One of the best places in the world to play golf is along the Paradise Coast which includes Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades. Naples, Florida alone boasts of a staggering 91 world-class golf courses. All areas feature well trimmed grasses, beautiful slopes, ponds and lakes both natural and man-made. These nice things all come together to give you both scenic and at the same time challenging courses and all this makes for the best golfing experience ever.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. Southwest Florida has the most number of golf holes per capita in the US according to the National Golf Foundation which means there’s enough tees for everyone in the region. The region also won the coveted top North American Destination for Golf by no less than the International Association of Golf Tour Operators recently, in 2014.
How to Gain Access in a Course
Many golf courses are one of the amenities offered by the larger hotels in the cities and most are private clubs and thus only accept members in their courses. However, the hotels open up to their non-members guests during the non-busy months which usually fall on May to December. The hotels that do not have golf clubs usually hook their guests up at a nearby golf club in a package that includes a hotel stay and these are mostly offered during the less busy months of May to December.
On the other hand, there are public courses as well. When it comes this, many turn their sights on the oldest in Naples, situated on a hotel resort. The course is open to the public and to the guests of the hotel, of course. This historic golf course has recently been renovated under the careful designs of the renowned golf course architect Jack Nicklaus. Other notable public courses that are scattered all over the city and beyond are the works of Lee Trevino, Arthur Hills and Gordon Lewis among others.
World-Class Tournaments
Important championship tournaments are held annually in the golf courses of Naples, Florida and the surrounding areas. Golf fanatics can easily catch their favorite golf players if they come here. The LPGA CME Group Tour Championship is an exciting tourney for women. And every December, Pro Aussie Golfer Greg Norman kicks off the annual QBE Shootout. February get something nice too with PGA Champions Tour for the Chubb Classic hosted by the city of Naples, Florida.
Weather Tips
Mornings are usually bright and clear and thus is the best time of the day to swing that golf club. However, by midday or late afternoon, a thunderstorm may brew up and it can last for an hour or so. And because of frequent thunderstorms, some courses might reduce their fees during summertime which can be good or bad news for you depending on whether it rained hard the day you decide to play. So make sure to check your weather forecast beforehand.
Locals and travelers are always welcome to play golf in this part of the sunshine state. So, pack up your golfer’s bag and let’s get it on.
