Best Public Golf Courses in St. Petersburg

by Hunt Brothers Realty

The best public golf courses in St. Petersburg start with Mangrove Bay, the city's 18-hole, par-72 municipal championship course. Golfers looking for a shorter round can choose Cypress Links or Twin Brooks, both nine-hole par-3 courses operated by the City of St. Petersburg. Because St. Pete has only one full-length municipal course, golfers who want additional 18-hole variety often expand the search to nearby Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club and Seminole Lake Country Club in Seminole. Each offers public or semi-private access without requiring the conventional private-club commitment found at several other St. Petersburg courses.

For residents and relocating buyers, that relatively simple public-golf structure can be an advantage. You do not have to choose a golf-course community to play regularly. Someone can prioritize Downtown St. Petersburg, waterfront living, the beaches or another neighborhood and still reach public golf throughout southern and central Pinellas County. Hunt Brothers Realty's complete St. Petersburg golf course guide also compares the area's private and resort-access clubs.

Quick Answers About the Best Public Golf Courses in St. Petersburg

What is the main public 18-hole golf course in St. Petersburg?

Mangrove Bay Golf Course is St. Petersburg's primary full-length public course. The city-owned facility has 18 holes, plays to a par of 72 and occupies approximately 180 acres in northeast St. Petersburg.

How many municipal golf courses does St. Petersburg operate?

The City of St. Petersburg operates three public golf courses: Mangrove Bay, Cypress Links and Twin Brooks. Mangrove Bay provides a traditional 18-hole round, while Cypress Links and Twin Brooks are shorter nine-hole par-3 facilities.

How much does Mangrove Bay cost in October 2026?

City rates effective through October 31, 2026 list 18 holes at Mangrove Bay at $34 before Florida sales tax. Nine holes are $18 and twilight golf is $23. An 18-hole electric cart is an additional $12 per golfer under the current rate schedule.

Where can beginners play golf in St. Petersburg?

Cypress Links and Twin Brooks are useful public options for beginners, junior golfers and anyone working on the short game. Both are nine-hole par-3 layouts with rental equipment available, and Twin Brooks also has a driving range and additional practice holes.

What are good public 18-hole courses near St. Petersburg?

Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club and Seminole Lake Country Club are two useful full-length options north of St. Petersburg in Seminole. Bardmoor accepts public tee-time reservations, while Seminole Lake operates as a semi-private club that currently allows non-member play under specified access rules.

Can St. Petersburg residents receive municipal golf discounts?

Yes. St. Petersburg residents can purchase city Resident Discount Cards that reduce qualifying green fees. Current programs include separate Mangrove Bay and Cypress Links or Twin Brooks options, as well as a combined card covering all three municipal facilities.

Do you need to live on a golf course to play regularly in St. Pete?

No. St. Petersburg's municipal courses are open to the public, and nearby daily-fee or semi-private options provide additional choices. Buyers can therefore select a neighborhood based on housing, waterfront access, downtown proximity or other priorities without making golf-club membership part of the real estate purchase.

Mangrove Bay Golf Course: The Full-Length Municipal Choice

Mangrove Bay Golf Course is the clearest starting point for golfers looking for a traditional public 18-hole round inside St. Petersburg. The City of St. Petersburg describes it as a par-72 championship golf course occupying 180 acres in northeast St. Pete.

The facility includes Platinum Paspalum greens, a driving range, practice areas, a putting green, chipping and pitching areas, PGA instruction, a pro shop and snack bar. Golf carts, pull carts and club rentals are available, which makes Mangrove Bay practical for both local golfers and visitors traveling without equipment.

One characteristic that separates Mangrove Bay from many Florida courses is the setting. Residential homes do not continuously line the fairways, allowing much of the round to feel more like a dedicated municipal golf property than a course threaded through a housing development.

What are Mangrove Bay's current October 2026 rates?

The city's rate schedule effective June 1 through October 31, 2026 lists 18 holes at $34, nine holes at $18 and twilight play after 3 p.m. at $23, before tax. Electric cart fees are separate. Golfers should check St. Pete Golf's current rates before booking because seasonal pricing changes.

How far in advance can you book Mangrove Bay?

Current city policy allows Mangrove Bay tee times to be reserved seven days in advance. Online and app reservations open at 6 a.m., while phone and in-person booking begins at 6:30 a.m. Single golfers may play on a walk-on basis subject to availability.

Cypress Links: A Short Public Round Beside Mangrove Bay

Cypress Links is a nine-hole, par-3 municipal course located at the entrance to Mangrove Bay. Individual holes range from approximately 105 to 187 yards, creating a short-game-oriented course that can still require a variety of iron shots.

The course is designed to accommodate golfers across a wide range of abilities. Features include a practice putting green, USGA modified greens, golf and pull-cart rentals, club rentals, a pro shop and junior programming.

Cypress Links works especially well when time is limited. A nine-hole par-3 round can fit into a morning or afternoon without committing to the several hours normally required for a full-size 18-hole course.

How much does Cypress Links cost?

The city rate effective through October 31, 2026 is $16 for nine holes before tax, with a $10 replay. An electric cart is currently $6 per golfer, and a junior walking rate is available after 11 a.m.

Twin Brooks Golf Course: Par-3 Golf Plus a Driving Range

Twin Brooks Golf Course is another nine-hole, par-3 municipal facility, this time in South St. Petersburg. Its biggest distinction from Cypress Links is the practice setup. Twin Brooks includes a driving range and a separate area with three additional practice holes.

Twin Brooks is also home to First Tee of St. Petersburg and offers PGA instruction for golfers of different ages. A pro shop, snack bar, practice putting green, rental clubs and carts are available.

For someone who wants to practice and play during the same visit, Twin Brooks can be particularly useful. The driving range allows full-swing work that is not part of the Cypress Links facility.

What are Twin Brooks' current rates?

Through October 31, 2026, the city lists nine holes at $16 before tax and a replay at $10. Practice access is currently $10, while range-ball pricing depends on bucket size. Golfers should verify current pricing before arriving.

Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club: Public Championship Golf Near St. Petersburg

Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club is not inside St. Petersburg city limits, but it is one of the most relevant public full-length alternatives for St. Pete golfers. Located at 8001 Cumberland Road in Seminole, Bardmoor currently accepts public tee-time reservations online and by phone.

The par-72 layout extends to 7,015 yards from the back tees. Bardmoor opened in 1971 and later underwent a major renovation led by PGA Tour winner and golf-course architect Gary Koch. Its tournament history includes hosting multiple PGA and LPGA JCPenney Classic events.

Bardmoor also has substantial practice facilities. The range includes approximately 2.5 acres of hitting stations, along with a large putting surface, chipping and pitching areas and practice bunkers.

Why add Bardmoor to a St. Petersburg public-golf rotation?

Bardmoor provides another full-length public-access course when a golfer wants more variety than Mangrove Bay alone can provide. Its longer yardage, practice facilities and tournament history create a different playing experience from the St. Petersburg municipal system.

Seminole Lake Country Club: Semi-Private Golf with Public Access

Seminole Lake Country Club provides another full-length option in nearby Seminole. The club describes itself as semi-private and specifically invites non-members to play as a "Member for the Day."

The course sits along Long Bayou and Cross Bayou and uses Paspalum turf on its tees, fairways and greens. The layout features broad fairways, large contoured greens, doglegs and frequent interaction with water.

Seminole Lake is also geographically useful for golfers staying near the Gulf beaches. The club identifies itself as the closest full-length regulation course to St. Pete Beach, Madeira Beach and Redington Shores.

How does non-member access work at Seminole Lake?

The club's current FAQ states that non-members may play before 1 p.m. up to two times per month and may play after 1 p.m. as often as availability allows. Because semi-private access rules can change, golfers should confirm the current policy when booking.

How Do the Main St. Petersburg Public Golf Options Compare?

Course	Location	Format	Access	Useful For
Mangrove Bay	Northeast St. Petersburg	18 holes, par 72	Municipal public	Traditional full-length golf inside St. Pete
Cypress Links	Northeast St. Petersburg	9 holes, par 3	Municipal public	Short rounds, beginners and iron play
Twin Brooks	South St. Petersburg	9 holes, par 3	Municipal public	Practice, driving range and short rounds
Bardmoor	Seminole	18 holes, par 72	Public tee times	Championship-length public golf
Seminole Lake	Seminole	Full-length regulation course	Semi-private with non-member access	Golf near St. Pete Beach and western Pinellas

The most useful distinction is geography and round type. Mangrove Bay is the only full-size municipal course within St. Petersburg itself. Cypress Links and Twin Brooks provide shorter public golf, while Bardmoor and Seminole Lake expand the number of full-length rounds available within a reasonable Pinellas County drive.

Which Public Course Fits Different Types of Golfers?

Choosing among St. Petersburg public golf options is easier when the comparison starts with the type of round you want rather than trying to apply one definition of "best" to every golfer.

For a full 18-hole public round inside St. Petersburg: Mangrove Bay is the primary option.
For a short par-3 round in northeast St. Pete: Cypress Links is a useful comparison.
For a par-3 course plus a driving range: Twin Brooks adds more practice options.
For a longer public championship layout nearby: Bardmoor provides 7,015 yards from the back tees.
For semi-private golf near the beaches: Seminole Lake provides non-member access under current club policies.

Course conditions, tee-time availability and rates vary by date and season. Golfers should confirm current information directly with the course before planning a round.

What Is the Difference Between Public, Municipal and Semi-Private Golf?

A municipal course is publicly owned, generally by a city or other local government. Mangrove Bay, Cypress Links and Twin Brooks are owned and operated by the City of St. Petersburg. Public daily-fee facilities such as Bardmoor can be privately operated while still allowing the general public to reserve tee times.

A semi-private club combines membership with some public or non-member access. Seminole Lake is an example. Members receive club privileges, but non-members may also play subject to the club's current policies and tee-time availability.

That differs from major private St. Petersburg clubs such as St. Petersburg Country Club and Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club. Hunt Brothers Realty's St. Petersburg golf guide covers both public and private choices for golfers comparing the entire local market.

Are St. Petersburg Resident Golf Discounts Worth Considering?

Frequent local golfers may want to compare the City of St. Petersburg's Resident Discount Cards. Current programs provide discounts from posted green fees and qualifying pro-shop merchandise, with different cards available for Mangrove Bay, Cypress Links and Twin Brooks.

Residents must provide qualifying proof of St. Petersburg residency when purchasing a resident card. Because card pricing, validity periods and savings can change, golfers should review the current St. Pete Golf discount program and estimate how often they expect to play before deciding whether a card fits their use.

Is St. Petersburg a Good Place to Live for Golfers Who Prefer Public Courses?

St. Petersburg can work well for golfers who prefer public access because homeownership does not need to be tied to a golf club. The city operates three municipal facilities, while additional full-length public or semi-private courses are available elsewhere in Pinellas County.

That flexibility can be useful when real estate priorities lie elsewhere. A buyer may care more about Downtown St. Petersburg walkability, Tampa Bay views, access to St. Pete Beach, a single-family neighborhood or condominium amenities than about living directly beside a golf course.

For example, buyers interested in the urban core can review Hunt Brothers Realty's Downtown St. Petersburg condo guide, while the broader Hunt Brothers Realty Gulf Coast community directory helps buyers compare St. Petersburg with other Florida locations.

Should Homebuyers Choose a Neighborhood Based on the Nearest Golf Course?

Golf access is worth considering, but the nearest course does not need to determine the home search. St. Petersburg and Pinellas County are compact enough that many golfers can reach several courses while choosing their residence based on housing, waterfront access, commute, association structure and other everyday priorities.

A buyer who does consider a property beside a golf course should evaluate the specific lot rather than relying on the phrase "golf-course view." Tee boxes, landing areas, greens, cart paths and maintenance routes can create very different conditions from one home to another.

Insurance availability and premiums can also vary by property. Buyers should obtain property-specific quotes and discuss golf-course exposure, storm protection and other relevant concerns with a qualified insurance professional before making a purchasing decision.

What Should Golf-Oriented Homebuyers Verify?

Buyers considering a home near public or private golf should separate the real estate decision from the golf-access decision. Proximity to a course does not necessarily provide membership, discounted play or any legal right to continued course operation.

Whether the nearby course is public, semi-private or private
Current tee-time access or membership availability
Current green fees and membership expenses
Golf-cart and practice-facility charges
Which hole or practice area borders the property, if applicable
Potential golf-ball exposure
Course-maintenance activity near the residence
HOA or condominium obligations unrelated to the golf operation
Property-specific insurance considerations

Questions involving association rights, title, recorded easements or other legal matters should be reviewed with a qualified Florida real estate attorney or title professional when individualized guidance is required. Property-condition concerns should be evaluated with the appropriate licensed inspector, contractor or engineer.

St. Petersburg Gives Public Golfers Several Ways to Play

St. Petersburg's public-golf inventory is straightforward but useful. Mangrove Bay provides the city's full-length municipal option, Cypress Links and Twin Brooks create inexpensive shorter-round choices, and nearby Bardmoor and Seminole Lake add additional full-length golf for players willing to drive into central Pinellas County.

For homebuyers, the larger advantage is flexibility. Public golf allows the residential search to remain centered on the home, neighborhood and location rather than making club membership a required part of ownership. Golf can remain an important lifestyle consideration without becoming the only factor determining where to live.

Explore St. Petersburg Real Estate and Golf Access

Hunt Brothers Realty can help buyers compare St. Petersburg neighborhoods based on housing type, waterfront access, golf proximity, condominium or HOA structure and other ownership considerations. Read the complete St. Petersburg golf guide, explore Downtown St. Petersburg condos, browse Florida Gulf Coast communities, or contact Hunt Brothers Realty for assistance with a St. Petersburg property search.

Informational notice: This guide is provided for general real estate and recreational information and does not constitute individualized legal, financial, tax, insurance, lending, title, inspection or association advice. Golf rates, public access, tee-time rules, course conditions, membership programs and discount programs can change. Golfers should verify current course information directly with the facility. Buyers should verify property-specific association obligations, insurance, condition, title matters and other ownership considerations with the appropriate licensed real estate professional, association, insurance professional, inspector, lender, attorney, title professional, tax professional or other qualified professional before making a purchasing decision.