What Are the Worst Golf Courses in Each State? (Florida)

Eagle Lakes Golf Club

Here’s a look at three golf courses in Florida that are frequently cited as among the worst, based on recent reviews. We've included what people complain about and what (if anything) is being done to fix things. Agree? Disagree? Let us know.

1. Eagle Lakes Golf Club (Naples, FL)

What’s wrong:

This course gets a lot of flak in reviews for its condition and overall value. Critics commonly mention burned-out tee boxes, sparse or patchy fairways (lots of dirt showing through), bumpy greens, and poor maintenance. Tripadvisor

Also, many are upset at the cost vs. the experience; they feel they’re paying premium fees while getting subpar upkeep. Tripadvisor

Customer service issues also come up: slow play, scheduling issues, sometimes surprise fees. Tripadvisor

Status / response:

The reviews are predominantly negative, though some people still rate layout or staff friendliness higher than condition. GolfPass

The Legends at Orange Lake Resort

2. The Legends at Orange Lake Resort (Kissimmee, FL)

What’s wrong:

Multiple reviewers describe “terrible condition” on things like greens and fairways. There’s mention of crabgrass on greens, sparse grass, poorly cared-for bunkers, and inconsistent turf. GolfPass

Many feel the value is very poor: high green fees but low quality. Some reviews say they felt misled, expecting better based on the resort status. GolfPass

Customer service problems also get called out: front desk or pro shop staff described poorly, and complaints about how bookings or course conditions are (or aren’t) disclosed. GolfPass

Status / response:

There is significant dissatisfaction in recent reviews. Some people are returning to the course, but generally with low expectations. Management doesn’t seem to have fully remedied the complaints (as of most recent reports). Tripadvisor

Pelican Executive Golf Course

3. Pelican Executive Golf Course (The Villages, FL)

What’s wrong:

Pelican is part of the executive courses in The Villages that have gotten “F” grades in recent report cards. The issues include poor conditions of greens, tee boxes, uneven or “sandy” greens, weak grass coverage, slow or dirty surfaces. Villages-News.com

Additionally, frequent complaints about how often courses are closed for “rest and rehabilitation” or renovation. Schedules of closures frustrate golfers who expect consistent access. Villages-News.com

People note that fees or expectations remain high, even as playing conditions slide. Villages-News.com

Status / response:

The Pelican course has been closed for rehab, with bids sought for renovations. Villages-News.com

There are signs that work is being done: Pelican has had reopening efforts with updated greens and bunkers. The Villages

Why These Courses Rank So Poorly

From what we can see, the common complaints are:
- Maintenance issues: poor turf, burned-out tee boxes, patchy fairways, slow or bumpy greens.
- Value mismatch: high prices or fees but disappointing quality.
- Customer experience: staff responsiveness, surprises with fees, slow play, course closures.
- Overuse + weather + older course designs/grass types: Several mention that weather (e.g. lack of sun, too much rain) and aging infrastructure contribute to deterioration. gazettenewsthevillages.com