Updated on August 14th, 2023 at 11:44 am
Fort Myers has some of the most beautiful golf courses in the U.S. Although many are private, there are still some fantastic public and semi-private courses you can play.
We prepared a quick list of ones you can get on, and most importantly, enjoy playing.
Top ten public golf courses in Fort Myer’s, Florida
Fort Myers Country Club
The Fort Myers Golf Club is located a mile from Edison/Ford Winter Estates and on McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers City. It got its name from local residents when it opened in 1917, making it one of the oldest golf courses in the region. The course was initially designed and built by Donald Ross and was renovated in 2014 by Steve Smyers.
Sprawling over 6,700 yards, the 18-hole, par 70 course features broad fairways lined with mature trees and well-placed bunkers that add a strategic element to the game. Each hole offers a unique challenge, making the course enjoyable and engaging for players of all skill levels.
Being one of the most popular public golf courses in Florida, it has one drawback, it usually gets too crowded. We recommend playing on off-peak hours to avoid this.
Eastwood Golf Course
Eastwood Golf Course was designed and built by Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge in 1977. It sits on 150 acres and is owned and run by the City of Fort Myers.
The par-72 course has 87 strategically positioned bunkers, with water coming into play on the 18th and 10th holes. You can book reservations one to seven days in advance via telephone or their website.
Golf Digest ranked Eastwood Golf Course among the top 100 golf courses in the U.S. They held this ranking for a decade until the implementation of star designations in 1996.
Note: the course is 15 minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport, making it a convenient spot for visitors. Aside from the golf course, Eastwood has a practice green, a remodeled driving range, and the Fort Myers Golf Academy.
Shell Point Golf Club
This 18-hole, par-72 course, developed by the respected Gordon Lewis in 2000, is open all year round. It is 6585 yards with a slope rating of 135. Gordon Lewis built challenging fairways with impressive water hazards on each hole. There are six tees to cater to different golfing skill levels.
Note: The fourth par-3 hole has no water.
The course is Audubon certified, meaning they take conscious steps to protect the environment. You can book your tee times between 7 am and 3 pm Monday to Sunday. Also, you need to wear the right attire to play on the course or practice facility.
Dunes Golf & Tennis Club
Dunes Golf & Tennis Club is the work of art of Mark McCumber. It was opened in 1973 and proudly stands at 949 Sand Castle Road on Sanibel Island, presenting golfers with a unique combination of natural beauty and golfing challenges.
The course spans an expansive 5,606 yards and is a par-70, 18-hole marvel that harmoniously blends with the surrounding environment. Its meticulously manicured greens and fairways are surrounded by natural wetlands and wildlife, adding a dash of ecological wonder to your golfing experience. A standout hole to note is the 13th, a challenging par-4 where strategic shot placement is rewarded.
One significant aspect of The Dunes’ history is its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. Audubon International recognizes the course as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” for its excellent conservation practices.
Additional amenities include excellent practice facilities, a well-equipped pro shop, and a popular on-site restaurant. These offerings ensure golfers enjoy a complete golfing experience – both on and off the course.
Magnolia Landing Golf & Country Club
Magnolia Landing Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole golf course offering 5 sets of tees with lengths between 4,362 and 7,265 yards. Gordon Lewis designed this course with beautiful fairways and greens to offer a unique experience. Adding to its beauty is the fact that the course meanders through oak groves and pine forests.
Magnolia Landing Golf & Country Club has a 10,000-square-foot Clubhouse with a friendly and inviting ambiance. It overlooks the 18th and 4th greens and offers a good space to catch up and have a good time. There’s also a golf shop, grill, and separate lockers for men and women.
Golf Advisor ranks this golf course 11th in the U.S. and is also a top golf course in Southwest Florida. If you are looking for other public courses nearby: including Sarasota, Tampa, Marco Island, and Naples.
Coral Oaks Golf Course
Coral Oaks Golf Course, located at 1800 NW 28th Avenue in Cape Coral, is a renowned public golf facility within the Fort Myers area. It’s a stunning design by Arthur Hills that opened its doors to the public in 1988.
The 18-hole, par-72 course is spread across 6,623 yards of beautifully landscaped terrain. With eight strategically placed lakes and 37 bunkers, the course brings a perfect mix of beauty and challenge. One hole to highlight is the 13th, a par-5 that provides a stern test with narrow landing areas and a lake guarding the green.
Note: the coral Oaks Golf Course is a municipal golf course with an ‘Open to the Public’ policy.
San Carlos Golf Club
Situated at 7420 Constitution Circle in Fort Myers, San Carlos Golf Club is a semi-private golf course that holds an important place in the public golf scene of the city. Opened in 1971, this club was built by the San Carlos Park community residents (under the instruction of Architects Dave Fleming and John E. O’Connor), showing a true community spirit that lives on today.
The 18-hole, par-71 golf course stretches over a land of 6,423 yards. Its flat layout may appear inviting at first glance, but it possesses numerous water hazards and strategically placed bunkers that require a thoughtful approach.
Complementing the golfing experience, the club offers ample practice facilities, a fully stocked pro shop for all your golfing needs, and a delightful restaurant for post-round refreshments. They also offer lessons from PGA professionals for those looking to improve their game.
Herons Glen Golf & Country Club
Herons Glen Golf & Country Club is a hidden gem located a few minutes North Fort Myers. It was originally designed by Ron Garl and opened in 1991. But in 2006, it underwent a significant redesign by renowned golf course architect Gordon Lewis, who enhanced its appeal and challenge.
Herons Glen is a par-72, 18-hole championship golf course that spans over 6,468 yards and has six sets of tees with lengths ranging from 4225 yards to 6127 yards. It also has a practice range that includes 27 turf-Hound hitting stations plus Bermuda grass stations.
Aside from golf, the course has 6 Har-Tru tennis courts, a large fitness center, Har-True bocce courts, and a heated swimming pool.
Saltleaf Golf Preserve
Saltleaf Golf Reserve, formerly Raptor Bay Golf Club, is next to Estero Aquatic Preserve. For a long time, it was one of the top semi-private golf courses near Fort Myers. In 2022, the course was renovated and opened under the new name.
The nature preserves next to the golf course add character. Large wetlands with natural wastelands and huge sand bunkers add to the course’s beauty and complexity.
Play on this course is not about hit and hope but target focused. You’ll have to plot your way through the course, knowing when to strike, challenging your mental game throughout the day. The original course opened its doors in 2001 and was designed by Raymond Floyd.
River Hall Country Club
River Hall Country Club is located at 3500 River Hall Parkway in Alva, about half an hour from Fort Myers. This 18-hole championship course was masterfully designed by golfing legend Davis Love III and Paul Cowley and opened its fairways to the public in 2007.
The course is a par-72 layout stretching over 7,299 yards from the back tees. The design is characterized by wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and extensive water features that ensure a challenging yet fair test for golfers from scratch golfers to high handicaps. Hole 9, a demanding par-5, is a standout, requiring a well-planned strategy to navigate its water hazards and sand traps.
Bottom Line
Fort Myers boasts an impressive roster of public golf courses. Each offers unique features, challenges, and breathtaking landscapes that cater to golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. Indisputably, the city’s vibrant golfing culture offers an enticing prospect for any golfer.
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