Royal Palm Country Club

Royal Palm Country Club, a member owned Private Club, is one of Naples best kept secrets. Nestled between downtown Naples and Marco Island, people are always surprised to discover this championship golf course. Located in the original Lely Community and easily acessed by Collier Blvd (SR 951) or Tamiami Trail US 41, with no onsite living requirements, Royal Palm members come from every corner of the Naples area.

Royal Palm was literally carved out of a pine forest, creating a lush secluded feel and a sweeping loop for each nine holes, thus eliminating parallel fairways. Another aspect in the construction of Royal Palm was minimizing the distance between green and the next tee, making Royal Palm the most walker friendly course in Naples. Golfer Gene Sarazen once stated, “Royal Palm is the best layout in the Naples area”.

Designed in 1976 by David Wallace and redesigned by Gordon Lewis in 2000 this Championship golf course sits in a mature old Florida setting. With a multitude of trees, from towering pines to live oaks and mahoganies, ample shade is provided from the Florida sun. It features TifEagle greens, Bermuda grass fairways, 5 sets of tees and 30 acres of lakes that are scattered strategically throughout the 18 holes. 

The shimmering water and the fine grain bunkers make a round of golf at Royal Palm a stunning visual experience. The signature 18th hole provides a challenging finish. From the back tees, this 365-yard dogleg right brings water, trees and bunkers into play. The elevated green and clear view from the clubhouse will likely bring a few spectators out to watch the last putt fall.

At Royal Palm, the focus is always on golf. The commitment to this is immediately evident from the practice facilities. The driving range is full length and features four target greens. Adjacent to the driving range is a large practice green to improve putting skills and most recently, a stunning new short game practice facility constructed in a wooded area near the 18th hole. It includes three pins, strategically located on an undulating green where members can practice an endless variety of short game shots ranging up to 80 yards in length and a large greenside bunker allows practicing both long and short bunker shots. An unusual highlight to this practice area is a water hazard next to the green creating a “true feel” for serious practice.

A unique aspect to this country club experience is the multitude of games available to both men and women. The Golf Shop sponsors numerous association games each week so that simply signing up assures being included in a foursome. Members have also formed organized groups ranging from three to five foursomes for friendly competition and for those interested there are couples events and holiday theme tournaments that are available to play in all year.

During the season, Royal Palm members are excellent at maintaining a four-hour pace of play making it an enjoyable golf experience for everyone. For those who enjoy a leisurely golf round, twilight play is a true pleasure. Falling temperatures and lengthening shadows make for a wonderful time to be on the course and with the 300-member cap, members are assured of unlimited tee times.

At the end of the winter season, the snowbirds depart and the reciprocal season begins. Arrangements are in place for members to play at over 60 other private clubs from May 1st to October 31st. Royal Palm also retains a strong core of year-round members, so there are always plenty of summer activities to keep members occupied during the off-season.

Members are equally as proud of the beautiful clubhouse. It offers a panoramic view of the 18th hole and provides a perfect setting for fine dining. The professional wait staff and culinary team work personally with the members to accommodate all of their needs. Royal Palm is one of the most social clubs in Naples, with members enjoying daily lunches, casual and formal dinners, and holiday theme parties that always include live entertainment. For the card player, organized bridge, mah jong, and gin rummy games are also offered.

Long known as the friendliest private club in Naples, Royal Palm is the perfect choice for couples seeking new friendships and quality golf experiences. The small family, limited to 300 Full Golfing Memberships, is a diverse mix from The United States, Canada, Europe, and The United Kingdom. Celebrated for the friendliness of its staff and members, one could say, “At Royal Palm everyone knows your name”.

With such a clear commitment to golf and its members, you owe it to yourself to come see why Royal Palm Country Club is called the “Hidden Gem” of Naples. For more information regarding memberships contact Chantel Harich at (239) 775-1315 or visit www.royalpalmcc.com.