By Tim McDonald

For some reason, many tourists I've run into think the best golf courses in South Florida are just for rich people. Not true. There are some very affordable South Florida golf courses spread across both coasts.

Here are some of my favorite best golf courses in South Florida, where green fees are rarely more than $50 and in most cases, substantially below. Some of these are municipal courses, and some are simply non-elite South Florida golf courses that are very worthwhile plays.

In the Miami area, Crandon Golf on Key Biscayne is not only affordable, it's one of the most scenic courses in the state. Also, try the Country Club of Miami.

The West Palm Beach area includes affordable courses like Cypress Creek Country Club and Palm Beach Gardens Golf Club.

In Southwest Florida, there are some nice golf courses that combine low green fees and good, challenging layouts.

Charlotte County, north of the Naples-Ft. Myers area, is an excellent place to find them. Try Deep Creek Golf Club,  an excellent municipal layout. A little to the south, try Eagle Ridge Golf Club and Rotonda Golf and Country Club.

In the Sarasota-Bradenton area, check out Capri Isles, Sabal Trace and Oak Ford. By the way, Oak Ford has rates of $12.60 right now during its aerification process. Can't get much cheaper than that, if you don't mind some little holes punched in the greens.