Public-access golf courses can be found around Naples in southwest Florida
NAPLES, Fla. -- For nine months of the year, the tamer side of south Florida is, well, downright sleepy. But from January through March, Naples and the rest of southwest Florida rocks and rolls to the drumbeat of thousands of snowbirds who seek out sun-splashed resorts for their second homes.
The golf courses and restaurants fill up fast in high season. Most of the Naples' courses are private or connected to a resort, but public golf is available on its outer fringes. The two prettiest and toughest courses are the TPC Treviso Bay in Naples and Old Corkscrew Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus course in Estero.
Local architect Gordon Lewis designed Arrowhead Golf Club in Naples, Stoneybrook Golf Course in Estero and Panther Run Golf Club farther out in Ave Maria.
Both TwinEagles and Bonita Bay East feature two strong courses that feel like private clubs. TwinEagles hosted the 2012 ACE Classic, a Champions Tour event, on its Talon Course. The newly redesigned Eagle Course will host the LPGA Tour's CME Group Titleholders for the first time in November, 2012.
The 36-hole Tiburon Golf Club (call ahead to check on availability) continues to host the Franklin Templeton Shootout, a silly season event featuring teams of tour pros every December.