Naples Golf Scene: Courses for Challenging Holes and Incredible Views
Ranked as the No. 1 happiest and healthiest city in the U.S. by Gallup-Heathway, Naples features a Florida Gulf Coast location perfect for outdoor activities and admiring the area’s natural beauty. Visitors find one of the top ways to experience both is playing a round at Naples’ award-winning golf courses. With private, public and semi-private options, golf lovers have several options for a day or week on the greens. Grab the clubs and check out the top Naples golf courses you should play.
Top Public Naples Golf Courses Vacationers Can’t Miss
Lely Resort Golf and Country Club (public)
Home to three courses with 54 holes, Lely Resort Golf and Country Club allows players to pick their favorite. The Mustang course, a par 72 designed by Lee Trevino, features rolling fairways, 12 lakes and marshland views. Flamingo Island ranks as a top public course with its par 72 designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Here, players find white sand bunkers and hourglass fairways. Last, the Classics course measures a par 72. Designed by Gary Player, visitors experience a tropical landscape with palms and water features.
Players also have access to two clubhouses, a restaurant and practice facilities. Interested in staying on the course? Check out these Lely Resort vacation rentals.
Tiburon Golf Club (semi-private/public)
Consistently rated among the top 20 golf spots in Florida by Golf Digest, Tiburon Golf Club features two 18-hole courses. Both courses – designed by Greg Norman – have a par 72 and five tee sets. The Gold course measures 7,382 yards, and the Black Course plays up to 6,949 yards.
In addition to long greens, players enjoy challenging bunkers and water features, natural landscape, and luxury amenities. Tiburon Golf Club also houses a 27,000-square-foot clubhouse, lounge area and award-winning golf shop.
Raptor Bay Golf Club (public)
Raptor Bay Golf Club does not have on-site residential properties, providing players with pristine greens and natural beauty. The 18-hole course was designed by Raymond Floyd, and each hole blends with the surrounding environment. The course even sits within a preserved natural habitat and was the first resort in the world to receive Audubon International’s Gold Signature Sanctuary Certification.
When not playing a round, visitors have access to an on-site restaurant, full-service golf shop and old-Florida style clubhouse.
Arrowhead Golf Club (public)
Among the best Naples golf courses is Arrowhead Golf Club, also ranked as the best public golf courses by Southwest Florida Choice Awards. Players will find 18 holes set among 16 lakes, maintained greens and challenging bunkers.
For more than 20 years, this course has surprised guests of all skill levels. Other amenities include practice facilities, on-site pub, and a full-service clubhouse with experts and gear.
Top Private Naples Golf Courses and Country Clubs
Naples Grande Golf Club (private)
Voted one of the top 10 new golf courses in Florida by Travel and Leisure, Naples Grande Golf Club sits on 23-acres of waterfront property. This private club features a championship par 72 course, clubhouse, restaurant, and patio ideal for relaxing to green scenery and lake views.
Players will find an 18-hole course, designed by Rees Jones, measuring 6,955 yards at championship. Other course offerings include native foliage and landscape, three practice greens and, of course, pristine views.
Kensington Golf and Country Club (private)
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course at Kensington Golf and Country Club features a par 71 with 18 holes. This spot also focuses on natural landscape with few residential properties in the area. Golfers can play 6,879 yards of rolling greens, strategically placed bunkers, and coquina shell transition areas.
Kensington also encourages players to walk the course, as greens are located a short distance from one another. In addition, guests have dining options, a golf pro shop and junior Olympic-sized pool.
TPC Treviso Bay (private)
The 18-hole private course at TPC Treviso Bay showcases work by Arthur Hills and Hal Sutton. Players will find challenging PGA Tour-inspired drives, tree-line fairways and water features. One favorite hole is No. 12, with a lake on the left and Rookery Bay National Estuarin on the right.
When not testing their skills, visitors have access to a Tuscan-style clubhouse, dining options and golf shop.
LaPlaya Golf Course (private)
Another top among Naples golf courses and resorts is LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort. Designed by Robert Cupp, this 18-hole course creates a tropical oasis with 14 lakes and water features. In addition, golfers enjoy luxury resort accommodations such as pools, cascading waterfalls, a restaurant and plenty of views.
Need more fun things to do outdoors? Check out the top Naples airboat tours. Or find spacious vacation homes in Naples.