Best Public Golf Courses in Fort Myers, Florida

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

Folks in Florida must be gearing up for the season.  How do I know?  Because everyday when I look at my inbox, there’s an email inquiring about a public course guide about a different Florida locale.  This week, Brent asked me if we could highlight the best tracks in and around Fort Myers. 

Having lived there for more than 25 years, Brent included a lot of valuable insight.  When I reached out to our loyal community, even more feedback came flooding in. 

I’ve only played a limited amount of golf in Fort Myers, so this guide is based solely on the feedback from our Golfer’s Authority readers. 

I think you’ll like what they have to say.

If you’re a golf enthusiast seeking a challenging and scenic experience, Old Corkscrew Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, promises an unforgettable round of golf in Fort Myers, Florida. This course is a certified Audubon International Sanctuary, boasting a stunning natural setting. The layout offers a mix of demanding long holes and opportunities for aggressive play on short holes, providing a test for golfers of all skill levels. Old Corkscrew Golf Club is renowned as one of the best public tracks in Florida, attracting golfers from near and far to experience its unique blend of beauty and challenge.

One of the standout features of Old Corkscrew Golf Club is its wildlife, with alligator sightings common on the course, adding an element of excitement to your round. The course’s strategic design and meticulous maintenance ensure that it consistently delivers an exceptional golfing experience. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, Old Corkscrew Golf Club stands out as a must-visit destination for Fort Myers golf enthusiasts looking to test their skills on a course designed by a legend.

Located in the community of Estero, Raptor Bay Golf Club offers a modern course design with well-defined landing areas and a focus on selecting the right set of tees for an optimal golfing experience. This Jack Nicklaus-designed course provides a challenging layout with demanding long holes and opportunities for aggressive play on short holes. It’s no wonder that Raptor Bay Golf Club is considered one of the best public tracks in Florida, making it a top choice for golfers in the Fort Myers area.

Aside from the outstanding golf experience, Raptor Bay Golf Club also boasts a fantastic restaurant that utilizes fresh local ingredients, adding to the overall appeal of the club. Whether you’re looking for a challenging round of golf or a delightful dining experience, Raptor Bay Golf Club has something for everyone.

With its emphasis on strategic play and its renowned designer, Raptor Bay Golf Club stands out as a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts in Fort Myers. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, this club offers an exceptional golfing experience that’s not to be missed.

Nestled within the inviting landscape of Fort Myers, Florida, River Hall Country Club beckons golf enthusiasts with its casual Southern elegance and a meticulously designed course by Davis Love III. The club maintains its pristine condition with pure Bermuda greens, offering a spacious driving range and a comprehensive short game area.

It provides first-rate service and a top-notch course experience, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts. River Hall Country Club was formerly ranked as a top 50 public golf course in the country, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience. Golfers seeking a quality public course should consider River Hall Country Club for its great layout and nice amenities.

It’s a standout among the Golf Courses in Southwest Florida, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and expert design. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting, the club offers an inviting atmosphere and a course that will both challenge and inspire you.

River Hall Country Club truly stands out as a gem among Fort Myers Country Clubs, attracting golfers with its exceptional facilities and breathtaking surroundings.

Amidst the serene beauty of a nature preserve, Dunes Golf and Tennis Club offers a captivating golfing experience with its challenging course layout and commitment to environmental stewardship. When visiting this stunning location in Fort Myers, Southwest Florida, you can expect:

• A Certified Natural Sanctuary: Dunes Golf and Tennis Club is a certified Audubon Natural Sanctuary, showcasing its dedication to preserving the natural environment.
• Spectacular Course Layout: The course is strategically designed with breathtaking water and sand hazards, providing both a challenging and visually stunning golfing experience.
• Top-Notch Amenities: As part of the Sanibel Beach Resort, the club offers premium amenities, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable visit for golf enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting Fort Myers, Dunes Golf and Tennis Club promises an unforgettable golfing experience while also prioritizing environmental conservation.

In addition to golf, the club offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, making it an ideal destination for those seeking leisure and natural beauty in the Pelican Preserve Golf area.

When you arrive at Magnolia Landing Golf and Country Club, you’ll discover a hidden gem nestled among the oak groves and pine forests of Fort Myers, Florida. This highly desirable course, designed by Gordon Lewis, is a must-play for golf enthusiasts in Southwest Florida.

The layout provides generous space off the tee, making it ideal for those who relish using their driver. As a welcoming venue, Magnolia Landing Golf and Country Club caters to both private members and the public, offering a unique and enjoyable golfing experience for locals and visitors alike.

The 10,000-square foot clubhouse provides a perfect spot to unwind after a round, with various amenities to make your visit even more enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a novice, Magnolia Landing Golf and Country Club’s charm and well-maintained courses make it an excellent choice for a day of golf in Fort Myers.

If you’re seeking a picturesque and player-friendly course that delivers a delightful golfing experience, Magnolia Landing Golf and Country Club should be at the top of your list when exploring the vibrant golf scene in Southwest Florida.

San Carlos Golf Club offers an underrated and affordable golfing experience with its classic Florida design, making it a popular choice among locals seeking a great time on the course. When considering a round at San Carlos Golf Club, keep in mind the following:

• The course features a routing that includes both left and right-moving holes, with water and sand hazards coming into play on most holes.
• This diverse layout provides an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
• The variety of hole designs keeps the game interesting and engaging throughout your round.

San Carlos Golf Club is nestled in the City of Fort Myers, offering a unique golfing experience that showcases the natural beauty of the area. The club is known for its affordability and its appeal to golfers who appreciate a straightforward, no-frills approach to the game. While it may not boast luxury amenities, it makes up for it with great rates year-round, making it an accessible option for golfers looking to enjoy a classic Florida golf experience. Plus, the Eagle Ridge practice facilities provide ample opportunities to work on your game.

Nestled in the City of Fort Myers, Coral Oaks Golf Course offers a unique and picturesque setting for golfers seeking a challenging and memorable experience on the course.

Designed by Arthur Hills, this course is considered one of his best, carved out of a centuries-old oak hammock. The layout features a narrow track that demands precision, making it essential to keep the ball in play. Golfers can expect large TifEagle greens, adding an extra challenge that requires precision on approach shots.

Moreover, Coral Oaks is home to one of the largest practice facilities in the state, providing ample space for golfers to hone their skills.

The course’s strategic design and beautiful surroundings make it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts in the Fort Myers area.

For those seeking more golfing options, nearby courses such as Corkscrew Golf, Forest Country, and Del Tura are also worth exploring.

Coral Oaks Golf Course stands out as a top choice for those looking for a memorable and demanding round of golf in Fort Myers.

Del Tura Golf and Country Club offers visitors 27 holes designed by Ron Garl, providing a great test of skills from tee to green. The course features perfectly manicured grounds with Champion Bermuda greens, suitable for players of all abilities.

Here’s why you should consider visiting Del Tura Golf and Country Club:

• The well-maintained layout of the course makes it a favorite among golfers in Fort Myers.
• The 27 holes provide a variety of challenges and stunning views, making every round unique.
• The club offers a range of amenities, including five pools, daily swimming and aquafit, and yoga classes, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Located in the heart of Fort Myers, Del Tura Golf and Country Club has been a part of the Creek Country community for years. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, the club provides an excellent opportunity to improve your game while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Del Tura Golf and Country Club is truly a hidden gem worth exploring.

Spanish Wells is another notable 27-hole facility. 

This is an older design and that’s reflected in its characteristics.  The fairways are narrow and lined by mature oak and palm trees. 

Water comes into play on almost every hole, so you might want to bring an extra sleeve of balls just in case. 

All three nines underwent an extensive renovation just last year.  Since, everyone agrees that playing conditions have improved and the new look is outstanding.

If you want to hit balls, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind experience.  The driving range targets are set in a large lake and the golf balls float. 

Great golf at an even better value is what you’ll find as at Spanish Wells.

By now, you guys know I’m a fan of shorter courses that are full of character.  That’s exactly what you’ll find at Seminole Lakes.

Even though this course measures less than 3,800 yards, you’ll have to execute quality shots if you want to score.  If you don’t, some eight lakes are waiting to drown mishit shots.

The greens are touted as some of the best in the area.  Again, a newer strain of Bermuda lacks the grain traditionally associated with this type of grass. 

For a fun, relaxing round that won’t break the bank, look no further than Seminole Lakes.

Conclusion

There are way too many notable public golf courses in the Fort Myers area to fit on this list.  The ones that are here are the consensus favorites among our readers, especially Brent.  It’s to them that I owe many thanks for making this course guide possible.

If you have additional thoughts, or other courses you’d like to mention, feel free to leave us a note in the comments below.