Florida Historic Golf Trail

08/10/2026

08/04/2026

August is National Golf Month! Celebrate by playing a round or two on one of Florida's historic courses.

Visit our website to learn more: https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/

07/01/2026

Congratulations on one hundred years, The Dunedin Golf Club!

in 1945, the Dunedin Isles Golf Club, which is celebrating its 100-Year anniversary, became the first home course of the Professional Golf Association (PGA). The PGA Merchandise show also began at Dunedin, an annual event which today sees over 33,000 attendees. To learn more about , one of the courses along Florida Historic Golf Trail and the America250FL Golf Trail, visit https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/courses/dunedin-golf-club/

06/18/2026

Today begins the 126th United States Open Championship held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York!

One of our partner courses, Granada Golf Course in Coral Gables, has a direct connection to the historic Shinnecock Hills course. Granada’s first golf professional was Charlie Thom. Like many golf professionals at the time, Thom was employed at two golf clubs throughout the year. In the spring and summer, he would be at the historic Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island, New York and during the winter months he would come down to Florida and work.

The Granada golf course opened on January 15, 1923, and the opening match was played between Charlie Thom and C. Blair Woodrow against Jock Kennedy and E.T. Purcell. The best ball match was won by Thom and Woodrow.

Learn more at FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.com

06/16/2026

"Come Play on History" as a part of America's 250th celebration!

The America250FL Golf Trail features a commemorative America250FL flag on the 14th hole symbolizing the state’s role as the 14th Colony. During America’s 250th birthday, “Come play on history!” by visiting one of these special golf courses. See the trail here: https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/america250fl-golf-trail/

06/15/2026

Florida has a rich golf history and New Port Richey Main Street, Inc. is highlighting the city's contribution in helping invent the modern sand wedge as part of the Main Street America Main Street 250 storytelling program.

History happens Main Street. Especially on Florida Main Streets!

In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, we’re excited to share that New Port Richey has been featured in Main Street 250 — a national storytelling initiative by Main Street America highlighting how history happens on Main Streets across the country.

Our story celebrates the invention of the modern sand wedge golf club, created right here in New Port Richey by legendary golfer Gene Sarazen in the early 1930s.
While living in New Port Richey, Sarazen designed and built the first modern sand wedge in his garage, inspired by the aerodynamics of airplane wings. His invention went on to revolutionize the game of golf and helped him win the 1932 British Open, completing golf’s first-ever career Grand Slam.

During this glamorous era, New Port Richey was a retreat for artists, actors, athletes, and innovators who found inspiration along the Cotee River — and Sarazen’s groundbreaking invention remains part of that creative legacy.

We’re proud to see New Port Richey’s story included among more than 250 historical events, inventions, and achievements from Main Street communities across the country.

Explore more Main Street 250 stories here: https://mainstreet.org/our-network/main-street-250

10/21/2025

The Rockledge Country Club, located in the city of Rockledge in Brevard County, had its beginnings in 1911. After several stops and starts and renovations, the city of Rockledge took over the golf course in the early 1930s, and promptly reduced the cost to play. The new green fees and yearly dues were set at 50 cents per day; $2.50 per week; $7.00 per month and $15.00 per year. Women would pay only $7.00 and year and the children of members between the ages of 14 and 18 could play for free.

(Photo: First Tee at Rockledge Country Club, Courtesy of Rockledge Country Club)

10/17/2025

In February 1932, during a woman’s invitation golf tournament, a golfer drove her ball into the creek at the 13th (todays 5th hole) while looking for her ball her caddy spotted a large fish swimming in the creek. C.A. Thomas, Clearwater Country Club’s assistant greens keeper was called and proceeded to take the flag pole and spear the 110 pound, 63-inch tarpon. It was believed that the tarpon came up the creek during high tide. Local newspaper article went on to say that “Fishing tackle may hereafter be included in the equipment of golfers who play on the golf links of the Clearwater Country Club.”

https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/courses/clearwater-country-club
(Photo: Tarpon Caught in Steveson Creek at Clearwater Country Club, 1932)

10/14/2025

Florida’s historic courses have been the site of many exhibition matches between well-known pros. For example, in 1945, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan and Harold “Jug” McSpaden played in an exhibition match at the Daytona Beach Golf Club to open the course for the winter golf season. The big three (Snead, Nelson, and Hogan) came back to the Club the next year with Jimmy Demaret and played in another exhibition match. Demaret won the match with a 63.

https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/courses/daytona-beach-golf-club

(image: 1946 Scorecard for Snead, Nelson, Hogan, and Demaret)

10/10/2025

While most folks are satisfied with a normal 18-hole round, some golfers at the Bartow Golf Course in Polk County decided to take a different approach. In 1923 they staged a "moonlight golf marathon" and played through the night, with the winner playing "126 holes in 594 strokes in 26 hours and 5 minutes of continuous play." Don't try this at home.

https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/courses/bartow-golf-course

(Article: Bartow Golfers Put on Marathon by Moonlight, Tampa Tribune June 1, 1923)