From Surf to Turf
Golfer photo by Brandon Williams on Unsplash.
For boaters who are itching to grip it and rip it on the golf course, it may be easier to get back to the greens than you think. Known as the "Golf Capital of the World" due to its abundance of high-quality golf courses, Naples answers the need for many golfers, even boaters, with a variety of golf courses and communities. that offer access to a marina and boating facilities.
Windstar on Naples Bay: This is one of the most prominent communities, distinguished as the only private club in Naples featuring both golf along the bay and a private marina, along with a private beach. The Southpointe Marina has 72 slips and can accommodate yachts up to 70 feet. Boaters who are members enjoy Southpointe's direct water access to cruise and fish in Naples Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and for many, the Bahamas. One can even take an island day trip or sunset cruise on the Keewaydin Queen, the Windstar Master Association's very own boat shuttle. *Membership required*
Fiddler's Creek: The Tarpon Club Marina, located on the Isles of Capri, is a secure high-tech, wet/dry facility — with coveted indoor storage — a priceless asset in a saltwater environment. Tarpon Club members enjoy preferred rates at the Tarpon Club Marina for services including fuel and dry boat storage. The Golf Club membership includes the championship, Arthur Hills-designed Creek Course. Also included: exclusive beach access and a full-service marina on Johnson Bay with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. *Membership required*
Bear's Paw Country Club: This club provides full use of its boat docks, fishing pier, and kayaks/canoes with direct access to the beautiful Gulf of Mexico to members. This club features a completely restored Signature Jack Nicklaus Golf Course. *Membership required*
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort: Although not a gated community in the traditional sense, this resort features a golf club and offers private boat slips located on Vanderbilt Bay with direct access to the Gulf. The resort’s 18-hole course, designed by Robert Cupp, is known for its scenery and challenging rating.
The Moorings Golf and Country Club: Located in a central waterfront community, The Moorings has its own private golf course and also offers residents private beach access. *Residential membership required*
There are several honorable mentions on this list that don’t have exact/direct access, but are definitely comprable options.
Naples Bay Resort & Club: A full-service resort marina with boat rentals and slips for guests. Great launch point for excursions to Keewaydin and Ten Thousand Islands. While the resort doesn't operate its own course, members and guests enjoy reciprocal access to partner club courses, including The Strand—a unique layout featuring 27 holes across three distinct courses.
TPC Treviso Bay: This location is a semi-private PGA Tour TPC Network course in Naples proper, home to back-to-back Greg Norman-designed courses, host of major PGA championship and LPGA events. While there are no private marinas, these clubs are within minutes’ drive of Naples Bay marinas—making them perfect day-trip golf destinations for boaters based at town docks or resorts.
Sunset golf course Photo by Tom Schaeffer on Unsplash.
