The National Golf & Country Club

My old man and I always try to get a couple games in when we're in the US. Played quite a few courses but never ventured out to Ave Maria until this time round. What a gem of a course this is. For reference, we're both mid handicappers.

Although still a lot of work going on around the course with new homes, the course itself is fantastic. Including a 700+ yard Par 5 on the return stretch.

Water is in play on every hole so make sure you bring enough balls! Fortunately we both had a good striking day.

Speaking of clubs... rentals were Callaway Mavericks which did us both absolutely fine. Good selection of clubs, especially in the longer section of the bag (hybrid, 2 x woods, driver)

The range balls is included in the golf fee, which is not typical, but something we were very happy to have.

Staff were also really friendly, including everyone in the pro shop!

Had a Sausage, Egg and Cheese bagel before we went out which did us for the entire round.

Only a couple of notes I'd like to make:

- It would be nice to have more water filling stations around the course, although it's probably sufficient for residents, having a couple of brits who are used to playing in single digit temperatures - we filled up 4-5 times on our way round. To counteract this though, the filling stations are great, Ice and water available.

- Watch out for the gators! There's a load of them out there, so keep alert around the water

- Greens were playing quite slow, but I'm sure this is just bad timing on our side with the green maintenance schedule.

I'd absolutely expect this place to get more and more expensive over the next couple of years once more building work is done and it really starts expanding out, but we was lucky to be able to experience this before this happens, and I'd recommend you all to try it too, as it's a gem.

Hopefully we'll be back again in the next 1-2 for another game, providing the fees haven't risen drastically.

Worth the drive if you're in the Naples area. Best value for the money.

Lots of water

Long as you want it to be

Pace was good but would imagine could be quite slow

Great value in October

Played a couple of days after Hurricane Helene had

passed by, which showed no affect at all on this course. Warm welcome in shop before and also from the starter. Course is very fair and quite forgiving but real fun to play.

Great time, great course and great people. Will definitely come back

Really enjoyed playing this course, greens were excellent and great layout. Could of had better green stakes upon approach, golf cart would turn off several times when not close to average standards, that is annoying while trying to locate your ball, otherwise it's a really nice place.

Course in very good condition. Greens were a bit sandy, but true. Roomie Fairways. Some tricky holes that require attention. Highly recommend this course