Featured Golf Course

In this section learn more about the history of the course and its hometown, see a selection of historic and current images of the course, learn about what the course is like today, and discover nearby historic sites.

Miami Springs Golf and Country Club

History

The Miami Springs Golf and Country Club is located in the City of Miami Springs in Miami-Dade County. Developers Glenn Curtiss and James Bright partnered with a local group of Miami golfers known as the “Miami Coconuts” to incorporate a golf course into the new city of Miami Springs in 1921. The firm of William Langford and Theodore Moreau of Chicago were chosen to design an 18-hole layout. Golf course plans were prepared by Langford, who made several visits to the course prior to and during construction.  Locals regarded the course as the best they had ever seen, and different from any other golf course in the Miami area. The golf course incorporated the latest type of hazards and traps, making the game interesting for all level of players. Known as the Miami-Hialeah golf course, it officially opened in 1923.

Since its beginning, the course had a connection with the local Seminole Indians.  The grass on all the bunkers and banks along the canals was planted by hand by Seminole Indian women, and when it opened Seminole Indian men in native dress served as caddies. From 1925 to 1955, the golf course was the site of the Miami Open, nationally recognized as the official kick off tournament of the winter golf season. Past winners include golf legends like Gene Sarazen, Tommy Armour, Sam Snead, and Byron Nelson. 

James Bright, Glenn Curtiss and Arthur Stanton

Country Club Estates Promotional Ad

Preparing Grounds For Hialeah Links - William Langford Architect

Indians to be Used in Building of Golf Grounds at Hialeah

Miami Hialeah Golf Club Ad - Seminole Indian Caddies

Gene Sarazen at Miami Springs on November 13, 1923

1927 Image of the Miami Springs Golf Course and Clubhouse

1931 Scorecard for Miami Springs - Langford and Moreau Architects

1938 Aerial of Miami Springs Golf Course

Today

The Miami Springs Golf and Country Club includes an 18-hole, par-71 golf course that features four sets of tees playing from 5,300 to 6,700 yards, is an enjoyable yet challenging course for all skill levels. The course emphasizes traditional and classic principals of course design that tests players decision-making prowess and shot making abilities, and invites players to “walk in the footsteps of legends.”

Current Layout of Miami Springs Golf and Country Club

3rd Hole at Miami Springs Golf and Country Club

9th Tee at Miami Springs Golf and Country Club

Sun Setting on the 11th Hole at Miami Springs Golf and Country Club

Canal Crossing on the 13th Hole at Miami Springs Golf and Country Club

The Signature Par 3 16th Hole at Miami Springs Golf and Country Club

Local Knowledge

After winning the United States Amateur Golf Championship in Detroit, Arnold Palmer’s first effort as a professional golfer was at the 1954 Miami Open. The Miami Springs Golf and Country Club had hosted the Miami Open since 1925.

Arnold posted a 78 on the first day and 74 on the second and missed the cut by 6 strokes. Bob Rosburg went on to win the tournament. Arnold returned the following year to compete in the 1955 Miami Open, the last time it was held at the Miami Springs golf course. He did much better, finishing in a tie for eighth place, while Sam Snead won the rain- shortened tournament.

Arnold Palmer Holding the Trophy After Winning the United States Amateur Championship in 1954

Strong Field at the 1954 Miami Open including Nation Amateur Champ Arnold Palmer

Scores after Day 2 in the 1954 Miami Open including Arnold Palmer's 78 and 74

Final Scores of the 1955 Miami Open Showing Arnold Palmer in a Tie for Eighth Place

Inside the Leather

While standing on the tee box of the 3rd hole, look to your right and you will see the only remaining structure directly connected to the aviation pioneer and developer, Glenn H. Curtiss.  Built in the Pueblo-Mission Revival architectural style in 1925, it was the home of Curtiss and his family until his death in 1930.

The mansion is a two-story structure covering nearly 15,000 square feet. Over the years, the Curtiss Mansion has been the victim of vandalism and three arson fires that nearly destroyed the building. Its restoration to the original 1925 condition was made possible in part by comprehensive documentation and photographs. It was locally designated as a historic site in 1987 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001 as an individual structure and as part of a thematic group. The Curtiss Mansion reopened its doors to the public in April of 2012.

Glenn Curtiss is considered the “Architect of Aviation,” “The Henry Ford of Aviation,” and “Father of Naval Aviation.” His contributions to aviation history are reflected in exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum. Curtiss was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his work and efforts during World War I.  He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame with 400 patents and over 500 inventions credited to him. Visit Curtiss Mansion or Glenn H. Curtiss Mansion and Gardens for more details.

1928 Image of Miami Springs Golf Course with the Curtiss Mansion in Background

Historic Image of the Curtiss Mansion

Current Image of the Curtiss Mansion

Glenn Curtiss flying the "June Bug" on July 4, 1908

Visit - Contact

Miami Springs Golf and Country Club

650 Curtis Parkway
Miami Springs, Florida 33166

650 Curtis Parkway
Miami Springs, Florida 33166

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Phone: 305.805.5180