NAPLES, FLORIDA – A general view of the 18th green during the first round of the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida.
Some people consider SWFL the "golf course capital of the world" and Golf Digest Magazine has named 7 SWFL public golf courses as the best.
It's no wonder why this area is such a hot spot for golf. With world-class courses, beautiful views and a warm climate ideal for year-round playing, it's no surprise that SWFL is home to some of the best public courses in all of Florida.
As a kid I played on golf league every summer for years. I remember being pretty decent, but I guess with all the other sports I played, it got lost. You'd think living in SWFL that I'd get back into it. There's hundreds of courses to choose from. I love to be outside, driving golf carts are fun and a beer in one hand and a club in the other sounds like a solid day. I think I just convinced myself it's time to get back out there.
As you probably know though, even with the abundance of courses, most of them are private. Without a paid membership or knowing someone who lives in the neighborhood, it's hard to get in. But, there is a great selection of public courses. Not only has Golf Digest noticed, but many of them have been featured on other "best" lists too. Whether you're a local or visiting the area on vacation, here are 7 public courses that will make your golfing dreams come true.
So grab your clubs, strap on your shoes, and get ready to tee off at one (or all) of these beautiful golf courses located right here in SWFL! Happy swinging!
7 SWFL Public Courses Golf Digest Magazine has named as the best:
Panther Run Golf Club- Ave Maria
The front nine plays through a residential community, but the back nine is more secluded offering unmatched beauty at dusk.
The National Golf & Country Club at Ave Maria
This course just opened a few years ago and at 701 yards, the 16th hole is one of the longest in Collier County.
Valencia Golf & Country Club- Naples
During a 2018 renovation, the fairways were reseeded with Celebration Bermuda and the greens were converted to TifEagle.
Old Corkscrew Golf Club- Estero
This course was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Tiburon Golf Club: Gold- Naples
Greg Norman's Tiburón courses at the Ritz-Carlton are outstanding, but expect to pay for that. Green fees can be upwards of $300.
Tiburon Golf Club: Black- Naples
The Chubb Classic (PGA Seniors Tour) comes to the Black Course every February.
Lely Resort Golf & Country Club: Mustang- Naples
The Mustang course was designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Lee Trevino.
