Florida Keys at Florida Keys Country Club

Florida Keys Country Club occupies a unique position as the southernmost 18-hole golf course in the continental United States, located in Marathon in the heart of the Florida Keys. Designed by Mark Mahannah and opened in 1959, the course was carved from the tropical landscape of the Keys, where elevation changes are minimal and the surrounding environment differs dramatically from mainland Florida golf. The layout reflects the constraints and opportunities of its island setting, with water features and native vegetation defining much of the playing corridors.

The course measures relatively modest in length by modern standards, with a routing that works within the flat terrain characteristic of the Keys. Palm trees, mangroves, and tropical flora frame the holes, while prevailing ocean breezes add a variable element to club selection and shot-making. The design emphasizes strategic placement over raw distance, with water hazards and bunkers positioned to reward accuracy. Several holes offer glimpses of the surrounding waters that define the Keys archipelago.

Florida Keys Country Club serves both local residents and visitors seeking a golf experience in this distinctive subtropical setting. The facility operates as a semi-private club with public access, providing one of the few opportunities to play golf in the island chain. The course's location along the Overseas Highway makes it accessible to those traveling through the Keys, though the tropical climate and occasional hurricane activity present maintenance challenges unique to this environment.