DJTheoret - 1/16/23
During the winter months, snowbirds flock to Florida to enjoy all that the Sunshine State has to offer. It’s been going on for more than 100 years and increases the state’s population by about 5% each year.

For many, Florida’s main attraction is the ability to play golf during the winter months. Over the years, Florida’s Gulf Coast has been a desirable location for golfers looking to indulge themselves in some spectacular golf courses. One area of the Gulf Coast that is often overlooked is the area between Venice and Fort Myers.

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach includes the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast and includes the towns of Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Englewood Beach. Within this geographical area, there are more than 19 golf courses, including 13 semi-private championship courses and 6 executive courses. The Ron Garl-designed Kingsway Country Club just off of I-75 was recently purchased and closed and will become part of the new Sunseeker Resort in Port Charlotte when it opens for business next year. It will be known as Aileron Golf Club. Here are a few of my favorites.

Riverwood Golf Club is located in Port Charlotte, FL, just a few miles from Tamiami Trail, and has received numerous accolades from Golfweek Magazine and Golf Advisor. Golf Digest has rated Riverwood 4 ½ stars and Golf for Women Magazine ranked it in the top 100 “Lady Friendly Courses in the U.S.’’

The front nine winds its way through heavily wooded terrain with a lot of palms, live oaks, and pine trees. You’ll encounter more water hazards on the back side as it meanders around salt marshes and wetlands. The course does play through a residential community however in certain areas, you’ll only see a few houses. Other portions of the course look as though they have been carved from the wild, natural vegetation of Southwest Florida. One area of the course in particular – holes 7 through 9 – has been referred to by Members as the Bermuda Triangle because of the difficulty and precision required to keep the ball in play and get it close to the hole.

For those visiting that don’t play golf, there is plenty to do here, most of it on the water. You can go fishing, boating, swimming, and scuba diving. There are 35 parks in the area, perfect for bike riding, birdwatching or just strolling about. Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach has some good nightlife too; restaurants that feature everything from beachfront and tiki bar dining to gourmet meals. There are bars, microbreweries, wineries, and distilleries where you can let your inhibitions run wild.

This is a small sample of what Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach has to offer golfers. For more information and to see a list of courses in the area, visit them online.

  francodiamond - 7/29/14
Overall Great track with some challenges. Would play there again for sure.

  bull 99 - 9/21/12
This is one of my favorite courses it is always in great shape and the staff is friendly.

  e.cardinal@yahoo.com - 4/28/20

  jerryjstedman - 5/22/18

  sparky1973 - 11/9/13

  DAGaluska - 7/14/13

  brownbear-fla - 6/23/13

  JKiehne33983 - 5/23/13

  clind523 - 10/14/12