The Golf Picture in St. Lucie County
St. Lucie County has over 11 golf courses, from championship PGA facilities to classic county-operated courses. The county's golf infrastructure is strong for its size. Unlike many more famous Florida golf markets, including Naples, Jupiter, and Palm Beach Gardens, tee times here are consistently available. Course conditions are well-maintained. The weather is excellent from October through May. Summer rounds are available at discounted rates at most facilities, though it is hot.
PGA Village Verano and Tradition anchor the county's golf real estate market. But real golf access is available to buyers in St. Lucie West, Fort Pierce, and Port St. Lucie as well, without the commitment of a golf community HOA structure.
PGA Village: The Flagship
PGA Village is operated by the PGA of America and has three championship courses: the Pete Dye-designed Dye course, the Tom Fazio-designed Wanamaker, and the Ryder course. All three are tournament-quality layouts. The PGA Learning Center at the facility ranks among the best instruction programs in Florida.
Residents of PGA Village communities, including Verano, receive preferred tee times and rates. The courses are also available to the public and hotel guests of the adjacent PGA Village resort. Guest tee times are possible, which works well for buyers whose golf-playing friends visit regularly.
Other Key Courses
- Tradition Golf Club: Well-regarded layout in the Tradition master-planned community. Accessible to Tradition residents and the public.
- St. Lucie Trail Golf Club: Public course in Port St. Lucie. Good value for everyday golf without HOA commitment.
- Kings Isle Country Club: Semi-private course within the Kings Isle 55+ community in St. Lucie West.
- Club Med Sandpiper Bay: Resort facility in Port St. Lucie with golf available to guests and some public access.
Bundled vs. Non-Bundled Communities
Bundled golf community: Golf membership fees are included with the HOA fee. Residents pay one combined monthly fee that covers community maintenance and unlimited golf access. These communities typically have private courses available exclusively to residents. The advantage is a predictable all-in monthly cost. The trade-off is that you pay for golf access whether or not you play heavily.
Non-bundled community: Golf membership is purchased separately from the HOA fee. Residents choose whether to join, and at what membership tier. PGA Village Verano is a non-bundled community. The HOA and golf membership are separate financial commitments. Buyers who play less golf are not required to pay for heavy players. The trade-off is that full participation costs require adding up two separate fee structures.
Kings Isle is a semi-private non-bundled model. Residents of Kings Isle have priority access to the course and can purchase membership, but it is not required. This works well for buyers who want occasional access without a full commitment.
