Challenge The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club

 
Your golf game will be tested on the tight island course known as The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club, situated on the beautiful island of Sanibel, just off the coast of Fort Myers in Southwest Florida.

 
The Gulf of Mexico breezes will cause you to think and re-think your shot choice. As you size up the task laid out in front of you, you may be tempted to dismiss the shorter yardages as simple golf shots. Nothing could be further from the truth. Playing the Dunes is like a chess match. Just when you think that you have figured out the way to play a hole, the Gulf winds kicks up and you must totally re-boot your mind.

Add into this equation the fact that every one of the 18 holes has water in play. From the sparkling freshwater ponds and lakes to low-lying wetlands, you must play each shot to the next piece of dry land as you advance toward the hole. Sure, the course only measures 5,578 yards from the back tees. But it is what’s between you and the next landing area that stretches this yardage into a thinker’s game. When to charge ahead, when to lay up, when to risk the flight over the long carry to the green – that’s what goes through your head at the Dunes.

Originally a nine-hole course opened in 1973, the Dunes added a new nine in 1983. In 1995, 10-time PGA Tour winner and golf course architect Mark McCumber renovated the entire track to create the current 18 par-70 holes. A new clubhouse, golf shop, tennis court, pool and restaurant completed the update.

Matt Oakley, head PGA professional, took me to explore the layout. Several of his favorite holes are the scenic 11th – a par 3 over water – and the tough, 442-yard, par-4 No. 14. Matt pointed out that you’ll wrap up your day with the sturdy par-5 18th hole.

Be sure to use the GPS monitors mounted in each golf cart. They are extremely valuable, with color pictures of each hole’s layout and the precise yardage to the next landing area, hazard or hole. With many people playing the course for the first time, this device helps not only their scores, but the pace of play as well.

There are three groups of players at the Dunes: the members of the club, the guests of the three Associated Inns and the general public. Being a guest at LXR Properties (owners of the Dunes), such as the upscale South Seas Island Resort on Captiva or the nearby, quaint Sundial Beach & Golf Resort, will get you a preferred rate over the general public. While there, take advantage of golf lessons from the PGA staff and practice your golf at their range and short-game area.

 
Some of the specifications of the Dunes:

It may be hard to believe these numbers when the middle tees are only 5,249 yards long, but as I said before, play on this course is all about strategy and positioning your shots. Bomb and gouge will not work here.

The best time of year to play the Dunes is October through April, when the weather is spectacular. Sanibel has been a destination from the time Ponce de Leon landed here in 1513 while searching for the Fountain of Youth. Through the years, people such as Thomas Edison and Henry Ford sought out the sandy isle to get some rest and relaxation. It was also a favorite of Charles Lindbergh and Teddy Roosevelt in their day. Today, you may run into Chris Berman from ESPN or comedian Kevin Nealon of “Saturday Night Live” fame, who have homes nearby, playing a round at the Dunes.

After your game of golf, consider a great-tasting lunch in the dining room or perhaps a wonderful dinner at Rassa Steakhouse, featuring country-club and island cuisine.

Sanibel is only 30 minutes through Fort Myers from the Southwest Florida International Airport. With The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club located on the island just off the causeway, you’ll be at this tropical course before you know it. Make plans to visit this terrific layout that three Sanibel newspapers voted Best Sanibel Golf Course from 2000 through 2008. Contact the golf shop at (239) 472-3355, or visit the website www.dunesgolfsanibel.com. And prepare to be challenged.