout the whole week and every tee time, while Ironwood has special rates for juniors, high schoolers, students, and seniors.
Looking for more public golf courses in Florida?: Destin, Hollywood, Boca Raton, Jacksonville, Estero, Ocala, Bradenton, Orlando Airport, Port St. Lucie, Naples, FL, Clearwater.