Public Golf in Naples
Naples has more golf holes per capita than almost anywhere on earth, but most sit behind private gates. Here are the public and resort courses a visitor can actually play.
Updated June 2026
Naples likes to call itself the Golf Capital of the World, and the numbers back the boast: more holes per capita than just about anywhere on earth. The catch for visitors is that the great majority of those courses sit behind the gates of private clubs and golf communities, where you need a member to get you on. The good news is that the handful you can play without an invitation are genuinely excellent.
This is our honest rundown of the public and resort-access courses a visitor can actually book in and around Naples, from a Greg Norman tournament layout to a Jack Nicklaus design out in the cypress. Pair it with a round-friendly base from our beachfront resorts guide, or fold a morning tee time into our three-day Paradise Coast itinerary. Green fees here move with the season, so treat the numbers below as ballpark and confirm current pricing when you book.
The best public & resort golf
Five layouts that don't require a member to sign you in, each worth the drive.
How to plan it
- Decide your splurge level: a Norman tournament course at Tiburón or Lely Resort for the marquee round, or Hibiscus and Valencia for an easygoing, affordable one.
- Book tee times online through the course site, Troon, or GolfNow, where you'll often find discounted and twilight slots. Reserve well ahead in high season.
- Aim for an early tee time to beat both the heat and the near-daily summer storms, and confirm the dress code and whether the cart fee is included.
- Want it all in one place? A stay-and-play package at a resort with its own course bundles room and rounds and saves the morning drive.
- Always reconfirm current pricing, hours and status with the course directly, since season rates and ownership can change.
Where to go next
Round done? The rest of the Paradise Coast is waiting just past the 18th.
Beachfront Resorts
The big resorts, several with their own courses, for an easy stay-and-play base on the Gulf.
Three-Day Paradise Coast
A loose, do-it-your-way plan that fits a morning round around beaches, dining and sunsets.
Things to Do
Everything else on the Paradise Coast, from boat tours to museums to the Naples Zoo.
Plan Your Trip
When to come, how to get around and the season basics for a smooth Naples visit.
Find a place to stay nearby
Common questions
Can visitors play golf in Naples without being a member?
Yes, though your options are limited because the large majority of Naples-area courses (roughly four out of five) are private. The main public and resort-access courses are Tiburón Golf Club, Lely Resort (Flamingo Island and Mustang), Old Corkscrew Golf Club in nearby Estero, Hibiscus Golf Club and Valencia Golf & Country Club. All can be booked without a member.
What is the best public golf course in Naples?
Tiburón Golf Club at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort is the best-known, with two Greg Norman courses that have hosted PGA Tour and LPGA events. Old Corkscrew, the only Jack Nicklaus Signature design in Southwest Florida, is a frequent favorite among players. Lely Resort's two courses are also highly rated. The best one depends on your budget and the experience you want.
How much does it cost to play golf in Naples?
Green fees vary widely by course and season. Resort courses like Tiburón and Lely Resort run highest, with peak-season rates often well over $100 a round, while daily-fee courses such as Hibiscus and Valencia are more affordable. Rates drop in the off-season and at twilight, so check current pricing with the course or a booking site before you reserve.
When is the best time to golf in Naples?
Early morning is best year-round for cooler temperatures, firmer greens and a smaller chance of an afternoon thunderstorm, which are near-daily in summer. For the season, winter and early spring (roughly January to April) bring the finest weather but also the highest rates and busiest tee sheets, while summer offers much cheaper golf if you can handle the heat and humidity.
Do I need to book tee times in advance?
In high season, yes. Tee times at the popular public and resort courses fill up, so book a week or two ahead through the course website, Troon or GolfNow. Off-season is far more relaxed and you can often grab same-week or even same-day times, sometimes at a discount.
Are there stay-and-play golf packages in Naples?
Yes. Several resorts, including the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort at Tiburón, offer stay-and-play packages that bundle your room with rounds and save you the morning drive. See our beachfront resorts guide for golf-friendly bases, and confirm current package details directly with the resort.