top public access courses in Naples, Estero, Ave Maria

While some people refer to Southwest Florida as “the golf course capital of the world” based on the number of golf courses and the population here, accessing most of those golf courses is impossible unless you have a paid membership to play.

But there are a selection of golf courses that allow public access and according to a website post by Golf Digest this week, there are seven in Southwest Florida that standout based on their reviews and feedback.

These courses frequently show up on “best” lists, so it’s not surprising to see some of them again in the latest distinction of honor listicle from Golf Digest.

Here is the list:

Panther Run Golf ClubLocation: 6005 Anthem Pkwy, Ave MariaDid you know:? The name of the restaurant at the club is The Rusty Putter.

The National Golf & Country Club at Ave MariaLocation: 5909 Double Eagle Cir, Ave MariaDid you know?: The par-5 16th plays 701 yards from the tips and is one of the longest holes in Collier County.

Valencia Golf & Country ClubLocation: 1725 Double Eagle Trail, NaplesDid you know?: The course went through a renovation in 2018. The fairways were reseeded with Celebration Bermuda and the greens were converted to TifEagle.