Fort Myers stands out as one of Florida's premier golf destinations, offering everything from historic Donald Ross masterpieces to challenging modern championship layouts that have earned national recognition.
The five best golf courses near Fort Myers are Fort Myers Country Club (a 1917 Donald Ross gem where Edison and Ford once played), Eastwood Golf Course (a former Golf Digest Top 100 facility), Shell Point Golf Club (a premium semi-private course), Eagle Ridge Golf Club (featuring water on 17 of 18 holes), and Colonial Country Club (an exclusive Troon-managed facility with world-class amenities).
Keep reading for detailed insights on what makes each course special, including rates, booking tips, and why these layouts represent the best golf Southwest Florida has to offer.
Fort Myers Country Club: Where Golf History Lives On
When you step onto the grounds of Fort Myers Country Club, you're walking through more than a century of American golf history.
This treasured landmark along McGregor Boulevard opened in 1917 as a Donald Ross design, making it one of Florida's west coast's oldest and most storied courses.
Historical Significance
The course carries genuine pedigree that few facilities can match.
During the 1920s, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford regularly played these fairways, turning what could have been just another golf course into a piece of Americana.
Ross, the legendary Scottish architect who shaped American golf, created a layout that has withstood the test of time while maintaining its original character and challenge.
Location and Accessibility
You'll find “The Fort” at 3591 McGregor Boulevard, nestled among the historic palm trees that line this iconic Fort Myers thoroughfare.
What sets this course apart from many historic facilities is its public accessibility—the City of Fort Myers owns and operates the course, making this slice of golf history available to anyone.
Booking Your Round
The reservation system reflects the course's popularity:
- Online booking: Available up to 7 days in advance
- Phone reservations: One day advance notice only, with lines opening at 8:00 AM sharp
- Contact: (239) 321-7488
Modern Touches on Historic Grounds
While respecting its heritage, Fort Myers Country Club has embraced innovation.
The recent addition of FlingGolf gives players an alternative way to experience the course, using a specialized stick to fling the ball rather than traditional golf swings.
This addition opens the historic layout to new audiences while preserving the traditional game.
The facility maintains professional standards with a full pro shop and PGA-certified instruction, ensuring that whether you're a beginner learning the game or an experienced player seeking to improve, you'll find the support you need.
Why This Course Matters
Fort Myers Country Club represents something increasingly rare in modern golf—authentic history you can actually play.
This isn't a replica or restoration; it's the real thing, where legends of American industry once walked and where Donald Ross's architectural genius remains intact.
For golfers who appreciate the game's heritage, few courses offer such a direct connection to golf's golden age.
Eastwood Golf Course: Championship Golf for Every Player
Eastwood Golf Course proves that public golf can deliver championship-caliber experiences without the private club price tag.
Since opening in 1977 on more than 150 acres, this City of Fort Myers facility has earned national recognition while remaining accessible to golfers at every skill level.
Architectural Excellence
Robert Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin, two of golf's most respected course architects, created a layout that caught Golf Digest's attention for an entire decade.
The magazine ranked Eastwood among the Top 100 Public Golf Facilities in the United States—recognition that speaks to both the quality of the design and the consistency of course conditions.
Championship Specifications
The numbers tell the story of a serious golf test:
- Length: 7,129 yards from the tips
- Slope Rating: 131 (significantly above average)
- Course Rating: 72.5
- Location: 4600 Bruce Herd Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33916
- Contact: (239) 321-7487
These specifications put Eastwood in championship territory while maintaining multiple tee options that accommodate players of varying abilities.
Pricing and Accessibility
Rates reach up to $90 depending on season and tee time, positioning Eastwood as a premium public option that delivers exceptional value.
The pricing structure reflects the course's quality while remaining within reach for serious golfers who want championship conditions without private club membership fees.
Practice Facilities That Set Standards
Eastwood offers something increasingly rare in Southwest Florida: one of the region's only full-length public driving ranges.
This facility allows you to work with every club in your bag under real course conditions, rather than settling for the abbreviated ranges common at many public courses.
The newly remodeled facilities enhance every aspect of your golf experience, from the first impression when you arrive to the final details of your round.
Complete Golf Experience
Your day doesn't end when you finish the 18th hole.
Eastwood 77 restaurant provides the perfect setting to review your round over quality food and drinks.
The daily happy hour from 4-6 PM offers excellent timing for post-round refreshments, whether you're celebrating a personal best or drowning the memory of missed putts.
Why Eastwood Delivers
This course succeeds where many public facilities fall short—it maintains championship standards without sacrificing accessibility.
The combination of proven architectural design, consistent course conditions, comprehensive practice facilities, and reasonable pricing creates an experience that rivals private clubs while welcoming any golfer ready for the challenge.
When Golf Digest recognizes a public course for a full decade, you know you've found something special. Eastwood earned that recognition by refusing to compromise on quality while keeping golf accessible to everyone.
Shell Point Golf Club: Premium Golf in a Unique Environment
Shell Point Golf Club occupies a distinctive position in Fort Myers golf—a semi-private facility that opens its doors to public players while maintaining standards that justify premium pricing.
Since Gordon G. Lewis completed this design in 2000, Shell Point has built a reputation for excellence that extends well beyond the scorecard.
Course Architecture and Challenge
Lewis crafted a layout that demands respect from every tee.
The 6,880-yard, par-72 course plays significantly tougher than its yardage suggests, with a course rating of 73.4 and slope rating of 133 on pristine Bermuda grass.
These numbers place Shell Point among the more challenging tests in Southwest Florida, requiring strategic thinking and precise execution.
Access and Timing
The semi-private model creates an interesting dynamic.
While members enjoy priority access, public players can secure tee times daily between 10 AM and 3 PM.
This window provides ample opportunity to experience the course while maintaining the exclusive feel that justifies the premium positioning.
Investment in Your Round
At approximately $170 for 18 holes with cart, Shell Point represents a significant investment that reflects the quality of the experience.
Junior rates around $60 make the course accessible to younger players, demonstrating a commitment to developing the next generation of golfers.
A Different Kind of Golf Environment
Shell Point sets itself apart with policies that create a truly unique atmosphere in modern golf:
- Smoke-free facility: Clean air throughout your entire round
- Alcohol-free environment: Focus purely on golf performance and enjoyment
These policies attract families and players seeking a refined golf experience without the distractions common at many courses.
Equipment and Practice Excellence
TaylorMade Qi10 rental sets ensure you can play with premium equipment even if you're traveling without clubs.
This attention to equipment quality extends Shell Point's commitment to providing a first-class experience for every player.
The practice facilities match the course's premium standards.
A large driving range provides space to work out swing issues, while exceptional short game and putting practice areas let you fine-tune the scoring shots that make the difference in your round.
Why Shell Point Works
This course succeeds by refusing to compromise its vision.
The smoke-free and alcohol-free policies might seem restrictive, but they create an environment where golf takes center stage.
Families can enjoy the course without concerns about exposure to smoking or excessive drinking, while serious golfers appreciate the focus on pure competition.
The premium pricing filters out casual players, resulting in faster play and better course conditions.
When you invest $170 in your round, you expect excellence—and Shell Point delivers it consistently.
Located at 17500 On Par Boulevard with reservations at (239) 433-9790, Shell Point offers something increasingly rare in modern golf: a premium experience that prioritizes the game itself over ancillary entertainment.
Eagle Ridge Golf Club: Water Challenges and Airport Convenience
Eagle Ridge Golf Club has earned its reputation as a Fort Myers favorite by presenting one of the region's most strategic challenges: water hazards that influence play on 17 of 18 holes.
Since Gordon G. Lewis designed this layout in 1984, Eagle Ridge has tested golfers with a combination of natural beauty and demanding shot-making that rewards precision while punishing carelessness.
Strategic Water Design
The defining characteristic of Eagle Ridge isn't subtle—water comes into play on nearly every hole, creating a chess match between golfer and course architect.
Lewis understood that water hazards do more than just penalize poor shots; they force you to make decisions before you even select a club.
This strategic element transforms routine approach shots into calculated risks and rewards aggressive play when executed properly.
Flexible Length Options
Eagle Ridge accommodates different skill levels through thoughtful tee placement:
- Championship tees: 6,475 yards for serious players
- Regular play: 6,500-yard layout for most golfers
- Forward options: Starting at 4,876 yards for developing players
This range ensures that while the water challenges remain constant, you can select a length that matches your current ability level.
Natural Florida Setting
The championship layout flows through native pine and cypress trees that frame each hole while providing natural definition to landing areas.
This native vegetation creates an authentic Florida golf environment that feels removed from urban development, despite the course's convenient location.
Unmatched Convenience
Located at 14589 Eagle Ridge Drive just minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport, Eagle Ridge offers perhaps the most convenient championship golf experience for traveling golfers.
You can literally go from baggage claim to first tee in less time than it takes to drive across most cities.
Course Policies and Amenities
Eagle Ridge operates with a mandatory cart policy—walking is not permitted. This policy ensures consistent pace of play and allows the course to maintain optimal conditions by controlling foot traffic patterns.
Practice facilities include a netted warm-up area where you can loosen up before your round, plus dedicated chipping and putting greens for short game preparation.
These amenities let you arrive ready to handle the water challenges ahead.
Complete Mental Test
Eagle Ridge succeeds because it tests every aspect of your game while demanding mental discipline.
The water hazards create pressure on drives, approach shots, and even some chip shots around the greens.
You can't simply overpower this course—success requires course management, shot selection, and the mental fortitude to execute under pressure.
The combination of strategic water placement, beautiful natural setting, and convenient location explains why Eagle Ridge has maintained its popularity for nearly four decades.
When you need championship golf that fits a tight travel schedule, few courses deliver the complete package as effectively as Eagle Ridge.
Contact: (239) 768-1888
Colonial Country Club: Exclusive Excellence by Troon Management
Colonial Country Club represents the apex of Fort Myers golf luxury, where Gordon Lewis's championship design meets Troon's world-class management standards.
This private facility doesn't just offer premium golf—it delivers a complete luxury lifestyle experience that has earned recognition from golf's most respected authorities.
Championship Design Philosophy
Lewis crafted Colonial with a sophisticated understanding of how great golf courses challenge players across skill levels.
The layout presents strategic options that reward course management and shot-making ability without overwhelming developing players.
This balance explains why the course maintains its reputation among both scratch golfers and weekend players who appreciate thoughtful architecture.
Recognition and Standards
Colonial's excellence extends beyond member satisfaction to industry recognition:
Golf Advisor's Top Courses in Florida: This distinction places Colonial among the state's finest layouts, competing with courses that cost significantly more to play.
World-Class Retail Excellence: The Golf Shop earned inclusion in the Association of Golf Merchandisers' Top 100 worldwide—a recognition that speaks to both product selection and service standards that few facilities achieve.
Troon Management Advantage
Professional management by Troon brings systems and standards that elevate every aspect of the Colonial experience.
Troon's global expertise in luxury club operations ensures that Colonial maintains consistency in service delivery, course conditions, and amenity quality that matches the world's finest private clubs.
Clubhouse and Setting
The clubhouse provides stunning lake and golf course views that create an inspiring backdrop for post-round dining and social activities.
These vistas remind you constantly that you're experiencing something special—the kind of setting that makes membership feel like a privilege rather than just an expense.
Complete Resort Amenities
Colonial functions as a comprehensive lifestyle destination:
- Tennis program: Eight Har-Tru courts for serious tennis players
- Aquatic facilities: Resort-style swimming pool and relaxing Jacuzzi
- Fitness center: State-of-the-art equipment for maintaining peak physical condition
- Social spaces: Premium areas for member events and casual interaction
Why Colonial Defines Luxury Golf
Colonial succeeds where many private clubs struggle—it delivers authentic luxury without pretension.
The Gordon Lewis design provides a championship test that never feels gimmicky or unfair.
Troon's management ensures that service standards match the premium membership investment.
The complete amenity package means you can build your entire recreational life around the club.
The combination of national recognition, world-class amenities, and professional management creates an experience that justifies private club membership.
When Golf Advisor recognizes your course among Florida's best and the Association of Golf Merchandisers honors your retail operation globally, you've achieved something rare in the golf industry—excellence across every aspect of the operation.
Colonial Country Club doesn't just provide great golf; it offers membership in a lifestyle that reflects the pinnacle of Southwest Florida luxury living.
Planning Your Fort Myers Golf Adventure: Insider Tips and Local Knowledge
Success in Fort Myers golf requires more than just showing up with clubs.
The region's unique weather patterns, seasonal pricing structures, and course-specific policies demand strategic planning to maximize your golf investment and experience quality.
Timing Your Golf Strategy
Florida's weather creates distinct golf seasons that dramatically affect both pricing and playing conditions.
Peak season runs from December through April, when northern golfers escape harsh winters.
During these months, expect premium pricing and crowded tee sheets, but also perfect weather and pristine course conditions.
Summer months offer significant savings—sometimes 50% lower rates—but require early morning tee times to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and oppressive heat.
The shoulder seasons of November and May provide the sweet spot: reasonable weather, moderate pricing, and good availability.
Booking Intelligence
Each course operates different reservation systems that require specific strategies:
Fort Myers Country Club: Online booking opens 7 days in advance, while phone reservations require calling exactly at 8:00 AM one day prior. Popular weekend times disappear quickly through online booking.
Eastwood and Eagle Ridge: Standard public course booking applies, but prime times during peak season require advance planning.
Shell Point: Semi-private status means public tee times are limited to 10 AM – 3 PM daily. Book early for weekend slots.
Budget Planning Across Course Types
Understanding the pricing structure helps you allocate your golf budget effectively:
- Public courses (Fort Myers CC, Eastwood, Eagle Ridge): $50-$90 depending on season and time
- Semi-private (Shell Point): $170 with limited public access
- Private (Colonial): Membership required, representing significant annual investment
Plan to spend more during peak season, but remember that summer discounts can make premium courses surprisingly affordable.
Equipment and Pro Shop Services
Shell Point leads in equipment rental with TaylorMade Qi10 sets—perfect for traveling golfers who want premium clubs without airline hassles.
Fort Myers Country Club provides full pro shop services with PGA-certified instruction, ideal if you want to work on your game during your visit.
Eastwood combines comprehensive pro shop services with their exceptional practice facilities, creating opportunities for equipment fitting and skill development.
Dining That Extends Your Experience
Eastwood 77 offers the region's best post-round dining with daily happy hour from 4-6 PM—perfect timing after an afternoon round.
Colonial's clubhouse provides premium dining with stunning lake and golf course views, though access requires member sponsorship.
Shell Point's alcohol-free policy creates a unique family-friendly dining environment that appeals to golfers seeking a different social atmosphere.
Transportation and Logistics
Eagle Ridge wins for convenience—minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport, making it ideal for fly-in golf trips or quick rounds before departure.
Fort Myers Country Club sits on historic McGregor Boulevard, providing easy access to downtown Fort Myers attractions and dining.
Most courses require rental cars unless you're staying at nearby resorts with shuttle services.
Expanding Your Golf Horizons
The Club at Pelican Preserve offers 27 holes of championship golf designed by Chip Powell, weaving through 1,100 acres of natural preserve. Located at 9802 Pelican Preserve Boulevard (239-985-1700), this private facility serves the master-planned community's 4,000 residents but may offer limited guest access through members.
For extended golf trips, consider combining Fort Myers courses with nearby Naples facilities or exploring the greater Southwest Florida golf corridor.
Package Opportunities and Multi-Course Strategy
While individual courses don't typically offer formal packages, savvy golfers can create their own multi-course experiences by:
- Starting with public courses to gauge local conditions and preferences
- Timing semi-private rounds during optimal weather windows
- Arranging private club access through local connections or hotel concierges
- Building in practice time at Eastwood's full-length range between challenging rounds
The key to Fort Myers golf success lies in matching your expectations, budget, and timing to the unique characteristics of each facility. Plan ahead, understand the local patterns, and prepare for some of Florida's finest golf experiences.
Conclusion
Fort Myers delivers an unmatched variety of golf experiences, from the historic Donald Ross design where Edison and Ford once played to modern championship layouts that have earned national recognition.
Whether you're seeking public accessibility, semi-private refinement, or private club luxury, these five courses represent the pinnacle of Southwest Florida golf at every level.
Plan your timing around Florida's seasonal patterns, book strategically for popular courses, and prepare to experience golf that combines challenging play with the natural beauty that makes Fort Myers a premier destination.
