A pleasing combination of more than 90 private and public clubs offer access to some of the finest golf courses in the country. It’s a big boost to the local economy, as well as your own health and relaxation.

Naples comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors. The city is as unassuming as it is gorgeous, and few outsiders are aware of what it has to offer. It is, for example, one of the top golf destinations in the world.

A combination of private and public clubs offer access to some of the finest golf courses in the country. It’s a big boost to the local economy, as well as your own health and relaxation. Here’s what you need to know about Naples and golf.

Golf is good for you!

Yes, golf is mentally stimulating, but you might not realize how much regular play can help you stay in good health. Forget the golf cart. Consider nearly constant walking for several hours. It’s estimated that you’ll have an average heart rate of 100 bpm during an 18-hole round, which can last anywhere from two to five hours. That’s excellent for your heart.

It’s generally agreed that the sweet spot is about 10,000 steps per day to achieve weight loss. You’ll get about that with an 18-hole round of golf. The New York Times reports that the walking – with a bag – done during nine holes of golf can burn about 721 calories.

A game of golf can also reduce stress and improve your sleep. There’s even a Swedish study that seems to indicate regular golfing can help you live longer. Researchers there found that golfers (at least Swedish golfers) have a 40 percent lower death rate, equating to an extra five years in life expectancy.

And, you can do a lot of golfing in Naples.

Naples is a golfer’s paradise

According to the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau website, the city of Naples is home to more than 90 18-hole golf courses. Some are attached to spectacular resorts such as the Ritz-Carlton, while others are private courses for members only. Don’t let that last part sour your outlook on Naples as a place to move for excellent golf opportunities. Many of these private courses reposition themselves as “semi-private,” meaning that during May through December they are open to the public.

The greater Naples area is also host to some of the top PGA and LPGA events of the year.

·         The PGA co-sanctions the Greg Norman-hosted Franklin Templeton Shootout at Tiburon Golf Club each December.

·         LPGA’s CME Group Titleholders welcomes the top stars of the LPGA to Tiburon each November.

·         The ACE Group Classic at TwinEagles in Naples is a regular stop for the PGA Champions Tour each February.

New to golf?

It’s the perfect time to learn the sport of golf if you’re moving to Naples. There’s no shortage of high-profile instruction to be found.

·         PGA TOUR Academy instruction can be found at Tiburon Golf Club alongside The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort.

·         Get pro training from the David Leadbetter Golf Academy at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort.

·         Maybe Wayne Dahlstrom’s technique is more to your liking? His academy is located at Lakewood Country Club between Naples and Marco Island

·         Even the PGA itself gets into the act with their Tour Superstore, which offers clinics, one-on-one instruction, and swing analysis.

The PGA maintains an up-to-date listing of golf courses in Naples. You can see which are public and private. If you’re thinking of moving to Naples, but you’re unfamiliar with the area, this might be a good place to start. You can plan on a home search based on courses that catch your fancy.

Teaming up with the right real estate professional helps, too. Dante DiSabato is ready to help you navigate the waters of the local housing market. Call him at 239.537.5351 or visit our contact page and discover the advantages of working with a concierge Realtor.

This material is based upon information which we consider reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied upon as such. These offerings are subject to errors, omissions, prior sales, changes, including but not restricted to, price or withdrawal without notice. A buyer should be represented by legal counsel and have a professional inspection and a survey of the property certified to the buyer to verify information contained herein and all other information upon which a buyer may intend to rely. William Raveis Real Estate.