It only took a couple of years since Don Shula’s passing to remove almost all references to his legacy in Miami Lakes. The former Shula’s Golf Club and Resort is now Miami Lakes Golf Club and Hotel. The former Shula’s Steak House is now ML Steaks & Sports. The former Shula’s Athletic Club is now the Miami Lakes Athletic Club. Shula originally became involved in these businesses when he joined the Dolphins in the 1970s by lending his name to the golf club/hotel. Both were originally builtin the early 1960s by the Graham Family, the original developers of the Miami Lakes Community. There are a few reminders of Shula’s presence remaining in the Miami Lakes area as he was among the inaugural class in the Miami Lakes Sports Hall of Fame in 2017 and a plaque in his honor hangs in the clubhouse at Miami Lakes Optimist Park.

The Miami Lakes Golf Club remains a well regarded layout in the Northwest Miami area. while the clubhouse and facilities are a bit dated, the golf course is generally well maintained and rates reasonable for the quality of the layout and the market.  

• The layout is over level terrain with water hazards on most of the holes along the narrow oak, cypress, and magnolia tree lined fairways with a liberal use of sand traps along the landing zones and guarding the greens. There’s five sets of tees with the tips playing to 6,757 yards, 72.1/127, course/slope ratings, originally designed by Bill Watts in the early 1960s with a redesign by Kipp Schulties.

And, if you plans call for travel throughout the Sunshine State, please use our guide to find the best golf courses and resorts open to public play.