The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club

The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club occupies a compact footprint on Sanibel Island, a barrier island off Florida's Gulf Coast known for its shell beaches and wildlife refuges. Mark McCumber, a PGA Tour player who transitioned to course design in the 1980s, routed this layout through native Florida landscape characterized by sandy soils, tropical vegetation, and the island's relatively flat topography. McCumber's design work often emphasizes strategic shot values and playability across different skill levels, reflecting his competitive background. The course navigates through corridors of palms, sea grapes, and other coastal flora typical of Southwest Florida's barrier islands. Water features appear throughout the routing, both as natural wetlands and constructed hazards that require golfers to manage risk on approach shots. The sandy subsoil provides firm playing conditions and allows for effective drainage despite the region's subtropical rainfall patterns. Wind from the Gulf of Mexico can influence play, particularly on holes with more open exposures. The Dunes functions as a semi-private facility serving both members and resort guests, fitting the recreational character common to Sanibel's tourism-oriented development. The club includes tennis facilities alongside the golf course, reflecting the multi-sport amenity model popular in Florida resort communities. The layout offers a walkable experience on an island where most golf occurs in a relaxed, vacation-oriented atmosphere rather than championship tournament conditions.