Top 5 Holes in Naples, Florida
No one has been more influential in the development of golf in Naples, Florida, than PGA Professional Lynn Josephson, President of Golf Life Navigators. With more than 35 years as a PGA member, Lynn helped build three of the finest golf facilities in Naples – Olde Florida Golf Club, Old Collier Golf Club, and the Golf Club of the Everglades.
So, when we needed expert insight as to the Top 5 Holes in Naples, we didn’t have to go far. And it didn’t take Lynn long to determine his five best, as you’ll see below.
Oh, and one more thing about Lynn – in addition to being a fixture in the Naples golf community, Lynn is a Past President of the South Florida PGA Section, and a member of the Section’s Hall of Fame.
Pretty good credentials, eh!
#18, Eagle Creek Golf & Country Club
Naples, Florida
This Larry Packard-designed course, which features four strong finishing holes, underwent enhancement and beautification modifications last summer. A member favorite is this beautiful, beast-of-a par 4, showcasing elevated bunkers upon the approach and water to the left. Also, watch out for the bunker on the left of the green. Some members are happy getting on the green in 3, and par is certainly a bonus to conclude the round!
#2, Grey Oaks Country Club (Estuary Course)
Naples, Florida
This 451-yard hole at the newly renovated Estuary Course is one of the great par 4s in Southwest Florida. This slight dog-leg left requires both a long and accurate tee shot. It’s challenging, but avoiding the two right-side fairway bunkers ensures the opportune angle to this very intricate green complex. A greenside bunker stretches around the left front and back corners of the putting surface, penalizing the player with an errant approach. Par is a very good score, as this undulating green can cause scoring nightmares for even the most talented golfer.
#4, Wyndemere Country Club (White Course)
Naples, Florida
Measuring 177 yards from the back tee and 147 yards for members, the par-3 fourth on the White Course is as difficult as it is breathtaking. The two-tiered green is challenging but rewarding. Yes, there is a bunker left and water protecting short and right, but most will take dead aim! As they say at Wyndemere, “a 3 on White #4 is always good!”
#15, Wilderness Country Club
Naples, Florida
The 15th at Wilderness is a wonderful, short par 4 with a unique twist. Once you arrive to the tee area, one immediately notices that you are completely framed by large cypress trees. The 361-yard hole from the championship tee requires a well struck and shaped tee shot to navigate the slight dogleg left. A pond, hidden from the tee, is strategically located on the left side of the hole and comes into play off the tee and with your approach to the green. If you are fortunate to find your ball in the fairway, you must hit a precise approach avoiding a bunker that is located on the front third of the green. Hole locations can be quite challenging with this unique hazard. Friends, par is a great score here!
#11, Quail Creek Country Club (Quail Course)
Naples, Florida
The 11th hole on the Quail Course is a classic Arthur Hills risk/reward par 5. Stretching out to 542 yards from the Black tees, it’s a test of shot-making and patience. The beautiful, meandering lake pinches in on the right side of the fairway twice, making the left side of the fairway the safest place to be. The lake, along with a bulk-headed bunker and trees, frame a green that doesn’t have a level spot on it. Par is a well-earned score on the back nine’s hardest hole.
