The golf clubs have been polished and you're ready for some action as you roll into the beautiful Florida setting at Marco Island just a touch south of Naples. Yes of course you know all about the golden sandy beaches, the beautiful year-round weather and the superb entertainment, but you're here to play golf. Take me to the first tee!
Marco Island is the ideal spot for the avid golfer, a central point where you can enjoy the game within the area of the island itself or travel just a few miles up the road to Naples. Had a long tiring journey to get here? In that case, make a start on the 9-hole Hideaway Golf Course just to ease you in on your first day. A beautiful little spot with a course pleasing to the eye at a par of 32 (that's for 9 holes you know!), and a yardage of 1,844. The Hideaway is a great place to start if you have any golfing rookies in your group who might need to be eased in gently before you start playing for the bar tab.
Now that you've played a few holes to warm you up, got your accommodation sorted and had a good night's rest, it's time for some serious golfing. First stop should be the Island Country Club situated just one mile from the center of Marco Island. Fall out of bed and you're there! Designed by Arnold Palmer, the Island Country Club will give you a fair test at over 6,500 yards. This one gets a five-star rating for quality and location. Your golf might leave something to be desired, but you will love the surroundings, just you and your bent putter at one with nature. You might want to bring some extra golf balls for those errant strikes that find the bottom of the ponds. Of course there's water! We are on an island after all.
One of the great features of Marco Island for the traveler is that everything is within reach. Everything you need by way of accommodation, dining and entertainment is right there for you and the same applies to your golf program. No need to go on an expedition to reach the next golf course. Just a short drive into Naples will give you a selection of quality and challenging courses to send you home to bed with a smile on your face.
Just a matter of four miles from Marco Island you will find the stunning Hammock Bay golf course (what a swinging name!), with a course yardage of over 7,000 yards, if you want to be one of the big boys. Well manicured and varied, Hammock Bay will test your accuracy and course management and don't be surprised if your handicap jumps a few notches after the round. You might want to think about playing your rookies from the forward tees.
A few miles further along the road and only six miles from Marco Island, The Rookery awaits unsuspecting golfers with a course measuring almost 7,200 yards from the tips. This is a fabulous golf course with pristine fairways and greens and a superb finishing hole that will have you in raptures or crying into your beer. You will feel as though you're playing in a PGA tour event when you step on to the Rookery. Well, you can always dream!
If you want superb golf courses with minimum travel and in a location that cares for all your vacation needs, it looks like Marco Island should be top of your list, even if it does mean bringing a few extra golf balls.
This guide to the greens on Marco Island was brought to you by John Campbell.