Teeing Off in Paradise: Golfing Communities in Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida is not just a haven for beautiful beaches and sunshine; it's also a paradise for golf enthusiasts. With an abundance of championship courses and luxurious amenities, the region boasts several premier golfing communities. Did you know that there are an estimated 150-plus golf courses in Lee and Collier counties? The minority, less than 10% are open to the public. That means the other 90% are private courses, typically located in gated golf course communities. 

1. Bonita Bay:

   • Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, Bonita Bay is a master-planned community with a strong emphasis on golf and natural beauty. The community features five golf courses designed by renowned architects, providing an unparalleled golfing experience amidst lush landscapes. Bonita Bay is a 2,400-acre gated community of 56 neighborhoods, tucked among 1,400 acres of parks, nature preserves, lakes, and open spaces. 

2. Bonita National:

   • Bonita National Golf & Country Club is a newer addition to the golfing scene in Southwest Florida. This community offers an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Gordon Lewis, complemented by resort-style amenities and picturesque views.

3. The Brooks:

   • The Brooks community is home to the Raptor Bay Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course designed by Raymond Floyd. Residents enjoy not only world-class golf but also a range of amenities, including dining options and recreational facilities. This 2,492-acre, master-planned development offers different types of properties in five distinct gated communities: Shadow Wood, Shadow Wood Preserve, Spring Run, Lighthouse Bay, and Copper Leaf. Shadow Wood and Shadow Wood Preserve have three diverse, championship golf courses, while Copper Leaf and Spring Run boast their own courses. 

4. Fiddlesticks Country Club:

   • With 585 homes and two golf courses, Fiddlesticks Country Club is an exclusive, low-density, gated community known for its two championship golf courses designed by Ron Garl and Arthur Hills. With a commitment to excellence, Fiddlesticks offers a luxurious golfing experience along with upscale amenities.

5. Grandezza:

   • Located in Estero, Grandezza boasts an 18-hole Darwin Sharpe III-designed golf course. The community combines golfing excellence with a Mediterranean-inspired ambiance, offering residents an array of recreational activities and social events.

6. Lexington Country Club:

   • Lexington Country Club consists of a Golf Village and a Lake Village, with 1,479 homes and an 18-hole championship golf course with six tee box choices redesigned by Kipp Schulties Golf Design in 2017. The community offers an active lifestyle with tennis, fitness, and social opportunities, making it an attractive choice for golf enthusiasts.

7. Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club:

   • Miromar Lakes is renowned for its private beach and a stunning 18-hole Arthur Hills Signature Championship Golf Course. The community seamlessly blends golf, water activities, and luxury living, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere. A 700-acre freshwater lake with three miles of white-sand shoreline is the centerpiece of this community, providing endless recreational and social activities.

8. Pelican Landing:

   • Pelican Landing is a premier golf community with 36 holes of championship golf designed by Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. Residents can enjoy not only golf but also a range of amenities, including a private beach park and tennis facilities. The Colony Golf and Country Club, with a private, par-72, Jerry Pate-designed course, is a sister community located within Pelican Landing. Pelican Landing owns a private barrier island with a 34-acre beach park on the Gulf of Mexico and provides a boat shuttle. 

9. River Hall:

   • River Hall is a golfing community in Alva featuring an 18-hole Davis Love III-designed golf course. With a focus on Southern charm and natural surroundings, River Hall provides a serene backdrop for residents to enjoy golf and the outdoors.

10. Verandah:

    • Verandah is a master-planned community in Fort Myers that features two championship golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Bob Cupp. The community offers a picturesque setting along the Orange River, blending golf with nature and relaxation.

11. West Bay Club:

    • West Bay Club combines luxury living with a championship golf experience. The 18-hole course, designed by Pete and P.B. Dye, is complemented by top-notch amenities, including a private beach club and sports facilities.

12. Wildcat Run Golf & Country Club:

    • Wildcat Run is an exclusive golf community in Estero, home to an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. With a commitment to excellence, Wildcat Run provides residents with a prestigious golfing experience and a range of upscale amenities.

Southwest Florida's golfing communities offer more than just a round of golf; they provide residents with a lifestyle immersed in luxury, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're an avid golfer or seeking an upscale and active lifestyle, these communities provide the perfect blend of world-class golfing and the allure of the Southwest Florida lifestyle.