MikeMurray87

Old Corkscrew is a great layout that is very challenging (138 slope from the blues). It was in the best shape I’ve seen it it and the day was fantastic. We did not play particularly well and were appropriately punished for it but it didn’t matter. The course invites you to try challenging shots but you have to execute and there are reasonable bailout areas however you will lose balls in the water as it comes into play on several holes. It’s a bit off the beaten path but worth the trip from whatever direction you are coming from

I love the layout of Flamingo. It has a ton of tee options that can suit anyone’s game. Unlike many courses in Florida not everything is right in front of you and you have choices to make on how to play holes. You can be aggressive and try to carry some traps or play it around those traps. The greens were in good shape, pretty fast but receptive to a good iron approach. This year Lely closed Flamingo for a few weeks to overseed the fairways and that is paying off right now. The fairways are in excellent shape. I also love playing out of the sand at Flamingo and you need to love it because you will be in the sand here at some point. From the tees we played (Green/white) the par 3’s were 175 yards, 160 yards, 115 yards and 150 yards so each gives you a different shot which is always fun. A couple of signature holes that involve water. The par 4 4th hole and the 17th. Both are great holes rewarding accuracy on the approach shot and “staying out of danger” on the drive. I wish Lely would invest more in this course because I think it’s one of the best tracks in Southwest Florida

The Gold Course at Tiburon provided a fantastic day. The layout is very pleasing to the eye and the holes are fun to play. Plenty of tees to choose from for every skill level and fairly generous fairways to invite you to use your driver. The greens were fast and large with a lot of undulations making for some exciting putts. I’ve played both black and gold and 3 out of every 4 rounds I’d choose to play it over the black. It’s just prettier and I liked the green complexes better. We had lunch at Tiburon after and it too was very good. Sat outside and enjoyed the view and the weather. Only downside is it is not cheap. At $279 a round in peak season it’s easily the most expensive course in Naples.

Esplanade is a ton of fun. Has tee boxes for every skill set. You won’t walk this course - don’t even try as the green to tee box distances can be long. But so what, it’s Florida! The fairways are wide and fairly forgiving and the greens are large making them very inviting. But don’t be fooled. Around the greens and on the greens you will be challenged. They keep the greens rolling fast (11.7) on our day and there is plenty of movement on them. Getting on the green in regulation is by no means a guaranteed par. 3 putting will happen even for the best putters unless you put your ball in the right place. But when you finish your round your thought will be - this course is just fun.