Since its inception in 2023, Brightline has become a favored mode of transport for sports enthusiasts traveling across Florida. Whether you’re heading from West Palm Beach to an Orlando college bowl game featuring the Miami Hurricanes, or departing Orlando to make it to a Miami Dolphins tailgate party and a kickoff, or even attending the F1 race at Hard Rock Stadium, Brightline offers numerous possibilities.
With the PGA Tour’s return to Trump National Doral for the Cadillac Championship from April 27th to May 3rd, I’ve already secured my round-trip Brightline ticket for this significant event.
Brightline’s stations in Orlando, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Miami allow golfers to bypass traffic and arrive at championship-caliber courses throughout Central and South Florida feeling refreshed, just a short 20-30 minute rideshare away.
Traveling with Your Golf Clubs is Effortless
A standard soft-sided golf bag is complimentary with a PREMIUM fare. For SMART travelers, the equivalent of economy class, a nominal baggage fee of $35 applies.
Beyond convenience, Brightline provides a hospitality-focused experience that redefines train travel at a cost comparable to driving or flying. Opting for PREMIUM offers unlimited complimentary snacks and beverages, including wine and beer on tap, along with access to dedicated workspaces.
Orlando Brightline Station
Consider the potential for golf trips from South Florida to Orlando, where you can play any of Walt Disney World’s Championship courses managed by Arnold Palmer Golf Management. Disney’s Magnolia, originally designed by Joe Lee, has a rich history of crowning PGA Tour winners and is now open to the public year-round, alongside Disney’s Palm, Lake Buena Vista, and Oak Trail Courses. The area also boasts courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr. (Celebration Golf Club), Greg Norman (Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, host of the PNC Championship), and Shingle Creek Golf Club, conveniently located near Universal Studios.
West Palm Beach Brightline Station
Notable golf destinations include PGA National, the venue for the PGA Tour’s Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches, and The Park at West Palm Beach. The latter, co-designed by Tiger Woods, features both a championship course and a lighted 9-hole walking layout. Palm Beach Par-3 Golf Course, designed by Masters Champion Raymond Floyd, is an iconic oceanfront par-3 course recognized as one of America’s best.
Boca Raton Brightline Station
All aboard for fantastic golf options, all within a short ride from the station. Explore the centrally located Boca Raton Municipal Golf Course, and Osprey Point in Palm Beach County, less than 2 miles away, offering several challenging courses. The Alan C. Alford Red Reef Family Golf Course is another must-play, a 9-hole, 1357-yard gem with stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.
Fort Lauderdale Brightline Station
Within approximately 20 minutes of the station, you can enjoy Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club, Jacaranda Golf Club with its two courses, and Davie Golf Club, a popular municipal course among locals.
Aventura Brightline Station
This station is well-known to sports fans for its proximity to Hard Rock Stadium. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate JW Marriott Miami Turnberry, a personal favorite in South Florida offering magnificent city views. Greynolds Golf Course, influenced by Donald Ross, is another excellent municipal course worth exploring.
Miami Central Brightline Station
This area is celebrated for its iconic scenery and urban golf experiences. It is home to the four championship courses at Doral, including the renowned Blue Monster, which will soon host the world’s top golfers competing for a $20 million prize and FedEx Cup points. Before or after watching the professionals, you can also visit the recently redesigned Miami Beach Golf Club, just minutes from South Beach. Don’t miss Crandon Golf on Key Biscayne, which hosted the PGA Tour Champions for almost two decades and offers holes with bay-to-ocean views and sweeping vistas.
Florida offers an abundance of exceptional golf opportunities, and Brightline makes day trips or extended weekends significantly easier. You can save your energy for the game and leave your car behind.
Upcoming Developments
Brightline is currently working on a connection between Las Vegas and Southern California, which will further simplify future West Coast golf trips, but that’s a story for another time.
