Golf in Naples

Along with the white sandy beaches, the wonderful views, and the world-class amenities, many people consider one of Naples' biggest draws to be the excellent selection of golf courses. The fact that Florida has the largest concentration of golfing communities and golf courses in the United States and Naples FL ranks number one on that list, earned this beautiful city the title "Golf Capital of the World". There are currently 91 courses in Collier County, giving the county one of the highest rates of golf courses per capita across the country. Naples golf draws newcomers and PGA professionals alike, and even if you're not a golf fan, the lush landscapes of the numerous golf courses found around the area only adds to the character and beauty of Naples. Most golf courses in Naples, Florida, are private, and the types of memberships vary quite drastically in terms of price. A number of gated communities have golf courses within them. Of these, many include membership to the local golf course as part of your Homeowners Association fees. Such communities are a great deal for buyers because memberships to some of the more elite country clubs can range from $20,000 a year to over $150,000 a year. Taking away these membership fees simply by living in the right community can save you a great deal of money year-to-year.

Naples Bundled Golf Communities

Bundled golf communities are an especially great option for people buying a vacation home in Naples. If you want to spend your summers playing golf in Naples, having a course within your own community that is free to play is a wonderful amenity. Additionally, most country clubs within bundled golf communities include fantastic clubhouses, restaurants, tennis courts, workout facilities, and social activities throughout the year. Even if Naples, Florida, golf isn't your primary draw for owning a vacation home in the area, the sense of fellowship and community that clubhouses can create will certainly add to the value of your time spent in Naples. 

When you search for Naples FL "bundled golf real estate", a few things should come to mind to differentiate it from "golf equity real estate":

• Bundled golf communities are tipically more affordable, due to the fact that all club amenities and activities (tennis, golf privileges, fitness, etc.) are available at no extra cost, it is all included (or "bundled") in the community's fees which also tend to run lower than equity golf communities.  

• Bundled golf communities have NO initiation fee. This is a major factor considering several Golf & Country Clubs require an "initiation fee" of several tens of thousands (sometimes refundable at resale).

• You don't have to take a number on the "waiting list" in order to sell your membership, especially if you left the community for quite a while.

• Tenant friendly policies. As many second home owners choose to, you may decide to rent your vacation home for a month or two to offset some of the costs. You can actually target a wider spectrum of tenants by being able to transfer golf privileges with your home. Most private Equity Golf Clubs do not offer that flexibility.

• HOA assessments are not subject tosales tax ad valorem tax exemption.

• The community can place a lien on a property that has outstanding assessments.

• Purchasing a home in a bundled golf community gives you full access to all privileges and ammenities, wether you play golf or not. 

• The fact that every home is sold with a mandatory membership maintains and secures a constant number of members, stabilizes home values and creates financial security

• The entire community is managed and operated by a single board.

• One of the downsides is that bundled golf communities have as many as 900 homes built around an 18 holes golf course... Which could create dificulties in securing the more desirable tee times and congest the course at times. 

Here are the bundled golf communities in Naples FL:

Stonebridge   

The 18 hole, par 71 golf course received a makeover in 2010 by Gordon Lewis, which added catch basins along the lake banks. Gene Bates of the Couples/Bates design Company also joined in by designing a vast array of beautiful landscape and scenic preserve. A very mature community, Stonebridge was developed between 1996 and 2001 and offers both condos and single family homes, from 1600 square feet to over 2800. Condos range from mid 100's to higher 300's and tipically represent the majority of the listings. Single family homes start in the 300's and quickly reach the high 700's depending on size, view and lot size.

As an established community, Stonebridge has much more to offer: a friendly and active environment, a 20,000 square foot clubhouse that includes several dining rooms, surrounded by five Har-Tru tennis courts, Olympic size pool, heated spa, putting green, pro shop and card rooms. Well organized tennis programs, private and group tennis lessons will make sure to keep the dust off your tennis raquet. 

But what really sets Stonebridge apart is the proximity to the sand... not the one in the bunker, but the white sands of Vanderbilt Beach or Delnor Wiggins Pass. Only a 5 minutes trip can take you from the beautiful greens of the golf course to a relaxing day at the beach, enjoying the surf and the sun.   

 Heritage Bay   

The community is located in North Naples, 1.3 miles East of Collier Blvd (or SR951) on Imokalee Blvd. Developed on 718 acres, it is framed by two huge quarry lakes and 1800 acres of gorgeous cypress preserve. With large and ondulating 7000 square feet of greens and Tiff Eagle putting surface grass, this PGA rated 27 hole golf course was designed by Gordon Lewis and Jed Azinger, providing generous landing areas for the occasional golfer but also strategically placed hazards for the more demanding, low handicap players. Inauguration took place in November, 2006.

When it came to ammenities, Heritage Bay held nothing back. It boasts a monster 27,000 square feet club house (completed in April 2009) with a more than accomodating 8000 square feet fitness center. Har Tru tennis courts with stadium seating, billiards, card room, grille room, full locker rooms with sauna, the resort pool and Chikee bar/restaurant are part of your everyday life at Heritage Bay, making this one of the top communities in N Naples.

Heritage Bay offers several types of properties: condos, coach homes and single family (or stand alone) homes. New construction is almost sold out. Resale condos are in the 100's, coach homes stay in the 200's and single family homes start in the 300's all the way to 600's. As all other bundled golf communities, Heritage Bay offers unlimited golfing and it is included in the HOA fees. Minimum days of lease is 30, tenants can have golfing privileges.

Naples Lakes   

Located just off I-75 in South Naples, just minutes from exit 101, this gorgeous golf community was built by Toll Brothers in 1999 around the Signature Golf Course designed by the renowned Arnold Palmer. The 18 hole Championship golf course offers six sets of tees, from 4516 yards to the more challenging 6708 yards. The elevated tees, rolling hills and Bermuda grass greens blend perfectly with the 60 acres of sparkly lakes and 160 acres of nature preserve. The course is rated 74.3 and features a slope of 142. 

When you're not teeing off with your friends or envious relatives, you can take full advantage of the 15,000 Mediterranean style club house, work out in the fitness room or relax in the steam room. For tennis lovers, 5 Har-Tru courts should be more than accomodating. Other convenient and worth mentioning amenities include casual and formal dining, informal grille, outdoor open terrace, card and TV lounge, full service golf shop, ladies and gentlemen locker rooms and an outdoor pool and spa.

To help reducing your handicap, the putting green and an aqua range create the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. All homes are transfered with a full membership. 

The 731 dwellings are spread out in five subdivisions, with condos and coach homes ranging from 150's to low 400's and single family homes from mid 400's all the way up to high 800's. As always in bundled golf comunities, buyers can enjoy a full membership with the purchase of their new home and they can pass on some of the privileges to potential tenants. Minimum days of lease in this comunity is 30, with a maximum of 3 leases per year.

 Forest Glen

Forest Glen is a community that takes great pride in having a friendly atmosphere, first rate tennis, top quality dining experience and excellent golfing. Located on Collier Blvd (or CR 951) in proximity to I-75, it is only a 25 to 30 minute trip to Ft Myers Airport (RSW), a 20 minute drive to Marco Island or a 15 to 20 minute drive to the sandy beaches of Naples FL. In 2008, Arthur Hills - Steve Forest & Associates molded this 18 hole golf course to fit their vision and covered the 6820 yards of par 72 Championship course with the gorgeous green of Sea Isle Supreme Paspalum Grass. The 630 acres community also includes a great clubhouse (renovated in 2009) with billiards room, swimming pool, four Har-Tru tennis courts, dining room, state-of-the-art fitness center, computer room and a driving range.      Residents can also take full benefit of the many trails and bycicle paths that cut through the preserve, totaling three miles.

Condos in Forest Glen start just below 100's for 2 bedroom units under 1200 square feet and continue up towards the high 200's for 3 bedroom 2193 square feet units. Single family homes are hardly on the market for sale, don't be surprised if you see only 2 homes for sale and 40 condo listings. For investors, minimum days of lease 30, only 3 leases allowed per year.

Cedar Hammock

 Located on Collier Blvd (or CR 951) in South Naples, right across from Forest Glen, this 400 acres community has allocated more than half of it's land to preserving it's lakes, wetlands and numerous wildlife species. Streched through 6834 yards and five sets of tees, this Par 72 golf course was designed by the legendary architectural duo Jed Azinger and Gordon Lewis. 

As one of the most respected bundled golf community, Cedar Hammock offers a complete package when it comes to lifestyle and quality time. It's 22,000 square feet clubhouse offers formal dining and the latest 2011 addition, the "Grill Room", makes a wonderful choice for casual lunch or dinner. State-of-the-art fitness center is available for every day use or you cn sign up for ocational Yoga or Water Aerobics classes under the supervision of well trained and qualified instructors. Four year round heated pools are available in Cedar Hammock. The largest pool, spa and the Dolphin Bar are located at the clubhouse. Tennis players can find their outlet using the 4 Har-Tru tennis courts and by joining the ocasional programs and tournements, while the hardcore golf players can perfect their game using the putting green and the driving range. 

An array of activities including Book Clubs, Bridge, Mahjong, Canasta, Euchre, Bunco, "50's & 60's Rock Around The Clock" and many other theme nights are a common sight in this very active and friendly community. 

With the last units finished in 2004, Cedar Hammock displays various types of properties: mid-rise condos starting in the 100's, attached villas up to the high 300's, two story condos (Verandas) up to the mid 300's and single family homes from high 300's to high 600's. There are only 3 leases allowed per year of a minimu 30 days each.  

Glen Eagle 

If you are looking for a par 70 challenge, no matter what your skill level is, Glen Eagle's 18 hole golf course will do the job. Between 4300 yards and over 5,586 yards, the 18 hole golf course is spread  of luxurious landscape and has a course rating of 66.9 on slope rating of 115. Designed by the renowned Gordon Lewis, the golf course was open to the first avid golfers in 1991 and intertwines harmoniously with the various communities within Glen Eagle. Speaking of communities within Glen Eagle, they vary greatly in type of properties offered and price range.

Chatham Square, Glenmore Greens, Sterling Lakes and Saratoga Colony offer 2 bed, 2+den and 3 bed mid-rise units ranging from 1000 to 1725 square feet in the 100's.

Sterling Greens was built between 2003 and 2004, bringing their 1200 to 1500 square feet units over $200,000.

Brittany Place and Montclair Park bring the concept of "attached villa" to Glen Eagle. Raised between 1992 and 2001, these "single family feel" villas offer many floor plans from 1500 to just under 2000 square feet of living space. Units in here can be available for as high as mid 300's, as many of them have gorgeous preserve views and an enclosed lanai with heated pool.

Oxford Village and Addison Reserve are located on W and E side of the Radio Rd entrance to Glen Eagle. Located in the Northern section of the development, these two communities offer homes between 1600 and 2200 square feet built between 2001 and 2003. What you have to watch for here is view and exposure. Homes in Addison Reserve with S or SE exposure on the South bend of Glen Eagle Cir have ample lake, golf and preserve views. The homes with S or SE exposure but on the North bend of Glen Eagle Cir have limited or NO view, separated by privacy fences... There are also homes that face N to Radio Rd, which can have heavy traffic at times. The importance of having an unbiased buyer's agent is crucial here, since a listing agent would never point out the disadvantages of a property.

Lago Villaggio is the newest community in Glen Eagle, built since 2004. As many newer communities, especially those who built from 2005 to 2006, Lago Villagio had it's share of foreclosures and short sales and it's now back to a healthy, solid market. With it's Mediterranean styles, ample, open floor plans and private pools in screened lanais, Lago Villagio offers homes from 1800 square feet 2 bedroom homes up to 5 bedrooms, 3100 square feet, two story single family homes. Prices range accordingly from the 300's into the 500's.

Located at the front of the community, the main clubhouse is shared by the 924 golf memberships and the 310 social memberships. Ammenities include tennis courts, fitness center, billiards, meeting and cards room. it is important you check first which areas offer social memberships and which ones offer golf membership before you even check any listings, to see if this community is the right fit for you.

Naples Heritage 

Naples Heritage's location offers the best of both worlds: only a 12 minutes drive to the seafood restaurants at Tin City, the historic Naples downtown with it's 5th Ave and 3rd St restaurants, or you can drive S on Collier Blvd and reach Marco Island within 17 minutes. Built on 550 acres of land, this bundled golf community has dedicated 350 of them to lush preserves settings, lakes and wide open landscapes. It's 18 hole Championship golf course was designed by Gordon Lewis, a man with an impressive 40 plus golf course projects just in the Naples Area. Naples Heritage golf course received a major renovation in 2005. One of the major changes to the course from 1998 was replacing all greens with one of the best types of Bermuda grass, named Champions. This extensive improvement was followed by a complete renovation of the club house in 2007. It's impressive 19,000 square feet club house has many amenities to offer to its members: excellent lit tennis courts, fitness center, bocce court, pro shop, locker rooms, fine and casual dining room. You'll also find here the biggest of four community pools available in Naples Heritage. 

You can find almost every type of property in Naples Heritage: low-rise and mid-rise condos, attached villas and single family homes.          Condos start in the 100's to mid 200's, villas in the mid 200's and single family homes reaching $500,000.

Vanderbilt Country Club

Located between Vanderbilt Beach Rd and Immokalee Rd In N Naples, this bundled golf community developed in 1999 and takes pride in it's 323 acres of glimmering lakes, beatiful preserves and luscious fairways. An 18 hole, par 72 golf course is best remembered for its wavey, undulating fairways and generous greens on Bermuda grass. Gordon G. Lewis created this enjoyable, yet challenging course on 6,735 yards from the farthest of the 5 tees, thus attracting both accomplished and inexperienced players. It is rated 73.5 with a slope of 139. The homeowners of Vanderbilt Country Club benefit from golf course unlimited access all year round and have the luxury of owning and using their own golf cart, should they choose to do so. The only requirement for that is to keep it garaged.

Since the amenities have been designed in late 1980's, a proposal for an extensive remodeling of the club house and the building of modern facilities has been passed, all under the board's supervision and with the input and suggestions from ALL MEMBERS. The Facilities Master Plan was approved on July 21st, 2011, it will take four years to complete and it will include: 

• New fitness center                                                   • Covered tennis bleechers   
• Remodeled pro shop                                                • Remodeled card & game room 
• Enhanced Plaza area                                               •  New Activity Center restrooms 
• The Vanderbilt Room                                                • Memorial Tree relocation
• Expanded Vista Room                                              • Bay Window/Dance Floor area
• New Pool Grille & Bar, plus covered parking             • New sun terraces
• Screened cart access                                              • New covered terrace dining and seating
• Expanded kitchen                                                     • Expanded Bar and Lounge area

There are several types of homes available in Vanderbilt Country Club: condos in Waterford from low 100's to mid 200's, carriage homes in Wedgewood from 200's to mid 300's, single family detached villas from 1746 square feet to 1974 square feet in the 300's and single family estate homes ranging from 2,223 to 2,931 square feet and reaching prices just of almost $600,000.

Foxfire

 Foxfire is located just E of Airport Pulling Rd, S of Radio Rd and N of Davis Blvd and it is home of a 27 hole beautiful golf course, designed by Arthur Hills and covers 385 acres. Foxfire's location, just 7 minutes from downtown Naples fine dining and shopping make this established community a very popular destination among avid golfers with an active social life. The builder's sales center opened it's doors in January 1984, by June the sales were well over the projected numbers and by 1987, Foxfire sold all 925 units establishing a sales rate record in the whole state of Florida. In 1995, another 9 holes of golf were added to the initial course, bringing it to the current number of 27 holes. A huge renovation and redesign process took place in 2003 under the supervision of Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest & Associates, when the whole course was rebuilt to fit USGA standards, including leveling the tees by laser technology. It was well worth it: the course now boasts snug fairways, a myriad of water hazards and magnificent Tiff-Eagle greens.

In order to maintain the comfortable lifestyle of its members, Foxfire prepares for big changes. August 2004 brings a rare sight to the tranquil community: buldozers level the 20 year old clubhouse and make way for an impressive 20,000 square feet of Mediterranean architecture, which left nothing to be desired. The Foxlair Grille and Lounge offers both casual lunch and dinner, and wether you prefer sitting inside or on the outdoor terrace, there are 140 seats to choose from. Sport events broadcasted on the Lounge's TVs are a common and animated sight. Other amenities include 3 lit Har-Tru tennis courts, heated Olympic size pool and a great fitness center. For golf players that are constantly perfecting their game, putting greens and a driving range are available for practice.

Condos sell from the 100's and single family homes get close to 300's.

Cypress Woods

This established bundle golf community is located just a couple of minutes E of I-75, close to the recently widened Immokalee Rd in N Naples and it welcomed its first golfers in 1999. Just a short 12 minute drive to the sandy beaches, Cypress Woods is one of the closest bundle golf communities to the desirable surf. Its proximity to I-75 gives this bundled golf community the advantage of being only a short 20 minute drive to the nearest airport, Southwet Florida Airport (RSW).

Out of the 285 acres, Cypress Woods alocated 110 of them to glimmering lakes, pine forests, cypress heads and reconstructed marshes, making this the home of an amazing array of wild life. The 18 hole scenic course features over 6,300 yards and was designed by Gordon Lewis, who made sure that players get to use all their clubs in the bag on this challenging, yet playable par 72 golf course. It has a rating of 71.7 with a slope of 136. 

 The impressive club house has many ways to indulge the members of Cypress Woods Golf and Country Club: 4 lighted tennis courts, heated pool, jacuzzi and lap pool, gazebo, fitness center, 4500 square feet of chipping/putting greens and 5 green targets driving range.

The four individually gated neighborhoods that form Cypress Woods contain condos in the 100's, coach homes and attached villas in the 200's, reaching over 300's for the single family homes. Unlimited golf is included in the membership attached to each property.

Countryside

Conveniently located within 12 minutes of all the fine dining and shopping 5th Ave has to offer and a chip from I-75 access, Countryside has been luring golf lovers to it's 18 hole golf course since 1988. Designed by the famous Arthur Hills, the 5543 yards of the 70 par course receives un upgrade by the hands of Gordie Lewis in 1999. The debt-free Country Club is owned by it's residents and it has no initiation fee, making it one of the most affordable places to live and play golf.

Countryside's golf course is rated at 67 and has a slope of 120 on the beautiful Bermuda grass.

The club house offers a fitness center, a restaurant with dance floor, a spacious lounge with view of the first hole, card swimming pool and spa. Tennis lovers get the benefit of playing on 9 Har-Tru tennis courts, 3 of which are found at the club house. Putting green and a driving range make sure you have the tools to keep your handicap low.

There are several types of homes in Countryside, from 2 bedroom condos below the 100's to 2+den units in the high 100's and low 200's. Single family homes can be found in the 300's. As with all bundled golf communities, a purchase here gives the new owner a full membership with no initiation fees.

Royal Wood 

Located on Rattlesnake Hammock Rd in S Naples, the Royal Wood Golf and Country Club revolves around its 18 hole golf course designed by Dr. Michael Hurzdan. In order to play this par 70, 6083 yards of beautiful grass, golf members in Royal Wood have to use the "Chelsea System", a software or landline system that allows players to reserve tee times on a "first come, first served" basis and enables them to create "buddy lists", group play, event sign-up and tee sheets. If you want to explore the 168 acres of the golf course and get to know it intimately, the cart is not mandatory after 3 pm. Enjoy a beautiful day walking the course and around its 34 acres of lakes. To accomodate different levels of skill, Royal Wood goulf course presents you with the choice of 4 tees for each hole.

The 800 members can enjoy many activities at the 12,760 square feet club house, along with the great amenities available: community pool, lunch and dinner at "Bernard's" restaurant, a 990 square feet fitness center, 2 lighted tennis courts, bocce courts, card room, library and 2 putting greens. 

Most of the homes in Royal Wood are condos, outnumbering single family homes 656 to 144. There are 6 condo "villages": Amberly Village, Amherst Cove, Andover Square, Bloomfield Ridge, Cranbrook Colony and Cobblestone Court, each one with its own heated pool & spa, tennis court and bocce court. The properties you'll find here vary between 1100 square feet to 1400 square feet, priced from low 100's to just under 200's.                                                                                                                                                            

Single family homes are found on Ashton Court, Westbourgh Court, Westbourgh Drive and Royal Wood Blvd and they hit the market in the mid 200's. Out of the 144 single family homes in Royal Wood, only a handful are on the market at the same time. 

Glades

The first units built in The Glades Golf & Country Club were the Spanish style villas in 1971, making this the oldest bundle golf community in Naples FL. Within 5 miles reach of the welcoming sandy beaches and the historic downtown of Naples, Glades is the most western located of all bundled golf developments and it is spread over more than 200 acres.

Golfers have not one, but TWO options to test their skills:

The Palmetto, an 18 hole pleasantly challenging par 55 executive course and home of the "Gruesome Twosome" weekly tournement, a favorite among couples. Predominantly par 3, this course will elevate your iron game to a new height.

The Pines, an 18 hole par 70 measures 5,410 yards and throws at you sand bunkers, weaving fairways and a miriad of lakes.

Both The Palmetto and The Pines golf courses are played on the beautiful Paspalum grass.

 The Clubhouse is a vibrant place where all members find ways to interact and relax. Sunday breakfasts, sandwitches, soups and salads are generously provided by the renovated "19th Hole" dining room and make good company with the "Bar Bites" Happy Hour. For a change of pace, you can play tennis on any of the 10 championship courts, with 4 of them converted to clay. Having spread 9 heated pools throughout the community, it's easy to find a place to relax within walking distance of any property in The Glades. The Pro Shop has recently been upgraded with a Golf Learning Center. For quiet moments, enjoy a book in the Library or let imagination fly in the Art Room & Craft Center.

Properties in The Glades Golf and Country Club range in size from 950 to 2100 square feet and offer a large variety of villas, Spanish courtyard villas and two story condominiums (no elevator). Prices range from the 70's to the upper 100's.

Naples Golf Equity Communities

Other gated communities have Naples golf courses located within them, but are not necessarily associated with the courses. At these courses you'll need to purchase an annual membership along with everyone else. Of course, most of these courses will allow you to play without a membership, though the fees to play a single round will be significantly higher. One great way to enjoy golf in Naples to the fullest without emptying your wallet is to purchase a South Florida PGA GolfPass membership. These memberships are available every summer and allow you to play at 25 different country clubs throughout Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades at a discounted rate. Only 5,000 passes are sold each summer, and at a current cost of only $46, they are a great deal for people who love golf in Naples, Florida. To learn more about bundled golf communities and other great locations for golf lovers, contact a buyer's agent by calling 239-455-5554 and discover the advantages of Naples real estate.