Top 10 Golf Courses in Naples, FL – Best Public Golf in Florida’s Golf Capital
Naples, Florida. It’s not just a beach town or a retirees paradise. It’s a golfer’s dream. Year-round sunshine, ocean breezes, palm trees swaying along the fairways, and some of the best public golf courses you’ll find anywhere in the country. But with so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to pick the right one. So, here’s the deal. We’ve lined up a list of the top 10 public golf courses in Naples. the ones where you’ll get great conditions, memorable holes, and a solid bang for your buck. Stick around because a couple of these picks might just surprise you. Met 10, Hibiscus Golf Club. Starting our countdown at number 10 is Hibiscus Golf Club. A true local favorite that won’t break the bank. This Gordon Lewis design may not have the flash of some higherend courses, but it delivers authentic Naples Golf at an accessible price point. Hibiscus features generous landing areas that forgive the occasional weward drive. Perfect if you’re just warming up for the week or playing a casual round with friends. The layout winds through natural Florida landscapes with enough water features to keep things interesting but not punishing. The par 72 layout stretches to just over 6,500 yd from the back T’s, making it manageable for most skill levels. What sets Hibiscus apart is its friendly atmosphere and well-maintained greens that roll surprisingly true for a course in this price range. If you’re looking for a relaxed round without pretension, Hibiscus delivers that quintessential Florida golf experience without the premium price tag. It’s the perfect place to kick off your Naples golf adventure. Number nine, Arrowhead Golf Club. At number nine, we find Arrowhead Golf Club. A Gordon Lewis design that punches above its weight class when it comes to course conditions. What Arrowhead might lack in length at 6,800 yd, it makes up for with strategic water placements that force thoughtful club selection throughout your round. Water comes into play on 16 of the 18 holes here, creating both visual drama and strategic challenge. The signature 13th hole presents a daunting T-shot over water to a peninsula fairway. It’s a hole that rewards courage and execution. What impresses most visitors about Arrowhead is the consistently excellent conditioning with smooth rolling greens and well-defined hazards. The clubhouse offers a welcoming atmosphere and the practice facilities are among the best in this price category. Arrowhead represents that sweet spot of affordability and quality that makes it a repeat destination for many Naples visitors. It’s accessible enough for mid- handicappers while providing enough challenge to keep better players engaged. Eight. Valencia Golf and Country Club. Our number eight spot belongs to Valencia Golf and Country Club, which underwent a comprehensive renovation in recent years that elevated it significantly. This Christristen Mureer design stretches to over 7,100 yd from the Championship TE’s, making it one of the longer tests in the area. Valencia’s renovation brought new tiff eagle greens, reshaped bunkers, and improved drainage that keeps conditions playable even during Florida’s unpredictable weather. The layout features generous landing areas that allow golfers to open their shoulders off the tea, but approaches require precision to wellprotected greens. What makes Valencia special is its natural setting. Located slightly in land, the course features less residential development than many Naples options, creating a more immersive golf experience. Keep your camera ready as wildlife sightings are common throughout the round. The value proposition at Valencia is strong with peak season rates that remain reasonable compared to many Naples alternatives. For visitors staying in North Naples, the location is particularly convenient while still offering that escape to nature feeling that so many golfers crave. Number seven, Lely Resort. Flamingo Island Course. Moving to number seven, we have the Flamingo Island Course at Lely Resort. A Robert Trent Jones senior design that delivers dramatic shot values and memorable holes. As the name suggests, water is a dominant feature here, framing holes beautifully while demanding strategic thinking. The signature 17th hole steals the show. A par three to a true island green that will test your nerve and distance control. This hole alone appears in countless vacation photos and creates the kind of riskreward scenario that defines memorable golf. Conditioning at Flamingo Island is consistently excellent with smooth greens that run at a good pace and fairways that offer tight lies for clean iron shots. The layout flows naturally through the property, building to crescendo moments like the challenging finishing hole along the water. While not the most difficult course in Naples, Flamingo Island offers enough variety in hole designs to keep golfers of all abilities engaged. The resort amenities also provide excellent opportunities for post-round refreshments and relaxation. And number six, Eagle Lakes Golf Club. At number six, Eagle Lakes Golf Club stands as perhaps the best pure value in Naples Golf. This course embraces its natural wetland setting, creating a golf experience that feels wonderfully isolated from the hustle of nearby development. Eagle Lakes may surprise firsttime visitors with its quality despite budget friendly rates. The course features narrow corridors through native areas and water hazards that demand accuracy rather than distance. The PAR 71 layout plays just over 6,800 yd, but feels longer thanks to strategic bunkering and water placements. conditions are remarkably good considering the price point with consistent greens and well-maintained fairways. For budget conscious golfers or those looking to mix premium rounds with more affordable options, Eagle Lakes delivers tremendous bang for your buck. Number five, Naples Grande Golf Club. Breaking into our top five is Naples Grander Golf Club, a Reese Jones design that features something rare in South Florida Golf, elevation changes. While access requires a resort stay and play package, the experience justifies the premium. Jones, known as the open doctor for his major championship renovations, brings his strategic sensibilities to this layout. The course is defined by bold bunkering with dramatic sand hazards guarding landing areas and green complexes. These bunkers aren’t just for show. They meaningfully impact strategic decisions throughout the round. What sets Naples Grande apart is the routing through natural cypress preserves and the creative use of what little elevation exists. The course rises and falls more dramatically than most Florida layouts, creating visual interest and requiring adjustment with club selection. Number four, the Rookery at Marco. Our number four selection is the Rookery at Marco, a Robert Cup Junior design that balances natural beauty with serious challenge. Located on Marco Island, this course leverages its unique ecosystem to create a golf experience that feels distinctly connected to its environment. The Rookery winds through natural mangrove preserves and wetlands with boardwalks connecting some teas and greens. This immersion in nature creates a peaceful setting. Though the tranquility might be disrupted by your score if you’re not playing well, water comes into play on 14 holes. The Back 9 delivers an especially memorable stretch, culminating in a dramatic finishing hole that requires both power and precision. The large undulating greens demand a delicate touch, often determining whether you walk away with par or something higher. What makes the Rookery special is how it captures the essence of Southwest Florida golf, the interplay between manicured playing surfaces and the wild natural surroundings. For visitors staying on Marco Island, this course should be at the top of your list. Number three, Tibberon Golf Club Black Course. Taking the bronze medal at number three is Tibberon’s Black Course, part of the facility that hosts the PGA Tours QBE Shootout. While the gold course gets the tournament spotlight, many regulars consider the black course the better test for public players. This Greg Norman design features the Sharks trademark minimalist approach. Waist bunkers transition seamlessly to fairways, and the absence of traditional rough creates a unique aesthetic and playing experience. The stacked sodall bunkers create visual drama while presenting fearsome hazards. Tibberon’s black course conditions are consistently outstanding with firm, fast fairways and some of the purest putting surfaces in Naples. The course rewards strategic thinking over brute strength with options around the greens that test your short game creativity. Number two, Ley Resort Mustang Course. Our runner up is the Mustang course at Ley Resort. A Lee Trevino design that exemplifies playable brilliance. While its sister course made our list at number seven, the Mustang edges it out by delivering a more complete, accessible golf experience. Trevino’s playful personality shines through in this design with generous landing areas that nonetheless demand thoughtful angles into wellprotected greens. The bunkering is both strategic and visually appealing, framing holes beautifully without being unnecessarily punitive. Water hazards come into play on just enough holes to create drama without overwhelming the average golfer. The par 3 fifth hole stands out with its peninsula green setting, creating a picture perfect backdrop for your t-shot. What elevates Mustang to our number two spot is its playability for all skill levels combined with consistently excellent conditioning. The course strikes that perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment that makes you want to play it again immediately after finishing. Number one, Old Corkscrew Golf Club. And claiming our number one spot is Old Corkscrew Golf Club. A Jack Nicholas signature design that represents pure golf at its finest. Located just a short drive from downtown Naples, Old Corkscrew stands alone, literally and figuratively, with no residential development to distract from the golf experience. This championship layout stretches to over 7,400 yards and features some of the most challenging green complexes in Florida. The course winds through stands of mature pine trees, creating a more northern field than typical Florida layouts, while still incorporating strategic water hazards. What makes Old Corkcrew special is the variety of holes and shots required. Nicholas created a layout that rewards thoughtful strategy and precise execution with multiple options on nearly every hole. The bunkering is bold and beautiful, often dictating the optimal line of play. Old Corkcrew has garnered numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Florida’s top public courses. It represents destination golf at its finest. The kind of course you’ll remember every hole from and talk about long after your vacation ends. And that’s your countdown of the top 10 public golf courses in Naples, Florida. Whether you’re chasing birdies, soaking in the scenery, or tackling a tough track, Naples has a spot with your name on it. Did your favorite make the list? Drop it in the comments and let us know what course you think deserves the top spot. Hit that like button, subscribe, and stay tuned. More golf guides are coming soon. Catch you on the next tea.
Naples, Florida is a golfer’s paradise—sunny skies, lush fairways, and some of the best golf courses in the country. While many of its top-tier clubs are private, Naples still boasts a strong lineup of public and semi-private golf courses that deliver world-class play. In this video, I count down the top 10 public golf courses in Naples, perfect for locals, snowbirds, or golf travelers looking to tee it up in Southwest Florida.
📌 Please note: Some footage in this video may not be of the actual courses mentioned but is included to enhance the viewing experience.
Courses Featured:
🏌️♂️ Tiburón Golf Club (Gold & Black Courses – resort access via Ritz-Carlton)
🏌️♂️ Old Corkscrew Golf Club (Jack Nicklaus Signature Design)
🏌️♂️ Arrowhead Golf Club
🏌️♂️ Lely Resort – Flamingo Island & Mustang Courses
🏌️♂️ Valencia Golf & Country Club
🏌️♂️ Panther Run Golf Club
🏌️♂️ Hibiscus Golf Club
🏌️♂️ Eagle Lakes Golf Club
🏌️♂️ The Golf Club at The Quarry (limited public tee times)
🏌️♂️ Bonita Fairways Golf Course (executive option nearby)
Why You’ll Love These Courses:
✅ Lush Florida Scenery & Tropical Landscaping
✅ Jack Nicklaus & Greg Norman Designs
✅ Championship Layouts with Public Access
✅ Great Winter Golf Destination
✅ Perfect Mix of Challenge, Beauty & Accessibility
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