Florida’s Golfing Glory: Southwest Florida Shines with Four Courses Among the State’s Best
Updated March 4, 2026, 3:05 p.m. ET
Did you know Florida is a golfer’s paradise? With over 1,250 courses—more than any other U.S. state—it’s no wonder the Sunshine State is a magnet for golf enthusiasts. But here’s where it gets exciting: Golf Digest recently unveiled its list of the 40 best public golf courses in Florida, and Southwest Florida stole the spotlight with four courses making the cut. Two in Collier County, two in Lee County—each offering a unique blend of challenge, beauty, and luxury. But here’s the twist: one of these gems, Old Corkscrew Golf Club, is transitioning to a members-only model. Will this change its allure? Let’s dive in.
Florida’s appeal goes beyond its sunny beaches and vibrant culture. Its golf courses are a major draw, with a staggering 1,250 to 1,264 courses, according to GolfNow and LINKS Magazine. Most of these are public, including daily-fee and municipal options, making them accessible to both locals and visitors. And Southwest Florida? It’s a golfer’s dream, with courses that rival the best in the state.
Golf Digest’s list of the top 40 public courses in Florida highlights the region’s excellence, featuring two Collier County courses and two in Lee County. Among them, Old Corkscrew Golf Club stands out—not just for its Jack Nicklaus design, but also for its upcoming transformation into the exclusive Pandion Club. This shift raises questions: Will it retain its public acclaim, or will exclusivity redefine its legacy? And this is the part most people miss: even as Old Corkscrew evolves, its natural beauty and challenging layout remain unparalleled.
The Southwest Florida Standouts
Here’s a closer look at the four courses, ranked by Golf Digest:
1. The Gasparilla Inn & Club
Location: Boca Grande
Golf Digest says: Nestled on an island near Charlotte Harbor, this course offers stunning water views with five holes hugging the shore. Originally a 1930s design, Pete Dye reimagined it in 2002, though time and weather softened his bold touches. Now, Tripp Davis is restoring Dye’s vision while modernizing the layout. The result? A seaside gem that rivals Dye’s iconic courses like Teeth of the Dog and Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course.
Website: The Gasparilla Inn & Club
2. Tiburon Golf Club: Gold
Location: Naples
Golf Digest says: Greg Norman’s Gold course at the Ritz-Carlton is a Naples standout, blending quality golf with convenience. Its stacked sod bunkers and absence of rough create a unique challenge. Hosting the LPGA’s CME Group Tour Championship and the PGA Tour’s QBE Shootout, it’s a course that demands attention—though green fees can soar above $300.
Website: Tiburon Naples
3. Old Corkscrew Golf Club
Location: Estero
Golf Digest says: Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course winds through Southwest Florida’s natural landscape, free from homes and teeming with wildlife. Its cypress trees, pines, and wetlands demand precision over power. Though a 30-minute drive from Naples, its tranquility makes it worth the trip. But here’s the controversy: its transition to the members-only Pandion Club has sparked debate. Will it lose its public charm?
Future: The Hoffmann Family of Companies is transforming it into the Pandion Club, named after the osprey—a symbol of wealth. With a team of experts in place, construction could begin soon, pending Lee County approval.
Website: Old Corkscrew Golf Club
4. Tiburon Golf Club: Black
Location: Naples
Golf Digest says: Greg Norman’s Black course complements its Gold sibling, offering undulating greens and crushed coquina waste areas nestled among Florida pines. Like the Gold course, it’s a Naples favorite, though its green fees are equally steep.
Website: Tiburon Golf Club
The Bigger Picture
Golf Digest’s rankings were based on its America’s 100 Greatest and Best in State evaluations. While the list stops at 40, they admit it could easily extend to 50. This highlights Florida’s golfing richness—and Southwest Florida’s role in it.
Controversial Question: As Old Corkscrew becomes exclusive, will it remain a symbol of Southwest Florida’s golfing excellence, or will its new status alienate public players? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Florida’s golf scene is thriving, and Southwest Florida is at the heart of it. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, these courses offer something for everyone. But as the landscape evolves, one thing is certain: the debate over exclusivity versus accessibility is just beginning. What’s your take?
