Golf Insider

Nature provides few gifts more alluring than islands, and sticking a golf course on one makes it even better, at least in the eyes of golfers. Here are my top five island golf courses in Florida.

1. Crandon Park, Key Biscayne. A gorgeous island course matched only by its very reasonable green fees. Pristine surroundings and views of Biscayne Bay. Seven saltwater lakes, iguanas and – gulp – crocodiles.

2. The Rookery at Marco Island, Naples. A very scenic resort course on the edge of the Ten Thousand Islands. Expansive marsh views and lurking swamp creatures. A riot of colors when the native plants come alive.

3. Lost Key Golf Club, Perdido Key. A serene setting on a barrier island, Lost Key is a challenging resort course that runs through natural wetlands. An Arnold Palmer design that blends beautifully with the island environment.

4. Golf Club of Amelia Island, Amelia Island. Nature is the star here at this beautifully groomed resort course. Ancient oaks, marshes, lakes and ponds. It's also very playable.

5. Longboat Key Club, Longboat Key. The Islandside, one of two courses at this resort hard by the Gulf of Mexico, is a photogenic, old-time Florida course, with striking Florida birds wading the flats.