Places To Golf In Naples Florida

By Jony Mozen


Situated on the southeastern shore of the Gulf of Mexico lies the golfing capital of the entire world. This is Naples Florida, a short drive south of Fort Myers. Here, you will find as many as 80 golf courses of championship standard. Naples is a principal city of the Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area of Naples-Marco Island .

While there is no clearly-defined golf season in southwest Florida, one of the best times to go is during the months of November and December, before the winter prices set in and the links are thronging with vacationers. Whatever your budget, there is a plan to suit you. During the off season, at least three dozen public and a handful of private courses remain open for the hard core enthusiasts. Green fees are somewhat high, although it is possible to save money by using an online booking service.

One reason for Naples' popularity with golfers is the awesome scenery that accompanies the links. A lot of effort has gone into creating interesting, three-dimensional courses in what is essentially very flat topography. For example, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve and Eagle Lakes Community Park surround a course with beautifully-formed bunkers and numerous water features. This is a challenging course, so come with extra golf balls. A similarly-endowed course, with tight fairways and undulating greens, exists north of Naples' botanical gardens, blessed with undulating greens and tight fairways.

For those who cannot bear even the sight of a house disturbing their view while playing a round of golf, there are numerous courses that are certified by the Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary. Here, you will find natural wetlands and abundant wildlife, including the rare snowy white heron.

Some people can barely wait to get through baggage claims before they hit the links. For these people, there is a course adjacent to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). While the golfers are getting their fix, the rest of the family can visit Naples Zoo, the Museum of Art or the Teddy Bear Museum, which boasts more than 2,100 furry residents. Also nearby is the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp and other aquatic preserves, Estero Bay and San Carlos Bay.

Naples Beach, on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, has been rated by the travel media as the best beach in America. It is 10 miles long, running from Seagate Drive in the north to Gordon Pass in the south. The strand is noted for its cleanliness and its unblemished white sand. Beach amenities include a 1,000-foot fishing pier, bait and tackle shops, restrooms, outdoor showers and metered parking.

For some gentle southern scenery, rent a canoe at Collier-Seminole State Park and paddle down the Blackwater River and gasp at the beauty of one of the most expansive mangrove swamps on the planet. Also within the park is the Bay City Walking Dredge, which was built in 1924 and used to help build part of US Highway 41. Campground amenities in the park consist of electricity, restrooms with hot showers (some with laundry facilities) along with grilling equipment and picnic tables.

The climate is officially described as tropical wet and dry, or tropical savannah. Daily mean temperatures run from the mid-60s to mid-80s. Summers can get thundery. The area is serviced by two airports, Naples Municipal (APF) and Southwest Florida International (RSW).




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