Southwest Florida Golf Guide

Florida Golf Courses

The Southwest Florida area, from St. Petersburg to Naples, is well known as one of the golf capitals of the world. The challenges you will enjoy are beyond your wildest dreams. Next to our beautiful Gulf beaches and nature preserves, there is no better place where Southwest Florida's natural beauty can be experienced than on one of the hundreds of fine golf courses available for you to play.

While most of the golf courses in Florida are private member only, many offer reciprocity with other clubs and open their facilities for public play during "non-season" months (May - October). Quite a few are also affiliated with major hotels so guests can play too.

The range of SW Florida golf courses available is almost limitless. From public to private membership, there is something for everyone. To get you started, we are providing you with a list of what many of our clients and friends consider being some of the best golf courses in our area. They are a big part of what makes Southwest Florida living so enjoyable.

Notice: As many of you may already be aware, the Bonita Bay Group is having major problems with its private golf clubs in the community's of Bonita Bay, Mediterra, Shadow Wood and The Commons Club at the Brooks, Twin Eagles and Verandah. In fact, they have given all the clubs a final notice that if they cannot come to terms on a member buyout by September 30, the clubs will be closed and they will file for bankruptcy.

Update 9/24/09: As of today, talks continue at some of the clubs and one has filed a lawsuit. Seems that on Tuesday, the Bonita Bay Turnover Group filed a class action lawsuit in Lee County Circuit Court and also recorded a lien on the club that will make it more difficult for The Bonita Bay Group to sell out to an outside investor.

Update 9/26/09: The BBG announced yesterday they are pulling out of negotiations with the Bonita Bay Turnover Committee. A BBG spokesman said they don't believe the committee was bargaining in good faith and may not be representing all the members true desires. The committee rejected such an accusation and said they are united in their endeavor to negotiatie a fair buyout. And, the beat goes on.

Update 10/24/09: Mediterra has come to terms with the BBG to buy its golf club and other facilities including the private beach club. Under the agreement, members have agreed to buy the assets for $6.8 million in cash and assume $15 million in debt for the Community Development District (CDD). The CDD helped pay for the roads, sewers, landscape etc. and help with its upkeep. Of the current members, 95% agreed to the buyout and another 150 non members have agreed to join the club as either golf, sports or social members. Social memberships will be a new addition and will have annual fees that range from $1,900 to $2,900 depending on the package options available. Members also waived their rights to deposits they gave the BBG as part of this agreement.

Update 11/2/09: Members of the Commons Club and Shadowwood at the Brooks announced they have reached a tentative agreement with the Bonita Bay Group to purchase their golf clubs and amenities for $8.25 million. In addition, the BBG will continue to collect joining fees to offset the costs of the liability deposits which where not part of the deal. Club members must still vote to ratify the deal and the hope is it will close by December 31, 2009.

Update 11/10/09: Twin Eagles announced the 18-hole Talon course reopened on Saturday. The community advisory board came to temporary operating terms with the BBG whereby members due's are being placed in a account only they control and they are giving the operating expenses out on a monthly basis to the developer until the club can be sold.

The Bonita Bay Club at Bonita Bay announced a new preview program whereby new members (including those from outside the community) can join under its terms and not have to pay an initiation fee. The BBG still controls this club and sees this as a way to help subsidize operating costs. Under the new plan, golf members can pay $800.00 per month to be a part of the club and social members can pay $200.00 per month including limited golf play from April to December next year. The new preview program is good until January 1, 2011 at which time the preview members would have to actually pay an initiation fee to stay members in the club.

Ft. Myers - Estero - Bonita Springs - Naples

Tampa - St. Petersburg - Sarasota

Other Notable Florida Courses

More Southwest Florida Living Information

We also have other resources available related to living in Southwest Florida. Please use our Southwest Florida Living Library or feel free to contact us directly. We'll be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

Southwest Florida Living Library

Each Includes Useful Area Information

Back to Top