Golf Guide: Naples - FL

Ever since the Naples area morphed from a sleepy winter hideaway to a glamorous, high-end destination, Naples, Marco Island and Bonita Springs in southwest Florida has arguably one of the best mixes of golf courses in the southeast. While Old Naples is pricey and laid back with grand oceanfront estates and exclusive oceanfront golf clubs like Royal Poinciana Golf Club, the newer part of Naples is home to many high rise condominiums with beaches all along the coast. Going north and east, Bonita Springs and Estero offer a large number of fancy gated golf course communities.

The economic downturn has softened the market somewhat but for golfers, Naples remains a strong golf mecca with more than 100 courses ranging from historic in-town links like the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club to nature-rich courses like Old Corkscrew and Raptor Bay along with real estate-oriented golf communities such as Twin Eagles, Tiburon Golf Club and Bonita Bay.

Although rates are typically high during the winter months, there are some very good deals in the Naples area during the shoulder and summer months, especially at mid-priced communities like The Lely Golf Resort with two courses, Mustang and Flamingo. Here great play and stay packages are especially appealing for groups where condo accommodations are included in the package.

Add to golf, the white sand beaches of Naples, Pelican Bay, Barefoot Beach, Marco Island and Bonita Springs; the many places to eat and drink; and the incredible shopping including high end shops in Old Naples and malls along major highways plus amazing cultural opportunities and it's no wonder this part of Florida is a hot tourism destination.

Note: Some of the private courses, especially those associated with real estate developments, open up limited play to non-members at special times under certain conditions while resort-oriented courses are available to guests staying on the property. Just ask.