Essential Key Largo Golf Guide

With the area best know for fishing and diving, Key Largo golf is often overlooked. Even though limited, there are opportunities to work on your drive and relax on the greens in this archipelago paradise.

The two golf courses located on the island of Key Largo are both in the gated community at the north end of the island called Ocean Reef. Here you’ll find the popular Hammock and Dolphin courses. These courses are private and require you be a member of the Ocean Reef Club or at least play with a club member or be staying at the The Inn at Ocean Reef.

Hammock - Private

The Hammock is an 18-hole 6400-yard par 71 course originally created in 1969. The course winds its way through the scenic beauty of the mangrove and hardwood forest of Key Largo, making in an excellent natural backdrop for a relaxing day of golf. Narrow curving fairways mean you will need to take care to keep your shots in a straight line and out of the numerous water hazards.

Dolphin - Private

The Dolphin course, which opened in 1961, is closer to the shoreline. The 6100-yard par 71 course has scenery reflecting it proximity to the water with ocean views and plenty of palm trees. This course demands a different style of play than the Hammock course, with a generous helping of sand traps and water hazards. You can take a powerful drive onto the wide fairways without too much concern for accuracy off the tee, but your accuracy needs to be on point further down towards the green. The greens themselves are generally large and emphasize long-range putting skills.

Keys Gate - Public

The nearest public course, named Keys Gate, is located in Homestead Florida, about 45 minutes north of Key Largo on US 1. This is an 18-hole course with fees including a cart ranging from $25 to $40.

Golfing Instruction

The Ocean Reef Club offers an array of private and semi-private lessons for those who want to hone particular aspects of their golf game. You can focus on your driving or putting, or take instruction and constructive criticism from an experienced on-staff golf pro. There are also junior teaching sessions, so you can introduce the kids to golf or let them extend their skills while you enjoy your own game.