One of the country’s best golf resorts is in Florida, and it looks nothing like it
- Jake Nicholas
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Streamsong® Resort isn’t your typical Florida golf getaway. In fact, it barely looks like Florida at all. Set on 16,000 acres of reclaimed phosphate land in Polk County, this remote destination replaces palm trees and condos with towering sand dunes, native grasses, and sweeping views that feel more like the Scottish Highlands or the sandbelt of Australia. What’s emerged here is a golf experience that’s as raw and inspiring as the land itself—earning Streamsong a place among the best golf resorts in the country.
At the heart of Streamsong are three nationally ranked courses—Red, Blue, and Black—each designed by a different architectural icon. Streamsong Red, by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is a flowing, minimalist masterpiece defined by elevation changes and dramatic bunkering. Streamsong Blue, from Tom Doak, contrasts with bold, angular features and wide corridors that reward strategic play. Streamsong Black, by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, is the most adventurous of the trio, with some of the biggest greens in the country, rugged features, and an unconventional rhythm that’s both challenging and fun. Each course has received top accolades, and together they form one of the most compelling golf destinations in America.
All three of Streamsong’s courses have become fixtures on national “best of” lists—racking up accolades from nearly every major publication. Streamsong Red leads the charge with a #21 spot on Golf Digest’s 2023 list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, a #2 ranking on Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in Florida (2024), and #18 on Golfweek’s Top 100 You Can Play nationwide. It also ranks as the #16 resort course in the U.S., solidifying its place as a strategy-rich standout.
Streamsong Blue, Tom Doak’s masterfully flowing layout, isn’t far behind—ranked #24 on both Golf Digest’s and Golfweek’s national lists, #3 in Florida, and lauded as the #19 resort course and #53 modern course in the country. Even GOLF Magazine slotted it at #27 on their 2021 list of top public layouts.
Not to be outdone, Gil Hanse’s Streamsong Black lands at #29 on Golf Digest’s public ranking and #28 on Golfweek’s, while holding the #4 Florida spot and appearing as the #20 resort and #67 modern course in the nation. It also earned #39 on GOLF Magazine’s top 100. Few resorts in the world can claim three courses this decorated—and none of them look anything like Florida.
Collectively, these courses have helped Streamsong rise from a Central Florida curiosity to one of the most celebrated golf destinations in the country, drawing passionate players from around the world to walk its fairways and experience a side of Florida they never knew existed.
But golf is only part of the story. Streamsong’s modern lodge rises from the landscape like a sculpture, with 216 rooms designed by renowned architect Alberto Alfonso. Each space features floor-to-ceiling glass, original artwork, custom bookshelves, and views over quiet lakes and untouched terrain. Guests continue to praise the perfectly curated amenities, including the lakeside infinity pool, the full-service spa, the sports simulator lounge, and drinks at Rooftop 360 for panoramic sunset views.
Streamsong’s dining scene is as thoughtfully curated as its golf courses, offering a diverse array of culinary experiences. At SottoTerra, nestled in the Lodge’s lower lobby, guests are transported to Italy with expertly crafted dishes. Canyon Lake Steakhouse, located at the Red & Blue Clubhouse, provides a refined dining experience with premium steaks, fresh seafood, and an exceptional wine list, all complemented by stunning views of the surrounding dunescape.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, Bone Valley Tavern at the Black Clubhouse offers 360-degree views and a menu featuring fresh seafood, small plates, and local craft cocktails, making it the perfect spot to gather before or after your round. Fin & Feather celebrates Southern-inspired dishes that pay homage to the region's rich heritage, while Pub 59 delivers classic pub fare alongside a selection of 16 microbrew and craft beers on tap. For those seeking a vibrant social setting, Rooftop 360 offers breathtaking views, tapas-style plates designed for sharing, and handcrafted cocktails, creating an inviting atmosphere for evening gatherings.
Adding to the resort’s appeal is the newly introduced short course, The Chain, designed again by Coore & Crenshaw. Built for casual match-play fun, it’s a walking-only layout with holes ranging from 90 to 275 yards, allowing players to pick their distance on each hole, bringing out the competitiveness in each group.
And for those looking to explore beyond the fairways, Streamsong also offers bass fishing on pristine lakes, guided clay shooting, archery, and nature trails that weave through the reclaimed ecosystem.
Adding to the already incredible property, a recent announcement heralds the addition of a fifth course at Streamsong Resort, designed by renowned architect David McLay Kidd. This new 18-hole championship course, already under construction, will be situated between the existing Red and Black courses, traversing some of the resort's most intriguing sand dune terrain and dramatic elevation changes.
The upcoming fifth course is planned to stretch over 7,300 yards from the back tees, making it the longest at the resort. McLay Kidd aims to craft a layout that harmonizes with the natural landscape, incorporating the site's dramatic elevation changes and existing landforms shaped by previous mining operations.
Despite its remote feel, Streamsong is easy to reach—located about 90 minutes from both Tampa International Airport and Orlando International Airport. That convenience only adds to the appeal of a resort that feels completely set apart. With four distinctive courses, and a fifth on the way — one-of-a-kind terrain, and a full slate of high-end amenities, Streamsong continues to evolve into something far more ambitious than a traditional golf destination—something that feels like it shouldn’t exist in Florida, yet somehow does.
