If the Naples and Lely Resort areas are known for anything (aside from grand and spacious beaches), it is golfing. Golfing along the Gulf of Mexico is huge. Astounding greens with rolling hilltops, challenging sands, and dense but beautiful trees line up across numerous holes. The backdrop of the gulf, even in view line, is just the icing on top.
So what makes a great course? You don’t have to look much further than the Flamingo Island golf course at Lely Resort to see the pinnacle of Florida golf course design. We take a look at Flamingo Island: what you can expect and what makes it so special.
What are its stats and features?
Flamingo Island is a majestic challenge for golf veterans. It is a par 72, 7,095-yard course. Golfers will be familiar with its various tropes and challenges, including sand, lakes, and tree lines. But the course has a fascinating and riveting mix of obstacles you don’t easily find in Florida. The fairways are often very large, with an interesting hourglass design. But when you leave the fairway, things can be unforgiving.
Palm trees create a dense barrier and deep rock falls lead right into quaint and beautiful lakesides. Bermuda grass greens coat the landscape, giving you a generous way to make it back if you slip. But don’t slip too far or else you’ll be trapped in the gorgeous landscape. Great place to see. Bad place to stand.
Overall, Flamingo Island is most well-known for three major features:
- Many bodies of water
- Multiple challenging bunkers
- A variety of different teeing stations
All of this is provided with the backdrop of one of the most stunning landscapes in southwest Florida.
What is its top hole worth highlighting?
While the above is a broad overview, we can’t help but place extra attention on our personal favorite hole. Hole 5 is a deceptive but memorable challenge. This par 3, 200-yard Hole 5 has a distinct rolling fairway surrounded by water on all sides. There are two small bridges connecting the hole to the “mainland,” but the bunkers keep you confined and tight against the hole-ending waters and distant hole.
Who designed it?
The course was meticulously crafted by master architect, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. His career spans 70 years and he is easily one of the top three golf course architects of his time. He designed hundreds of courses in 45 states and in 35 countries.
Is it open to the public?
Unlike other regional courses, Flamingo Island is open to the public. While you can take advantage of a variety of club benefits, no club membership will not limit you to playing on the epic greens of Flamingo Island.
Are there other resort courses?
There most certainly are. The Mustang is the other public course, and it offers a markedly different experience compared to Flamingo Island. Both make excellent companions. You can also secure a stop by the Classics, the resort private course, with the appropriate membership.
Where can you stay?
Getting to and from Flamingo Island is incredibly easy if you decide to stay in Lely Resort. With our assortment of available Lely Resort condo rentals, we are confident you can find something to love. It is extremely easy to get to and from the courses during your stay and we even offer pet-friendly rentals at Lely Resort. Review our Lely Resort rentals and secure your seasonal escape today.
