Florida historic golf trail celebrates a decade of legendary courses and welcomes Brentwood Golf Course as its latest partner
Tallahassee, Florida – The Florida Historic Golf Trail is celebrating a major milestone this year: ten years of showcasing some of the Sunshine State’s most iconic golf courses. In a move that highlights both heritage and community impact, the trail has welcomed its newest partner, Brentwood Golf Course in Jacksonville, Duval County.
“Florida is known around the world for the quality of its many golf courses. The Department encourages all resident and visiting golfers to explore Florida’s Historic Golf Trail courses and ‘Come Play on History,’” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “We’re excited to welcome Brentwood Golf Course onto the Florida Historic Golf Trail and to share more of their history and their work in the community.”
Brentwood Golf Course, established in 1923, carries nearly a century of golfing legacy. During its early years, the course hosted prestigious tournaments, including the United States National Public Links and the Jacksonville Open, drawing players and enthusiasts from across the country. Its fairways and greens have witnessed the evolution of golf over decades, blending classic design with the spirit of competition and leisure.
Today, Brentwood is more than just a historic course; it serves as the home of the First Tee of North Florida, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching life skills to young people through golf. This dual role, honoring both tradition and social contribution, makes Brentwood a fitting addition to the trail. Golfers visiting the course can not only experience its rich history but also witness firsthand the positive impact it has on the local community. For those interested in learning more, Brentwood’s story and its contributions can be explored at FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.com/Brentwood.
The Florida Historic Golf Trail itself, launched in 2014, is a curated collection of more than 50 publicly accessible courses, each built before 1950 or listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The trail celebrates courses designed by legendary architects and played by golfing icons such as Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, and Arnold Palmer. It offers residents and visitors alike a chance to step onto greens steeped in history, where the echoes of the past mingle with the present-day game.
As the trail enters its second decade, the addition of Brentwood underscores a broader commitment: preserving historic courses while fostering community engagement. With its combination of historic significance, professional tournament pedigree, and current community-focused initiatives, Brentwood embodies the spirit of the Florida Historic Golf Trail—honoring the past while contributing to the future of golf in the state.
For golfers, historians, and curious travelers alike, the Florida Historic Golf Trail continues to offer a unique opportunity: to explore some of the country’s most storied courses, enjoy a round of golf, and literally “play on history.”
