While there are plenty of courses that fit Matt's disdain for all things Florida golf, I think it's a bit unfair to lump everything into the same category. Mr. Nysse's post is emblematic of that. Pine Tree is in the "greater" Fort Lauderdale area (Boynton Beach) and so it surely is in the Land of Congestion. Why is it so congested, one might inquire? Well, let's start with great weather. Then let's add in great restaurants. And the proximity of the ocean. Then there's the ease of air travel. In short, it's so congested because there's a lot to offer. It may not be everybody's cup of tea, but if that's the case, one can go elsewhere.
Golf-wise much of Florida offers a bleak, residential golf scenario, because that is what makes the most economic sense. But there are dozens of great courses that are not so afflicted. Pine Tree is a good example of this statement. There is housing on the perimeter, but it's not in any way obtrusive or visually offensive. And it's a TERRIFIC golf course. I play a lot at Country Club of Orlando, which is an old-line Donald Ross design that Brian Silva buffed up. There is housing around the course, but it's not in any way bleak as a result. Ditto for Lake Nona, a very good Fazio course near the Orlando airport. Sugarloaf Mountain is not the most inspired Coore & Crenshaw, but the failure of the economy has stalled any housing development, so there's still a very rural feel to it. I've had some very enjoyable golf experiences in the Sarasota area as well.
I guess I'm agreeing with Matt to some degree, but there are still plenty of reasons to enjoy Florida golf, in my book.