Lely Resort Golf & Country Club

The Classics at Lely Resort is a Gary Player design that opened in the mid-1990s as part of a multi-course residential development in Naples. Player, known for his strategic bunkering and emphasis on shot values, created a layout that navigates relatively flat Southwest Florida terrain typical of the region. The course incorporates water hazards on multiple holes and features the palm-lined, tropical landscape characteristic of Naples-area golf. The routing works within the constraints of the residential community, with homes lining many fairways. Player's design philosophy emphasizes course management and precision over pure length, though the layout provides adequate challenge from the back tees. Bunkers are positioned to penalize wayward shots and reward thoughtful play, while water comes into play frequently enough to require strategic decisions off the tee and on approaches. The greens feature moderate undulation, and the conditioning typically reflects the maintenance standards common to upscale Naples golf communities. Lely Resort includes multiple courses and serves a mix of resort guests and club members in a region dense with golf options. The Classics functions as one component of the broader Lely golf experience, offering a Player design to those seeking variety from other layouts in the Naples area. The course benefits from Southwest Florida's year-round playing season, though summer months bring heat and afternoon thunderstorms typical of the subtropical climate.