[Jim Franklin]

What are the best golf options for early October in Naples? Calusa Pines does not open until end of month.

[Jaeger Kovich]

Drive the 2 hours to Streamsong

[Jim Franklin]

Drive the 2 hours to Streamsong

Been there twice. If time were not a factor, I would do it a third time.

[Jaeger Kovich]

Well then... I wouldn't be to focused on Naples National.

[Jason Topp]

Naples National and Old Corkscrew are both worth playing

[Wayne Wiggins, Jr.]

Was going to ask the same question, as i'm there in late Sept. Would Hole in the Wall or The Hideout be open at that point of the year? I've played Old Corkscrew, and it's a worthy alternative.

[BJones]

Hideout is great.

[Chris DeToro]

Mediterra is a fantastic facility--just renovated one of their courses with paspalum grass which I found to play great

[Rob Marshall]

I just bought at place in the Naples area. In the off season is it possible to get on Naples National and Calusa Pines unescorted if you are a member of a private club in New York?

[Terry Lavin]

I just heard yesterday that Hideout is closed now or closing down soon for regressing, so that's not an option.  Old Collier is a solid Fazio with some excellent greens and it has an impeccable presentation.

[Jim Franklin]

I just bought at place in the Naples area. In the off season is it possible to get on Naples National and Calusa Pines unescorted if you are a member of a private club in New York?

The Calusa head pro is also the head guy at Maidstone so they could potentially help.

[JC Jones]

I just heard yesterday that Hideout is closed now or closing down soon for regressing, so that's not an option.  Old Collier is a solid Fazio with some excellent greens and it has an impeccable presentation.

Hideout closed in April for regrassing.  Word is will be back open in November.

[JStewart]

In terms of purely public, Old Corkscrew in Estero or The Plantation (Hurdzan-Fry) by the RSW airport.

But you can get on a lot of the nicer privates in October. If your pro can't get you on, I'd buy one of the local PGA books (like $45-50) and you that will give you access to courses like Bonita Bay East (two really nice Fazio tracks) and Twin Eagles (play the Talon, a Nicklaus course).

Mediterra also has two nice Fazio courses, and across the street is Talis Park (Norman/Dye) which is fun.

[Ryan Hillenbrand]

Jim,

A few that don't always get mentioned that I enjoy:

- Island Country Club in Marco Island, about a 20 minute drive south from Naples. The only 18 hole course on the island, I believe originally designed by Gene Sarazen and renovated some years back by Steve Smyers. Not going to blow you away, but a fun tropical setting. Afterwards grab a drink at the Snook Inn
- Bear's Paw. I was told this was Nickaus' first solo design in Florida in 1980. I found the course, especially the front 9, had influences of his time with Pete Dye. Several holes had a Harbour Town feel. Its been recently renovated by Jack, so I don't know if that remained.

[Jim Franklin]

How is Hole in the Wall? And how is West Bay Club?

[Ed Brzezowski]

Jim,

A few that don't always get mentioned that I enjoy:

- Island Country Club in Marco Island, about a 20 minute drive south from Naples. The only 18 hole course on the island, I believe originally designed by Gene Sarazen and renovated some years back by Steve Smyers. Not going to blow you away, but a fun tropical setting. Afterwards grab a drink at the Snook Inn
- Bear's Paw. I was told this was Nickaus' first solo design in Florida in 1980. I found the course, especially the front 9, had influences of his time with Pete Dye. Several holes had a Harbour Town feel. Its been recently renovated by Jack, so I don't know if that remained.

 The Island is a good course, also look at Colony in Naples. Nice track always in good shape.

The Snook Inn is a winner, watch the sun go down with a adult beverage.

[Ian Mackenzie]

Have had a place down there since 1992 and know most of the courses.


I guess the big question is: Do you have access and/or a club from which you can call for a "reciprocal" as that season is from May to November 1. Otherwise, it's a "public/resort v. private" debate, too.


Hole in the Wall is a centrally located course that was totally renovated a few years ago including a new clubhouse. Fun course, but "very Florida". Old money membership.


Lots of "double Fazio" venues to choose from and they are all cut from his repeatable cloth and maintained very well. So, Bonita Bay, Mediterra, Pelican "Whatever", they will all deliver a very pleasing albeit "same sauce" product.


Olde Collier stands out from the pack of Fazios for sure. Great club experience and very close to the beach in North Naples almost in Bonita Springs.


Calusa is the best course and it can be played unaccompanied with an intro, but I guess it's not open then. Bummer.


200 courses to choose from, but only 10-15 really good courses and only 2-3  worth going out of your way for....

[Ian Mackenzie]

How is Hole in the Wall? And how is West Bay Club?

West Bay is some iteration of PB/Perry Dye or something. It's just fine. A solid "5".
Some fun holes, some crowded holes, but always in good shape with good greens. If you are in Bonita/Estero, it's very convenient and you can get on easily.

[Anthony_Nysse]

Hole in the Wall is a really cool place that Ron Forse renovation 5 years back. New Supt came over from Jupiter Hills and has the place playing right. I always thought of it a Pine Tree's little brother.

[Jim Franklin]

Have had a place down there since 1992 and know most of the courses.


I guess the big question is: Do you have access and/or a club from which you can call for a "reciprocal" as that season is from May to November 1. Otherwise, it's a "public/resort v. private" debate, too.


Hole in the Wall is a centrally located course that was totally renovated a few years ago including a new clubhouse. Fun course, but "very Florida". Old money membership.


Lots of "double Fazio" venues to choose from and they are all cut from his repeatable cloth and maintained very well. So, Bonita Bay, Mediterra, Pelican "Whatever", they will all deliver a very pleasing albeit "same sauce" product.


Olde Collier stands out from the pack of Fazios for sure. Great club experience and very close to the beach in North Naples almost in Bonita Springs.


Calusa is the best course and it can be played unaccompanied with an intro, but I guess it's not open then. Bummer.


200 courses to choose from, but only 10-15 really good courses and only 2-3  worth going out of your way for....

I have played Calusa numerous times. Access shouldn't be an issue. What are the two or three courses to go out of my way for?

[BCowan]

Jim,

   I think Naples National is the best in the Naples Area. 

[Ryan Hillenbrand]

Have had a place down there since 1992 and know most of the courses.


I guess the big question is: Do you have access and/or a club from which you can call for a "reciprocal" as that season is from May to November 1. Otherwise, it's a "public/resort v. private" debate, too.


Hole in the Wall is a centrally located course that was totally renovated a few years ago including a new clubhouse. Fun course, but "very Florida". Old money membership.


Lots of "double Fazio" venues to choose from and they are all cut from his repeatable cloth and maintained very well. So, Bonita Bay, Mediterra, Pelican "Whatever", they will all deliver a very pleasing albeit "same sauce" product.


Olde Collier stands out from the pack of Fazios for sure. Great club experience and very close to the beach in North Naples almost in Bonita Springs.


Calusa is the best course and it can be played unaccompanied with an intro, but I guess it's not open then. Bummer.


200 courses to choose from, but only 10-15 really good courses and only 2-3  worth going out of your way for....

I have played Calusa numerous times. Access shouldn't be an issue. What are the two or three courses to go out of my way for?

I concur with the Olde Collier and Hole in the Wall recommendations. I've consistently heard they are standouts in a crowded field and are tough to access - they don't participate in the summer reciprocals with most of the private clubs. If you can do it Jim those are the one I'd want to play

[Jaeger Kovich]

Cant believe there is so much love for Naples National. It doesn't belong on any top 100 lists and I wouldn't have given it anything higher than T Doak 4. You guys really liked all those silly rocks and weren't bothered by the egregious use of catch basins? Not my cup of tea.

[BCowan]

Cant believe there is so much love for Naples National. It doesn't belong on any top 100 lists and I wouldn't have given it anything higher than T Doak 4. You guys really liked all those silly rocks and weren't bothered by the egregious use of catch basins? Not my cup of tea.

wow.  How do you feel about floating irrigation ponds?  I hate the rocks and dislike 9 and 18.  Doak 4, wow.  Catch basins again, do you realize that the elevation change is about 3 inches and that summer rains are very strong?

[J_ Crisham]

Have had a place down there since 1992 and know most of the courses.


I guess the big question is: Do you have access and/or a club from which you can call for a "reciprocal" as that season is from May to November 1. Otherwise, it's a "public/resort v. private" debate, too.


Hole in the Wall is a centrally located course that was totally renovated a few years ago including a new clubhouse. Fun course, but "very Florida". Old money membership.


Lots of "double Fazio" venues to choose from and they are all cut from his repeatable cloth and maintained very well. So, Bonita Bay, Mediterra, Pelican "Whatever", they will all deliver a very pleasing albeit "same sauce" product.


Olde Collier stands out from the pack of Fazios for sure. Great club experience and very close to the beach in North Naples almost in Bonita Springs.


Calusa is the best course and it can be played unaccompanied with an intro, but I guess it's not open then. Bummer.


200 courses to choose from, but only 10-15 really good courses and only 2-3  worth going out of your way for....

I have played Calusa numerous times. Access shouldn't be an issue. What are the two or three courses to go out of my way for?

Jim, 
      The big 3 are Calusa, Naples National , and Old Collier - in that order. They are all 7 plus. Everything else is a 5. Fiddlers Creek is another one worth playing. OC is impressive but expensive- $250 accompanied plus $100 for looper in season. Text me if you need help with access.

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