Golf is practically synonymous with Southwest Florida, and truth be told, some of the best golf courses in the U.S. are in Naples, Florida. There are over 80 championship courses in the City on the Gulf, and we’ve picked our top five best golf courses in Naples with a few bonuses thrown in for good measure.
Royal Shell has vacation rentals in areas where the best golf courses in Naples, Florida exist. About half of these courses are open to the public. Golf passes are available for private ones. However, each community is different. Some private courses allow guests to play if the homeowner is a club member, provided that privilege extends to the renter in accordance with community rules.
If you choose to purchase the South Florida PGA GolfPass, passes are valid from May 1 to October 31. During that time the courses are likely to be less crowded. Southwest Florida, in general, is more relaxed in the summer months, so you’ll also see less congestion on the roads and shorter wait times in restaurants. Take advantage of it and enjoy this golf destination without the hustle and bustle of tourist season!
There’s also a reason why Naples, Florida is the self-professed golf capital of the world. According to GolfChannel.com, Naples has the second most golf holes per capita than in any other place in the country. Naples golf courses tend to host some prestigious tournaments, too, including the PGA Chubb Classic. Whether you’re visiting with your golf-loving friends, or you just fancy a round of golf in paradise, you can enjoy luxury accommodations at our beautiful Naples vacation homes. Give us a call today. It will be our pleasure to help you plan a refreshing escape to some of the best golf courses in Naples, Florida.
Royal Shell’s Top-5 Best Golf Courses in Naples Include:
- Quail West Golf and Country Club
- Lely Resort Golf & Country Club
- TwinEagles
- Club Pelican Bay
- Heritage Bay Golf & Country Club
Top-3 Bonus Courses Include:
- Treviso Bay
- Forest Glen Golf & Country Club
- Bonita Bay Club
Quail West Golf and Country Club
This popular golf course was originally designed by Arthur Hills and restored by J. Drew Rogers. Play a round among natural waterways and preserves and take in the natural beauty that only Southwest Florida can offer. And if that’s not enough, in addition to the large golf practice area for warm-ups and lessons, there are two uniquely challenging 18-hole courses to choose from. Both of them are private courses so you’ll need to see if you can take advantage of any homeowner benefits, or purchase a golf pass.
The Lakes Course
Golfers will love the shimmering lake views on this 7,041-yard course. When you see the sun sparkling off the water, it instantly soothes the soul. Until you have to avoid them on your next shot! Compared to the Preserve Course, this is more of a players’ course. It has a links feel to it and requires intense strategy to master. Watch out for the marsh areas and water hazards.
The Preserve Course
This course is a little shorter than the Lakes Course. From the back tees, it comes in at 6,841 yards. You’ll weave your way through woodland areas, which provide plenty of shade from the sun. Recently reconstructed, this course also offers new greens, tees, bunkering and Celebration Bermuda grass.
Lely Resort Golf & Country Club
This luxury community boasts three golf courses. The Mustang and Flamingo Island courses are open to the public, and The Classics course is private.
The Mustang Course
This 7,230-yard, par-72 course was created by Lee Trevino in 1996. You’ll go on a refreshing journey through Southwest Florida’s marsh habitat, a dozen glistening lakes and breathtaking rolling fairways. Open to golfers of all levels, the Mustang course has several tees at each hole. The course is challenging enough for an experienced player, but still can be navigated by beginners.
The Flamingo Island
This par-72 Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed course opened in 1989 and it’s a work of art. The 7,095 yards are complete with white sand bunkers, gently sloping fairways and expansive sections of Bermuda grass. It’s surrounded by water, making for a peaceful backdrop. Look out for multiple teeing stations and the signature par-3, 200-yard Hole 5. Shining blue water surrounds the rolling and curved fairway. Bunkers on one side and two bridges connect it to the mainland. This course is the epitome of strategy and is immersed in Florida’s natural beauty.
The Classics
Surrounded by beautiful woodlands, this course opened in 1990 and in 1996, it hosted the Senior PGA tour event, The ACE Group Classic. The 6,714-yard, par-72 course features palm trees swaying lazily in the sun and they’re perfectly complemented by tropical, lush Florida vegetation. This course is all about enjoying the natural landscape, but it’s still challenging enough for experienced players to appreciate.
TwinEagles
TwinEagles boasts two private golf courses: The Talon Course and The Eagle Course. The two championship courses offer different experiences and each one of them is unique. With their sandy cliffs, rolling fairways, mossy glens, towering dunes, lakes and marshes, they’re both reminiscent of the St. Andrews Golf Course in Scotland. Courses are set among a nature preserve, too. The TwinEagles community has the honor of being an Audubon International Signature Sanctuary. While you’re enjoying a day playing golf, you’ll feel totally rejuvenated by the community’s gorgeous scenery.
The Talon Course
Designed by Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus Jr., the par-72, 18-hole course is perfect for golfers of all skill levels. One of the best golf courses in Naples, for years the Talon Course has been the host of the Chubb Classic. If you’re looking for undulating greens and tricky approaches, this is an ideal course for you. Its 7,193 yards boast lakes and a challenging layout where course management and shot strategy are requirements.
The Eagle Course
This par-71, 18-hole course was created by Gary Player in 2007. It was renovated by Steve Smyers and Patrick Andrews in 2011. This course is excellent if you’re looking for a challenge. In a gorgeous setting, it features interesting playing angles and optical challenges. This course pays homage to the St. Andrews Golf Course in Scotland. In fact, the community’s clubhouse was initially designed to pay tribute to the highland mansions in Scotland and the famous St. Andrews green.
Club Pelican Bay
This 27-hole championship course features three nine-hole courses, four sets of tees and it offers options for players of all skill levels. Designed by Arthur Hills, the private course features serene lakes and rolling fairways. It’s also one of the most popular courses in Naples and Pelican Bay is one of its largest communities. The 36-par course boasts Bermuda grass and a warm breeze from the Gulf of Mexico. You’re also likely to see a variety of birds soaring overhead, which only adds to this course’s relaxing atmosphere.
Heritage Bay Golf & Country Club
This public course is one of the best golf courses in Naples. The 27-hole, the 7,700-yard course boasts a large green, challenging holes and a lot of contours. Designed by Lewis-Azinger, the course gives players three nines and allows a variety of play options in multiple combinations. The TifEagle greens are a big hit and players love the wide and rolling Celebration fairways. The course is among acres of natural preserves and lakes, making it easy to enjoy the game. There is also a newly refurbished aqua driving range.
Other Notable Golf Courses in or near Naples, Florida
In addition to our picks for the golf courses in Naples, we wanted to mention a few more. A couple of these are in Naples. The other is a little farther north in Bonita Springs.
Treviso Bay
The TPC Treviso Bay private course gets a shoutout for its beautiful 18-hole course. It’s one of the most serene golf options around. It’s no wonder why it’s one of the best courses in Naples. The 7,367-yard TOUR-caliber course features several holes adjacent to the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve. The Treviso Bay golf course also boasts huge spectator mounds, TOUR-designed practice facilities, and Sea-Isle Supreme Paspalum Bermuda grass. It’s great because it’s challenging enough for a skilled player, but tame enough for someone just starting out.
Forest Glen Golf & Country Club
The Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest-designed course is a local favorite. It boasts Sea Isle Supreme Paspalum grass, which gives it its dark-green color. This helps the public course limit its need for fertilizers, pesticides and water. This course features landforms and rolls that help capture golf balls instead of pushing them into hazards. Additionally, there are “bail-out” areas around the course. Players will also appreciate the partial screening of Collier Boulevard, which makes the experience more enjoyable.
Bonita Bay Club
This course isn’t in Naples, but it’s close. In fact, it’s just north of the Collier and Lee County line. Regardless, it deserves an honorable mention and offers five private golf courses. Bonita Bay West boasts three courses and Bonita Bay East features two.
These five courses are well-groomed and challenging making it easy for golfers of every skill to go a few rounds. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. If you need quick tips to up your game, they can help. The courses are surrounded by Florida’s natural beauty and you’re likely to see wild turkeys, deer and other animals at Bonita Bay East.
Rental properties in Bonita Bay are also a quick walk or bike ride from the Promenade At Bonita Bay. When you’re done with a round of golf, you can visit DeRomo’s Restaurant for a delicious Italian lunch or dinner. If you fancy a drink after a challenging day on the green, The Center Bar is a refreshing option. There are also unique local shops to visit including Coastal Outfitters, Evelyn & Arthur and To The Moon.
Golf at Bonita Bay West
The Marsh Course
This course snakes through wetlands, towering oaks, and palmetto trees.
Creekside Course
Choose this course if you like defined carries and wide-ranging fairways. The changes in elevation simulate rolling hills and the moguls and bunkers give players an additional challenge.
Bay Island Course
This is the most formidable and longest course at Bonita Bay West. As you play you’ll be surrounded by oak and cypress trees. The sand traps and water hazards will give you a nice challenge.
Golf at Bonita Bay East
The Cypress Course
This is one of the more challenging courses. The back nine features holes that cut through trees. The wide fairways are dotted with strategically-placed bunkers. The course also boasts water features, wetlands, and slick-running greens.
The Sabal Course
This course borders a wildlife preserve, so you never know what you might see. There are long white sand bunkers that surround rolling fairways. Some holes curl around a lake while other water features provide challenging play. Also, be on the lookout for multi-tiered greens and false fronts. This course is perfect for players of all levels, but it requires a lot of focus.
Royal Shell Vacation Rentals near the Best Golf Courses in Naples
We have vacation rental properties in each of these communities. You should review our Naples vacation rentals today.
Regardless of which one you choose to make your vacation special, each golf course offers breathtaking views and challenging play. If you have any questions or need help deciding which of the best golf courses in Naples to try first, let us know. We’re happy to help. Contact us today to plan your perfect golfing vacation.
