You’re driving down Curtiss Parkway, the trees are thick with Spanish moss, and suddenly, there it is. Miami Springs Golf and Country Club. It’s not flashy. It doesn't have the neon glow of South Beach or the $500 greens fees of the Blue Monster down the road in Doral.
Honestly? It’s better that way.
This place is a time capsule. It opened back in 1923. Think about that for a second. While the rest of Miami was basically just a swampy frontier, Glenn Curtiss—the "Father of Naval Aviation"—was busy carving out a golf course. He didn't just want a place to hit balls; he wanted a centerpiece for his "Dream City."
Most people don't realize this, but for decades, this was the spot. It’s the oldest municipal golf course in the Greater Miami area. It hosted the Miami Open from 1924 all the way through 1955. We’re talking about a pre-PGA Tour era where the biggest names in the sport were walking these same fairways.
The Design That Time Forgot
The layout is classic. It’s a par-71 that stretches just over 6,700 yards from the back tees. By modern standards, that sounds short. It isn't.
Because the course was built in the early 20s, it relies on small greens and strategic bunkering rather than pure length. You can't just bomb and gouge your way through a round here. You’ll get punished. The doglegs are tight. The trees have grown massive over the last century, and they seem to have a magnetic pull on any ball that isn't struck purely.
If you're looking for wall-to-wall carpet conditions like you'd find at a private club in Jupiter, you might be disappointed. This is a muni. It’s got character. Sometimes the grass is a little patchy, or the bunkers are a bit firm. But that’s the charm. It’s "real" golf. It's the kind of place where you see retired airline pilots, local city council members, and kids learning the game all sharing the same starter's shack.
That Iconic 1920s Vibe
The clubhouse is a Mission-style masterpiece. It’s been renovated, sure, but it still feels like 1925 inside. The high ceilings and the way the light hits the floor in the afternoon—it's just different.
Back in the day, the Miami Open here was a massive deal. Sam Snead won here. Gene Sarazen played here. Even Byron Nelson. It was the winter home of professional golf before the money got huge and the tours moved to private resorts. There's a certain weight to the air when you walk into the locker room. You're following in the footsteps of legends, even if you’re just there to hack it around for four hours on a Tuesday.
👉 See also: NFL Fantasy Pick Em: Why Most Fans Lose Money and How to Actually Win
What Most People Get Wrong About Miami Springs
A lot of golfers in South Florida skip the Miami Springs Golf and Country Club because they think it’s "outdated." They want the fancy GPS carts and the chilled towels.
That’s a mistake.
First off, the drainage here is surprisingly good for a course that’s over a hundred years old. While other low-lying Miami courses turn into ponds after a typical afternoon thunderstorm, the Springs usually holds up.
Secondly, the price point is unbeatable. In a city where a round of golf can easily cost you a week's worth of groceries, the Springs keeps it accessible. It’s owned by the City of Miami Springs, and they take that "public" part seriously.
The Logistics: What You Actually Need to Know
Planning a trip here isn't complicated, but there are a few things that help.
- Tee Times: Use their online booking system. Don't just show up and expect to walk on, especially on weekend mornings. The locals are dedicated.
- The Range: It’s a standard grass/mat hybrid range. Good for a warm-up, but don't expect a Titleist Performance Institute experience.
- The Food: The Hole 19 Scratch Kitchen & Bar is actually legit. It’s not just "golf course food." People who don't even play golf come here for the burgers and the atmosphere. The patio overlooks the course and it’s one of the best spots in the city for a sunset beer.
The location is also a huge factor. It’s right next to Miami International Airport (MIA). You’ll see planes taking off and landing constantly. For some, the noise is a distraction. For others, it adds to the unique, industrial-meets-tropical aesthetic of the place. It’s basically the perfect "layover round" if you have six hours to kill before a flight.
Challenges and Future Proofing
Maintaining a century-old course in the middle of a massive urban sprawl isn't easy. The city has had to navigate water usage rights, encroaching development, and the general wear and tear that comes with hosting tens of thousands of rounds a year.
There’s always talk about renovations. Some people want to modernize the greens to handle higher speeds. Others want to leave it exactly as it is. It's a delicate balance. If you change too much, you lose the history. If you change too little, the course struggles to compete with the new designs popping up in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
✨ Don't miss: Inter Miami vs Toronto: What Really Happened in Their Recent Clashes
Actually, the course underwent a significant restoration relatively recently to bring back some of the original design intent. They cleared out some of the invasive overgrowth and worked on the turf quality. It shows. The greens might not be "lightning fast," but they roll true if you know how to read the grain.
Dealing With the Miami Heat
If you're playing here in July, God bless you.
The humidity in the Springs is no joke. Because the course is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and lush foliage, the air can get pretty stagnant. Hydration isn't a suggestion; it’s a requirement. Most carts have coolers, and you’ll want to use them.
The best time to play is undeniably between November and March. The "winter" in Miami is perfect for golf, with temperatures hovering in the 70s. That’s also when the course is at its busiest, so expect five-hour rounds on the weekends. Just lean into it. Enjoy the scenery.
Why You Should Care
Golf is becoming increasingly elitist. Private equity clubs are raising initiation fees to six figures. Even "public" courses are charging $200+ for a morning slot.
Miami Springs Golf and Country Club stands against that trend. It’s a reminder that golf is a game for the people. It’s a place where history isn't just a plaque on a wall; it’s the dirt under your cleats.
Whether you’re a scratch golfer trying to navigate the tricky par-3s or a beginner just trying to keep it in the fairway, there’s a spot for you here. It’s unpretentious. It’s a bit rough around the edges. It’s exactly what South Florida golf should be.
Moving Forward: How to Master the Springs
If you're going to play here, stop trying to overpower the course. It was designed for hickory shafts and gutta-percha balls.
🔗 Read more: Matthew Berry Positional Rankings: Why They Still Run the Fantasy Industry
Focus on your short game. The greens are small targets. If you miss, you're usually left with a delicate chip from a tight lie. Work on your bump-and-runs.
Watch the wind. Being so close to the coast and the airport, the wind can swirl unexpectedly. Pay attention to the flags on the nearby buildings or the way the trees are leaning.
Respect the history. Take five minutes to look at the photos in the clubhouse. It’ll change how you feel when you stand on the first tee. You aren't just playing a round; you're participating in a century-long tradition that helped put Miami on the map.
Check the local calendar. The club often hosts local tournaments and community events. If you want a quiet round, avoid the days when the "Springs Open" or local high school matches are happening.
Book the late afternoon. If you can handle the tail end of the heat, the "twilight" rates are a steal. Plus, the way the shadows stretch across the 18th fairway as the planes climb out of MIA is something every Miami golfer needs to see at least once.
Get a lesson. The pros here have been around forever. They know every break on every green. If your swing is feeling "kinda" off, thirty minutes with one of the local instructors can save you ten strokes. They won't give you a complex biomechanical breakdown, but they'll tell you how to hit it straight.
Visit Hole 19 even if you don't play. Seriously. The blackened mahi tacos are better than they have any right to be. It’s one of the few places in Miami where you can get a great meal without a dress code or a valet line.
Ultimately, Miami Springs is a survivor. In a city that loves to tear down the old to build the new, this patch of green has stayed put for over 100 years. That alone makes it worth the green fee.
Go play it. Don't expect perfection—expect a story.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Aeration Schedule: Before booking, call the pro shop to ensure they haven't recently punched the greens. Nothing ruins a "historic" round like putting through sand.
- Download a Yardage App: The course doesn't always have the most detailed physical markers. An app like 18Birdies or Hole19 will help you navigate those blind doglegs.
- Pack Extra Balls: The canals and thick brush are unforgiving. Even the best players will lose a couple to the "Springs Jungle."
- Visit the Curtiss Mansion: It's right next door. If you're into history or architecture, it's the perfect pairing with a morning round of golf.
- Review the Local Rules: Pay attention to the out-of-bounds markers near the residential property lines. The neighbors are friendly, but they don't want your Pro-V1 in their pool.