Florida is basically the golf capital of the world, but when people talk about the Fort Lauderdale Golf and Country Club, things get a little confusing. Honestly, if you search for that exact name on a map, you’re going to run into a bit of a naming puzzle. Most locals know that the premier, historic spot everyone refers to in this vein is actually the Fort Lauderdale Country Club, located just minutes from the downtown core in Plantation.
It's old. It’s got history. We are talking about a club that opened its doors in 1926. That's nearly a century of divots, deals, and south Florida humidity. While newer clubs try to lure people in with flashy, modern "resort-style" amenities like giant water slides or high-tech simulators, this place leans into the fact that it is, first and foremost, a golf club. It’s for people who actually want to play.
Why the Fort Lauderdale Golf and Country Club label is tricky
People mess up the name all the time. You’ll hear "Fort Lauderdale Golf and Country Club" tossed around at cocktail parties or in real estate listings, but usually, they’re referring to the 36-hole private oasis on Country Club Circle.
South Florida is packed with "country clubs" that are really just housing developments with a single course attached. This is different. There are no homes on the courses here. Imagine that—actually playing a round without worrying about slicing a ball through someone's sliding glass kitchen door. It’s just 288 acres of green space, which is becoming a rarity as developers continue to eat up every square inch of Broward County.
The club features two distinct paths: the North Course and the South Course. They aren't just carbon copies of each other.
The North vs. South Debate
If you're a competitive player, the North Course is probably where you’ll spend your time. It’s longer. It’s tougher. It was renovated a few years back by architect Kipp Schulties, who is basically the go-to guy for making Florida courses feel more "championship" grade. He added elevation. In Florida, "elevation" usually means a few small mounds, but here, it actually creates some visual interest and strategic depth that you don't find at the local muni.
The South Course is different. It’s shorter and arguably more "fun" for the casual Sunday morning round. It’s more of a classic parkland layout. It’s also arguably more scenic because of the way the landscaping has matured over the decades. You’ll see plenty of local wildlife—iguanas are a given, obviously—but the variety of tropical trees is what really sets the vibe.
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Membership here isn't just about the grass, though.
The Social Reality of Private Clubs in 2026
The vibe at the club has shifted over the last few years. It used to be very "old guard." You know the type—blue blazers and strict rules about everything. While it still maintains a level of decorum, there's been a massive influx of younger families and professionals who work remotely from Fort Lauderdale or Las Olas.
What most people get wrong about these clubs is thinking they are only for the ultra-wealthy. While it’s certainly not cheap, it’s a "golf-centric" club. That means the focus is on the game, not necessarily on having the most expensive marble in the lobby. The practice facilities are legitimately some of the best in the region. There’s a massive driving range, multiple putting greens, and a dedicated short-game area where you can spend hours failing to get out of the sand.
A Quick Reality Check on Costs
Let's talk money, because nobody ever wants to be the first to ask.
- Initiation fees in South Florida have skyrocketed lately.
- Monthly dues are standard for the area but expect them to adjust annually for "inflation" and course maintenance.
- There are often different tiers: Full Golf, Junior (usually for those under 40), and Social.
If you just want to eat lunch and use the pool, a social membership is fine. But if you’re looking for the Fort Lauderdale Golf and Country Club experience everyone talks about, you’re there for the 36 holes.
The "Secret" to Getting In
Unlike some of the hyper-exclusive clubs in Palm Beach where you practically need a blood test and a letter from a former President to get a tour, Fort Lauderdale Country Club is relatively welcoming. But it is private. You can't just show up and pay a greens fee.
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You usually need a sponsor. If you’re new to the area, that sounds daunting. It’s not. Most clubs have a process for "introducing" prospective members to current ones. They want to make sure you aren't going to throw your clubs into the lake after a bad shot or hold up play for four hours.
Sustainability and the Future of Florida Golf
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: water and weather.
South Florida gets hit hard by summer storms and the occasional hurricane. The drainage at this club is actually one of its unsung heroes. Because it sits on slightly higher ground compared to the coastal marshes, it tends to dry out faster after those 4:00 PM tropical downpours.
The club has also invested in more sustainable turf types that require less wonky chemical intervention and less water. It’s a move toward "Environmental Stewardship," which sounds like corporate speak, but in reality, it just means the course won't die during a drought or a regulation shift.
What about the food?
Honestly? Club food is usually "fine." It’s burgers, Cobb salads, and the occasional fancy prime rib night. At the Fort Lauderdale club, the focus is more on the veranda vibe. Having a drink overlooking the 18th hole of the North course as the sun goes down is pretty much the peak of the experience. It’s not Michelin-star dining, and it shouldn't be. It’s "I just played 18 holes and I’m starving" dining.
Common Misconceptions
People think you have to be a pro to play here. You don't.
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Actually, because there are two courses, the "higher handicap" players often stick to the South course while the "scratches" beat themselves up on the North. This separation is a godsend for pace of play. There is nothing worse than being stuck behind a group that thinks they're on the PGA tour when you're just trying to get home for dinner.
Another myth is that it's "too far" from the beach. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the Fort Lauderdale beach strip. In Florida traffic, that’s basically next door.
Actionable Steps for Prospective Members
If you are seriously considering joining or just want to see what the fuss is about, don't just look at the website. The photos are always taken on the one day the grass is perfectly green and the sky is perfectly blue.
- Schedule a "Discovery" Round: Most private clubs will allow a serious prospective member to play a round (usually for a fee) to get a feel for the course conditions and the "vibe" of the locker room.
- Check the Calendar: Look at the tournament schedule. If the club is constantly closed for private events or "member-guest" tournaments, you might find it hard to get a tee time when you actually want one.
- Audit the Practice Facilities: If you’re a range rat, see if the range is grass or mats. (Spoiler: Serious clubs use grass).
- Ask about the Master Plan: Clubs are always renovating. Ask if there are any "capital assessments" coming up. You don't want to join in January and get hit with a $5,000 bill in March for a new clubhouse roof you didn't know was leaking.
The Fort Lauderdale golf scene is crowded. Between Grande Oaks (where they filmed Caddyshack, by the way) and the various public tracks, you have options. But the Fort Lauderdale Country Club remains the "purist" choice. It’s where people go when they want the focus to stay on the scorecard and the scenery rather than the social climbing.
Take a drive down Broward Boulevard, head west, and turn into the canopy of trees. You’ll know pretty quickly if it’s the right fit. It’s quiet. It’s green. And most importantly, it’s actual golf.
The best way to move forward is to contact the membership director directly. Avoid the "third-party" membership brokers you see online; they often have outdated info on initiation fees. Reach out, ask for a tour of the North Course specifically, and see if the pace of play matches your style. If you value a 4-hour round and a lack of backyard fences, this is likely your spot in Broward County.