Southwest Florida Golf Guide

Florida Golf Courses

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.

Ft. Myers - Estero - Bonita Springs - Naples

Pelicans Nest

 

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort at Tiburon has received Golf Digest's top rating as the No. 1 golf resort in Florida and No. 32 out of the Top 75 in North America and the Caribbean. The golf resort is home to a pair of 18-hole signature Greg Norman golf courses and hosts his annual PGA Shark Shootout. It also offers the Rick Smith Golf Academy. For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com.

Tampa - St. Petersburg - Sarasota

Legacy

 

Other Notable Florida Courses

DoralPlantation

 

  • Doral Golf Resort and Spa - Miami - 90 Holes. Blue Monster: Dick Wilson and Raymond Floyd Designed. Private Member Only.
  • TPC at Sawgrass - Ponte Vedra Beach - 99 Holes. Pete Dye Designed. Private Member Only.
  • Plantation - Jacksonville - 18 Holes. Arnold Palmer Designed. Semi-Private Course.
  • Grande Pines Golf Club - Orlando - 18 Holes. Steve Smyer Designed. Semi-Private Course.

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

FL State InformationSW Florida News
Southwest Florida LivingSW Florida Schools
Each Includes Useful Area Information

 

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