Upscale LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, Florida reopens with new greens, tee boxes

After six months of being closed, the golf course at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, Florida has reopened with 18 new greens, newly grassed tee boxes and perfect conditions for its members and guests.

The renovation was overseen by architect Bob Cupp. The work included rebuilding all 18 greens and enlarging them back to their original sizes. Tee boxes were also re-grassed, and several of them were also rebuilt. In all, LaPlaya now offers more than 120,000 total square feet of new putting surfaces, including all holes and practice areas.

"We are thrilled with the results of the renovation and know the look and feel of the course will propel LaPlaya ... for many years to come," General Manager Alan Findlay said. "With the backing of a strong hospitality team in place, we look forward to sustaining memorable golf experiences for all our members and guests."

The par-72, 6,907-yard golf course at LaPlaya originally opened in 1959 and was designed by Ernie Smith. Bob Cupp was brought in years later to renovate the course. Among its features are 14 lakes and water features, as well as exotic, colorful landscaping. The par 3s are particularly memorable and daunting. Said one Golf Advisor reader: "This has to be my favorite course in Naples. Almost every hole is different and challenging in its own way without leaving you feeling like you never had a chance to make birdie. The landscaping is beautiful, and the staff is more than accommodating."

LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

The course is right in line with the resort. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort features a Balinese-style spa, marble bathrooms and personalized beach butler service. It is on Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List," on Travel+Leisure's "World's Best Hotels" list and has been named one of the "Best Hotels in Naples" by U.S. News & World Report, as well as being ranked no. 12 on its "Best U.S. Resorts List.

Mike Bailey is a former Golf Advisor senior staff writer based in Houston. Focusing primarily on golf in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America with an occasional trip to Europe and beyond, he contributes course reviews, travel stories and features as well as the occasional equipment review. An award-winning writer and past president of Texas Golf Writers Association, he has more than 25 years in the golf industry. He has also been on staff at PGA Magazine, The Golfweek Group and AvidGolfer Magazine. Follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeBaileyGA and Instagram at @MikeStefanBailey.
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Upscale LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, Florida reopens with new greens, tee boxes