Twice as nice: Naples doubles up on 2023 list of best private golf courses in Florida
When it comes to golf course recognition, Naples is on a roll.
For the second consecutive week, a golf course in Naples received national recognition for being the best in the state and among the best in the U.S.
Make that two golf courses that appear on Golfweek's 2023 Best Private Golf Courses.
According to Golfweek's international panel of raters, Calusa Pines Golf Club is the No. 2 best private golf course in Florida. Naples National tied for 10th on the list. Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach (east coast) was picked No. 1 overall in the Sunshine State.
How was the list compiled? According to Golfweek, hundreds of members of the ratings panel continually evaluate courses and rate them based on 10 criteria on a points basis of 1 through 10. They also file a single, overall rating on each course. Those overall ratings are averaged to produce these rankings.
Last week Golfweek named the J.W. Marriott Marco Island (Hammock Bay) as one of the best public-access golf courses in Florida.
Earlier this year Golf Digest named its Top 100 golf courses in the U.S. and Calusa Pines was on the list.
Florida's Top-20 private courses: Golfweek's 2023 list of the 30 best private Florida golf courses. You can look, but only members play
What are the two best private golf clubs in Naples, according to Golfweek?
Here is a closer look at Calusa Pines Golf Club and Naples National:
Calusa Pines
Location: Naples
Address: 2000 Calusa Pines Drive
Holes: 18 (Par 72 | 7,215 yards)
Architect/Developer: Calusa's developer, Gary Chensoff, a Chicago venture capitalist, survived a rare form of cancer despite long odds, and his recovery strongly influenced how Calusa Pines was designed and built. Opened for play in November of 2001.
Website: calusapinesgolfclub.com
What they are saying (from the website): "Calusa Pines features outstanding vistas generated by sweeping ridges that influences ten golf holes. The landforms are so soft, and flowing that they blend in well enough to appear natural and unique. Combined with extensive native plant vegetation it is difficult to imagine the golf course was built, instead of simply laid out on this superb piece of land. Calusa Pines was founded to provide an exceptional golf experience for its members in a relaxed atmosphere that promotes camaraderie among those who truly love the game. The club doesn't release membership information, has no tee times, and features a strong caddie program as members and guests are encouraged to walk the course."
Did you know: Phil Mickelson came to Naples and played Calusa Pines in 2019.
Best public-access courses: These Southwest Florida golf courses rise above others in public access category
Naples National
Location: Naples
Address: 9325 Collier Blvd
Holes: 18 (Par 72 | 7,068 yards)
Architect/Developer: Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry. They have designed golf courses in several countries, many of which achieved top 100 status including Erin Hills (site of 2017 U.S. Open), Calusa Pines, Shelter Harbor and Devil's Paintbrush.
Webiste:Click here
What they are saying (from the website): "This splendid course, always kept in meticulous condition, has allowed us to compete and land other top quality projects whose developers might not have considered us before. But what really makes Naples National so special, are the members who appreciate attention to detail and the staff who strive to deliver it. Starting at the front gate there is an aura of friendly and shared passion for golf that envelopes the entire property and golf experience."
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Calusa Pines, Naples National named top private golf courses in Florida
