SW Florida Trip

Just returned from SW Fla. for a multi-purpose trip. Family & relocation to SW Florida are the main reasons. Made arrangements with 3 golf communities around the Naples area. Just reporting out on my trip for information

Pelican Nest (Bonita Springs): Great course (36 holes)Played the Hurricane course which just went through a full renovation program. The only down point to me is I don't like the 1st hole to be a par 3 but great course & layout. Sand traps are strategically located to make you think about your tee shot & approach.  Thick Bermuda rough that I really need help with! Greens were fast and rolled true...Fairways are forgiving and cut short which I prefer just to get better roll out. This community is well run & the members I played out with were very accommodating & helpful answering questions about the community. The clubhouse is what you would expect for a high end club; locker room, card room, main dining, etc. etc. - very nice. They focus on golf & social activities - the clubhouse area does not have the amenities like pool, tennis, bocce, fitness center as others do. They have a partnership with Bonita Bay Club which has those amenities for use.  If you get the chance to play, you should.

Fiddlers Creek (Naples) (36 Holes): Although I called and spoke with the managing director, I never met him & never received any tour which was very disappointing. When I arrived & checked in at the main sales office @ 9AM, they made a tee time for me for 9:30...not much time to get settled but golfing & checking out the course was an important aspect. After golf, no one was available to show me around; again, not impressed with how it is managed - it seems if your not buying the "new" model homes, your passed over. In any case, the course was laid out for member golf - wide fairways but cut short & thick bermuda rough (still need help with). Greens were fast & rolled true & shots into the green would hold. Didn't play out with members which didn't allow me to get intel on the community. Played out with a few finance guys that were staying at JW Marriott which owns (I believe) Fiddlers Creek, so if you stay at the Naples Marriott - you can play out on the course.  I would recommend playing it if you get the chance.

Vineyards (Naples) (36 holes): Very nice community which is family owned not member owned.....They are undertaking a major renovation. 70% completed & is very attractive for social & fitness. The clubhouse & amenities included everything you can imagine from spa, sauna, massage & a top fitness center. Tennis is very big at this community & you could tell the social scene is what these folks desire. Golf - Played the South course with 2 members. The course is relatively easy with wide & thicker fairways, the rough is not bermuda but a longer fescue(?) grass which was easy to hit from. The members I played with prefer the easier rough. Overall the conditions were good - greens were a bit slower than the other courses played but true to the line. 

So the search continues for the right mix of golf and amenities...time is running out to pull the trigger on the relo!

Deez