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2013 Best Publication Award
Connecting Golfers on the West Coast of Florida.
Mary Raimondo,
Publisher - Southwest Florida Mobile: 410-449-2822 mary@golfcoastmagazine.com
Ryan Ruppert,
Publisher - Southwest Florida Office: 941.361.1536 ryan@golfcoastmagazine.com
Rose Ruppert,
Partner rose@golfcoastmagazine.com
Bruz Fellenz,
Publisher - Tampa Bay Area
Tami Vaughan,
Production Manager
Olivia Baldassari,
Digital Marketing Manager olivia@golfcoastmagazine.com
While many people leave behind the Florida summer
experience to head up north, there are a select number of golfers who don’t seem to mind it. As the snowbirds are starting to leave and head back up north, golf courses will look a little emptier and finding a tee time will become a little more accessible. Our cover story for this issue features private clubs who will be offering reciprocals to other private clubs, where you’ll have a chance to play at other area gems not traditionally open to the public. Be sure to check out the multitude of Summer and Trial Memberships that many of the area’s public and private clubs are offering this summer, such as The Hideaway Country Club, Quail Run Golf Club, and Quail Village Golf Club, just to name a few. If you are looking to play in summer tournaments but not a member of a club, look no further than The Club at Westminster, which was recently purchased by Lifestyle Management Group of Florida. Their year-round events are open to both membership and the public. There is still time to take advantage of the Big Summer Golf Card, where you can enjoy their special offerings all year long. This is the #1 golf privilege card in Florida! And speaking of special offerings, Cigars International is running their special on an eight-piece sampler, ideal for a perfect day by the pool this summer. We hope that Golf Coast Magazine can be your guide on all that Southwest Florida has to offer in the golf community. You can visit us at GolfCoastMagazine.com to keep up to date on all the latest golf stories, local golf news, and tips. You can also subscribe to our free e-newsletter that goes out every week. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter as well! We hope that you will enjoy your time on Florida’s beautiful West Coast! Fairways and greens,
Mark Cardon,
Golf News - fcardon@aol.com
Mary Raimondo, Ryan Ruppert and Rose Ruppert
Golf Coast Magazine is published by Golf Coast Magazine, Inc.; 3X’s a year and distributed along the West Coast of Florida.
© 2022 Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this guide. Golf Coast Magazine and it’s affiliates are not responsible or liable for any errors, omissions, or changes in rates or information.
Summer Golf in Southwest Florida
Summer is a time when locals
and savvy travelers get the best opportunity to explore SWFL.
Gone are the crowds, long lines, and sold-out tee sheets. Despite that summer heat, it’s a great time to broaden your horizons and explore courses that you have never played before.
There’s no shortage of incredible golf options in SWFL – we truly have the world’s greatest golf market! While most courses will close for a couple weeks every summer, there’s always a phenomenal option nearby.
It’s also a great time to participate in local events and try out your local club’s dining options. Our clubs feature incredible chefs who highlight their talents all year – it’s great, both as a patron and for the restaurants, to support them in the summer season.
Public Courses
There’s no question that we’ve seen higher prices on everything from gas, groceries, to golf over the past year. Summer in SWFL offers a little relief and opportunity to play incredible courses at discounted rates.
Rates for summer golf can be 50% (or more) lower than in-season rates. There are often far fewer players on the course, allowing for players to play at their own pace – you won’t find yourself waiting to tee off very often or pressured by players from behind.
It’s also much easier to walk onto a SWFL course in the summer. While we always try to make tee times in advance, you can often walk on or call a few minutes ahead and get a great round of golf! If you play in the early morning, you’ll beat the heat, though the course will be at it’s busiest. In the afternoon, you may have to dodge a few showers, but if you thread that needle it can be the best time to play.
Clubhouse at Heritage Bay Golf & Country Club, Naples
Bonita Fairways Golf Club: If you are looking for a quick round, an executive course may be your best option. Bonita Fairways is one of the best executive courses in SWFL. As a par 61, 3388yard course, Bonita Fairways is a great spot to enjoy a fast round and beat the summer heat! Read more on page 14.
Cape Royal Golf Club: Located in Cape Coral, Cape Royal offers an unparalleled golfing experience. With 27 holes of championship golf set among natural preserves, wetlands, and surrounded by all kinds of Florida wildlife, golfers enjoy a truly scenic round every time they visit. It’s also a walkable course with new Tempo Walk carts available for players. Read more on page 15.
Eagle Lakes Golf Club: Eagle Lakes is a truly beautiful facility with options available for golfers of all skill levels. It’s a par 72 course set around 21 lakes. There are five sets of tees, ranging from 7,144 yards to 4,466 yards. You’ll find more on page 16.
Hibiscus Golf Club: A golfer’s dream! Set up with 18 completely unique holes, you’ll travel through numerous lakes and streams as you experience this Naples gem that has been serving golfers since 1969. You can read more on page 17.
Valencia Golf & Country Club: If you are looking for a special experience, you should venture out East on Immokalee Road to Valencia. It’s a beautiful course set with wide wooded fairways, sparkling lakes, and actively contoured greens. The course is expertly designed to be challenging yet playable, and is truly one of the most picturesque properties in the city. Read more on page 23.
San Carlos Golf Club: One of SWFL’s best kept secrets, San Carlos is known both for affordability and exceptional design. Voted Best Public Golf Course
by readers of the Fort Myers News Press, San Carlos gets rave reviews from pros and amateurs alike. You can read more on page 22.
Semi-Private Courses
Semi-Private courses are an exceptional way to experience SWFL golf. They are typically open to the public year-round and have membership options that carry privileges for members. Those privileges often entitle members to exclusive tee times, leagues, and waived trail fees.
Summer is a great time to try out a Semi-Private course so that you can find a community that you’ll enjoy joining. We’ve highlighted four of the best in this issue:
Heron’s Glen Golf and Country Club: Featuring a recently renovated, 18hole Ron Garl designed golf course, Heron Glen is an extraordinary golf community. With an enormous clubhouse, fitness center, and other recreational activities, Heron’s Glen is a superb option for membership in North Fort Myers. Read more on page 16.
The Club at Gateway Hole #2, Fort Myers
Quail Run Golf Club: This beautiful course is centrally located in Naples. Known for it’s playability and natural beauty, Quail Run is a great course for players of all skill levels. Limited to just 100 memberships, members enjoy privileges such as easily available tee times, walk the course anytime, men’s and ladies’ leagues, and more. Read more on page 18.
Quail Village Golf Club: Recently renovated in 2021, Quail Village is known for being in outstanding condition year-round. The scenic course features three par 5’s, nine par 4’s, and six par 3’s with water comping into play on 14 holes. There are several categories of membership opportunities available, with members receiving full access to the golf course, social activities, and the pool area. Read more on page 20.
best golf course in Lehigh Acres, the Club at Westminster promises to offer an extraordinary experience. Ranging from 6795 yards to 4097 yards, this course offers fun and challenge to all players – with especially challenging par 3’s. Read more on page 24.
Private Golf Courses
SWFL is home to numerous private golf communities. Known for exceptional service and luxury amenities, private golf clubs are a true lifestyle investment. Some of those clubs offer tee times and summer memberships to the public, offering an exceptional opportunity to experience a course that is unavailable during the season.
The Hideaway: Nestled among rolling hills and towering slash pine trees, the Hideaway is a beautiful par 67 course that is a challenge to every player regardless of their ability. The perfectly manicured course has won multiple awards and is a top golf destination in Fort Myers. Hideaway offers a summer membership program for as little as $599. Read more on page 17.
Reciprocal Courses
One of the greatest benefits of membership to a golf club is its reciprocal list. During season, you’ll get to know every inch of your golf course – but during the summer, you’ll have the opportunity to test your skills on other private courses. your pro shop – which is truly one of the greatest benefits of private golf membership! The Golf Home Guru, Joe Morgan, wrote an entire article highlighting reciprocal golf in SWFL – you can read it starting on page 37.
Stay & Play
During the summer, most of our friends from the North are gone – and that leaves plenty of availability at Florida’s golf resorts.
Summer deals at golf resorts tend to have it all. You’ll receive the best rates, great golf packages, and often get packages that include dining options.
Mission Inn: Located North of SWFL in Howey-In-The Hills, Mission Inn is a great option for summer golf. It features two championship courses, including El Campeón, which was named one of the Top 25 U.S. courses by Golf Advisor. It’s a truly remarkable experience – hills that roll and pitch, mature pine and magnolia trees, and up to 85 feet in elevation. It’s the type of golf that is impossible to find on the coasts. The resort is truly special – with several fine restaurants, luxury resort amenities, and beautiful hotel rooms, this is a world class vacation just a short drive from home. Read more on page 26.
There is truly something special about summer golf in Southwest Florida. We are thrilled to be your local guide as you explore all the best that our community has to offer!
