Finally summer is here and it is time to golf. After a week of doing just this, I have rediscovered my swing and can hopefully continue playing some of the best golf of my life. A couple days ago, I returned to the northeast from a week of golf down in Florida. One of my friends owns a condo down in Naples, so a couple of my friends and I decided to celebrate the end of classes with a little golf vacation. To those who are unfamiliar with Florida geography, Naples is located on the west coast of the peninsula, two and a half hours south of Tampa and and a little more than an hour west of Miami. A relatively short plane ride for most of the eastern seaboard, Southwestern Florida provides a fun and sunny place for golf enthusiasts and retirees alike.
Most of the courses around this area are located in private communities, but if you plan ahead and find a place that allows non-members, it is a great way to explore some awesome courses. Another way to save a lot of money is to travel in the offseason (this is generally in the summer for places like California and Florida where it is often too hot for casual golfers). Greens fees run for about half the price of normal times, and courses often provide other incentives (free golf balls, a complementary lunch, etc.) that help to sweeten the deal. One day we played the Lely Resort Mustang Couse and it was well worth it. Designed by Lee Travino, the Mustang is one of three courses at the Lely Resort and one of a dozen in the village of Lely. This course is tough, yet forgiving for golfers who are willing to hit the safe shot instead of going for the best shot. Of course, I was not the one to do that, and my score reflected this, but I still had a good time and found the course to be both interesting and fun. In addition, there is no shortage of water, so do not forget to bring some extra balls just in case!
