

LC Lambrecht/Courtesy of Calusa Pines GC

LC Lambrecht/Courtesy of Calusa Pines GC


Laurence Casey Lambrecht

Laurence Casey Lambrecht

Laurence Casey Lambrecht

Laurence Casey Lambrecht

Laurence Casey Lambrecht

Laurence Casey Lambrecht
Overview
Calusa’s developer, Gary Chensoff, a Chicago venture capitalist, survived a rare form of cancer despite long odds, and his recovery strongly influenced how Calusa Pines was designed and built. Chensoff decided to gamble, instructing Hurdzan-Fry to design the most unique course in south Florida despite a dead flat site. They responded by piling up fill from ponds to form ridge lines up to 58 feet, then planted them with mature oaks, pines and sabal palms. Calusa Pines sports perhaps the firmest, fastest Bermuda fairways and greens in Florida, rivaled only by the turf at Streamsong. Recent removal of overgrown vegetation between holes has returned beautiful long-range views to the course and made it more playable.
About
Awards


100 Greatest: Ranked since 2007.
2023-'24 ranking: 69th (highest).
Previous ranking: 74th.
Best in State: Ranked third, 2011-'24. Ranked inside the top 5, 2007-'10. Ranked inside the top 10, 2005. Ranked inside the top 15, 2003.
Current ranking: Third.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Calusa Pines is unique in SWFL due to its elevation change. In fact, you can see several neighboring flat golf courses in the area from the top of the hill on the 16th tee. It also stands out by having a natural routing not influenced by a surrounding housing development. Further, its bunkering style feels more Australian than Floridian and its wide fairways and lack of reliance on water hazards complete its protest of standard Florida golf."
Read More2025
Review
“Hurdzan/Fry's magnum opus. Spectacular property that is not akin to any other you will encounter in Florida. The course is beautiful, the bunkering is bold and the greens are mostly pushed up. One of the most fun rounds I have played. I've ranked this course lower on "shot options" - while the course is not unlike others in Florida - it is similar to its Florida brethren as it requires a strong aerial game."
Read More2024
Review
“Calusa Pines is an awesome golf experience, delivering everything a player could want: challenge, pristine conditions, shot variety, and a fun atmosphere. It is a true a championship layout. Boasting ample length, strategic bunkering, dramatic undulations, and firm, fast greens. It doesn’t favor any particular shot shape, instead requiring precise execution to navigate the undulated, firm, elevated green complexes."
Read More2024
Review
“Spectacular course! Must play if you get the chance."
Read More2024
Review
“Wonderful golf experience. Challenging yet fair. Excellent variety of holes with long and short par 3's, 4's, and 5's; straight holes and doglegs right and left. Great conditioning. Unusual elevation changes for Florida. Fun!"
Read More2024
Review
“One of the best courses in Florida. A truly enjoyable walk."
Read More2024
Review
“Play Calusa Pines if you can! Relatively open Fairways but extremely tricky green complexes. Aim your shot where your caddy tells you. Course is designed for walking. Great caddy program and pro shop. Staff very polite. "The Hill" = 60 feet high and is completely man-made. There are excellent views from the 3 tee boxes on top of the hill. Hole #16, a par 3, is worth the trip by itself."
Read More2023
Review
“Is there a more visually striking golf course in Florida? If there is, I'll need to see it to believe it. Aesthetics, conditioning, and the good old fun-factor are the stars at this beautiful private club in Naples. If you find yourself with an invite, don't pass it up!"
Read More2023
Review
“Had the opportunity to stay on property for 2 nights and play 4 rounds during a perfect span of weather. The accommodations/service/food, at the cabin, men's locker room, and even the multi-stop snack shack make it very hard not to give it a 5! Walking out of the pro shop to meet your caddy and then strolling down the hill to the range is a unique experience. The walk around the course is part golf, part engineering marvel, and part experiencing severe seclusion. Nothing in the outside world is visible, except for the occasional airplane too far to hear. The golf is engaging with plenty of short grass that allows many different ways to play most shots. Some of the steepest slopes off the sides of the greens you will ever see, so be prepared to hit a chip shot or three."
Read More2023
Review
“Some of the best greens and fairways in Florida. Perfectly manicured. Bunkers challenging and in great shape. Great flow to the course with great scenic views. Will use most clubs in your bag."
Read More2023
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