Naples has this reputation. You know the one—it’s all about ultra-exclusive country clubs, $50,000 initiation fees, and pristine fairways that you can’t even look at unless you know a guy who knows a guy. But then there's The Links of Naples Naples FL. It’s different. It’s a par-61 executive course located out on Tamiami Trail East, tucked away from the high-gloss madness of Fifth Avenue South, and honestly, it’s one of the most approachable spots in Collier County.
If you're expecting a 7,500-yard championship beast that will crush your soul and your wallet, this isn't it. But if you want a round that actually fits into a busy afternoon? This is exactly where you go.
What actually makes The Links of Naples Naples FL stand out?
Most people think "executive course" and they imagine a glorified backyard with some grass. That's a mistake. The Links of Naples is a legitimate challenge. It’s got eleven par-3s and seven par-4s. That layout is intentional. It forces you to actually use your irons instead of just whaling on a driver and hoping for the best.
The course was designed by Joe Lee. If that name sounds familiar, it should. He’s the guy behind some of the most famous tracks in Florida, including several at Walt Disney World and the original layouts at La Costa. He knew how to make a course feel "big" even when the acreage was tight. At The Links, you're dealing with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards that come into play more often than you'd like.
It’s about the vibe. It’s relaxed.
You’ll see retirees in their favorite worn-out hats playing alongside younger guys who just got off work and wanted to squeeze in nine holes. There’s no stuffiness here. Nobody is looking down their nose at your swing.
Night golf is the real secret
Let’s talk about the lights. This is one of the very few courses in Southwest Florida that offers night golf. Think about that for a second. In July, when the Florida humidity feels like you’re breathing through a warm, wet blanket, playing at 10:00 AM is a form of torture.
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But at night? It’s a game changer.
The stadium lighting at The Links of Naples Naples FL is surprisingly good. It transforms the experience. The air cools down, the bugs (usually) behave if there's a breeze, and the ball flight looks incredible against the dark sky. It’s the perfect solution for tourists who spent all day at Vanderbilt Beach and still want to swing the clubs before dinner.
Technical breakdown: What you’re playing
The total yardage is just about 4,000 yards from the back tees. That sounds short. It is short. But the greens are smaller than what you’ll find at the big resort courses.
- The Par 4s: Most are under 300 yards. A big hitter can technically drive the green on a few of these, but Lee was smart. He tucked the greens behind hazards or angled them so a miss results in a very tricky up-and-down.
- The Par 3s: These are the heart of the course. They range from short "flip" wedges to long irons. You have to be precise.
- Turf Conditions: Look, let’s be real. This isn't Augusta National. It’s a high-traffic public course. The greens are generally kept in good shape—they roll true and have decent speed—but during the peak winter "Snowbird" season, the tee boxes take a beating.
Management has done a lot of work recently on the drainage and the bunkers. Southwest Florida gets those massive afternoon deluges, and older courses often turn into swamps. The Links holds up better than most in its price bracket.
The cost of playing in Naples
Naples is expensive. During the "Season" (January through April), a round at a decent public course like Tiburón or Hammock Bay can easily clear $200 or $300. It’s wild.
The Links of Naples Naples FL stays grounded. You can usually find rates that are a fraction of the big-name courses. Even better, they offer "glow ball" tournaments and seasonal memberships that actually make sense for people who live here year-round.
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It’s the "local’s choice."
I’ve talked to guys who have memberships at the fancy gated communities who still come here once a week. Why? Because they can play 18 holes in under three hours. You can’t do that at a championship course where the four-ball in front of you is treating every putt like it's for the green jacket.
Finding the place and what to expect
It's located at 16161 Tamiami Trail E. If you’re driving from downtown Naples, you’re heading out toward the Everglades. You’ll pass the entrance to Lely Resort and just keep going.
The Pro Shop and "The Pub"
Don't expect a marble-floored clubhouse. The facilities are functional and friendly. The pro shop has the basics—balls, gloves, maybe a shirt if you forgot yours.
But the outdoor patio area? That’s where the magic happens. After a round, especially during night golf, the atmosphere is top-tier. People are grabbin' a beer, talking about the birdie they almost had, and just enjoying the Florida night. It’s communal in a way that private clubs often miss.
Common misconceptions about "Executive" courses
A lot of golfers are snobs about par. They think if it isn’t a par-72, it isn’t "real" golf.
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That’s nonsense.
The Links of Naples Naples FL proves that the short game is where the score is made. If you can’t hit a target from 140 yards, you’re going to struggle here just as much as you would at a longer course. In fact, playing here regularly is probably the fastest way to drop your handicap. You get so many more repetitions with your scoring clubs.
Also, it’s a great place to learn. If you’re bringing a kid or a spouse who is just starting out, taking them to a 7,000-yard course is a recipe for frustration. Bringing them here? They’ll actually have fun.
Things to keep in mind before you book
- Book ahead in the winter. Even though it’s a "hidden gem," the secret is out. Between January and March, tee times fill up fast, especially the evening slots.
- Bring bug spray. It’s Florida. It’s near the Glades. If you’re playing the lighted holes at night, the "no-see-ums" can be brutal if the wind dies down.
- Check the pace of play. While it’s usually fast, sometimes a large group of beginners can slow things down. The rangers do their best, but it's a relaxed environment, so don't expect a drill sergeant.
- Rentals are available. If you’re just in town for a few days and didn't want to pay the airline $100 to lug your bag, their rental sets are decent enough for an executive layout.
The Verdict on The Links of Naples Naples FL
Is it the best course in Florida? No. Is it the most luxurious? Definitely not.
But it is arguably the most fun course in Naples.
It fills a massive gap in the local market. It provides affordable, accessible golf in a city that is increasingly pricing out the average person. Whether you’re a scratch golfer looking to sharpen your wedges or a vacationer who wants to play under the stars, this spot delivers.
It feels authentic. In a town that can sometimes feel a bit "plastic," The Links is all about the game and the people playing it.
Actionable next steps for your visit:
- Check the "Tee-Off" times for night golf: The lights usually come on at dusk, but specific times vary by season. Call the pro shop at (239) 417-1313 to confirm when the last tee time for 18 holes is.
- Download a GPS app: The course doesn't always have yardage books on the carts, and since many holes are short, knowing the exact distance to clear a bunker is vital.
- Look for the "Off-Peak" specials: If you're okay with the heat, playing between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM in the shoulder seasons (May/October) offers some of the lowest rates in the entire state.
- Visit the nearby Rookery Bay: Since you’re already out on the East trail, consider stopping at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center just down the road. It’s a great way to see the "real" Florida nature before or after your round.