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2 SWFL Courses Made Golfweek’s Best Public Golf Courses In Florida

Author Joe Winner

Golfweek released it’s ranking of best public golf courses in Florida and 2 SWFL golf courses made the list. The Naples course they recommend comes as no surprise, but another local course might. Port Charlotte has one of the top courses in the state.

Golfweek has released its annual list of best golf courses here in the Sunshine State. The list covers the private clubs, as well as the best public golf courses in Florida. Topping the list of private courses in the Seminole Golf Club on Juno Beach. Closer to home, the second highest rated private golf course in all of Florida is the Calusa Pines Golf Club in Naples.

Is the Calusa Pines exclusive? You bet. Membership is limited to 275 people. The initiation fee is reported to be $245,000 with annual dues of $33,000 for the course that’s open 8 months out of the year. Even if you got the cash for that, you’ll still need help getting in. Membership is by invite only. Naples National is also on the private course list at number 11.

The Best Public Golf Courses in Florida

So what do you do when you want some amazing golf but can’t shell out a quarter of a million dollars? Public golf courses. But don’t let the ‘public’ part fool you. The courses on this list are far from ordinary. 2 Southwest Florida courses made the list. Coming in at number 21 is the JW Marriott Marco Island (Hammock Bay).

There’s 2 ways you can show up for a round of golf at Hammock Bay. To drive, the course is located just off 951 between Marco Island and the East Trail (41). Or, the Marco Island Executive Airport is located just behind the course. Yes, if you have the means, you can pull your clubs from the private plane and put them on a golf cart and hit the links. Better yet, stay on the Marco Island and maybe catch a sunset.

marco Island, homw to one of the best public golf courses in Florida
Sunset in Marco Island, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

The Best Public Golf Courses in Florida – Number 26

Coming in at number 26 of the best public golf courses in Florida is Riverwood in Port Charlotte. An absolutely amazing place to play, some publications actually list this as the number one public course in Florida. And the price is right, too. Prime morning tee times around $65 and mid-day under $50. Keep in mind, this is Florida. If you’re starting a round after noon you’re certainly risking afternoon thunderstorms.

John Daly of the United States plays his shot on the fifth tee during the second round of the Chubb Classic at Tiburon Golf Club on February 17, 2024 in Naples, Florida.
John Daly plays his shot on the fifth tee during the second round of the Chubb Classic at Tiburon Golf Club on February 17, 2024 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

There’s Great Golf Everywhere

Congratulations to Hammock Bay and Riverwood for being acknowledged by Golfweek. There’s so many great golf courses in Florida, it has to be a near impossible task to rank them. Since it’s subjective, here’s how our local staff ranks our local SWFL courses.

The 9 Best Public Golf Courses in Southwest Florida: Ranked

The 9 Best Public Golf Courses in Southwest Florida. Fort Myers and Naples have some of the nicest golf courses in the country – the only problem is, to play these, you either need a rich friend who belongs at one of the courses, or you need to part ways with a couple hundred thousand to become a member yourself.

Don’t have either? You’re still in luck!   Southwest Florida has a litany of fun and challenging public courses open year-round to the average bloke. They may not offer the luxury amenities such as iced towels, golf carts outfitted with GPS and speakers, and Pro-V1 range balls, but the beers are just as cold and often times the cart girls are better looking!

I put these courses through a screening process and am basing this on certain criteria – first and foremost, they need to be open year-round for public play. After that, I judged them on: Layout (fun vs challenging), Condition and Amenities, Rates, Cart Girls (when applicable), and of course, the 19th hole. So, text your buddies, wash your balls, and tee up at these local favorites year round.  

These are The 9 Best Public Golf Courses in Southwest Florida

  • 9. San Carlos Golf Club

    Don’t sleep on this muni – affordable rates and easy to score. I am listing this course for the golfers who like to have a good time playing. Pack a few beers, grab a transfusion at the turn, and swing away with no regard! Don’t come here if you’re bougie – but if you enjoy a good buzz and a good time without breaking the bank, San Carlos Golf Club is a great option.   

  • 8. Eagle Ridge Country Club

    Eagle Ridge has great rates year round – even during season (October through May). Decent layout and can score if you’re playing well. The are several downsides though – you could easily get stuck behind several slow foursomes, the 19th hole is more reminiscent of a small deli, and if it rains for a few days make sure wear your mud boots as the drainage is poor.    

     

  • 7. Palmetto-Pine Country Club

    A hidden gem in Cape Coral. They don’t allow coolers, but not sure that has ever stopped anyone. Not the cheapest during season, but you can find good deals sometimes on golfnow.com  

     

  • 6. River Hall Country Club

    River Hall is a little hike from Fort Myers or Naples, and that is probably why this course is still public, but if you can make it out there you won’t be disappointed. Great layout, nice amenities, and the course is usually in great shape.  

  • 5. Eastwood Golf Course

    Once a top 50 Public Golf Course in the Country, Eastwood Golf Course is a staple if you grew up in Fort Myers. This course is one of two public courses owned and maintained by the City of Fort Myers. Next to a nature center and it’s not uncommon to see Bald Eagles, Alligators, and Snakes along the track.  

  • 4. Shell Point

    Shell Point is easily one of the most fun courses on the list. The different tee boxes can make this course very scorable or very challenging. It’s always in great shape, but the problem is…it’s a dry course. I can’t stress this enough – pack your own drinks, if you’re into that kind of thing.  

  • 3. Old Corkscrew

    Old Corkscrew is actually the nicest course on this list, however, the price keeps it at #3. This Jack Nicholas layout and the greens will certainly challenge the best golfers, but will make you feel like a pro if you can shoot a low round. Just watch out for the alligators, seriously…. 

  • 2. Stoneybrook Golf Club

    Pretty fun layout on this tract. Not always in the best shape but it’s affordable, fun, has great drinks (thanks to having Duffy’s at the turn), and can be quite challenging if the wind is blowing. A lot of water on this course – starting with the water range. Runner up for best 19th hole also! 

    Stoneybrook

  • 1. Fort Myers Country Club Golf Course

    Sure, I’m a little biased because I grew up here and have played Fort Myers 1,000 times – but it never gets old. Some holes were actually redesigned a few years ago (5th Tee Box used to give slicers nightmares). This course has great rates, fun to play (several drivable par 4s), cart girls, and by far the best 19th hole in the area, The Edison! Always a fun time at “The Fort.”  

Joe Winner spends his days combing through memes and off beat stories to bring you the side of Florida not always seen.

 

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