Golfers heading to the Gulf Coast of Florida on a golf vacation should strongly consider the Port Charlotte/Englewood Beach area. There are more than 20 golf courses in the area worth considering; most are high-quality, semi-private facilities. Here’s what I would consider a fun and challenging itinerary.
Every good golf vacation starts with a good base camp, an establishment with comfortable accommodations and good food. The Sunseeker Resort in Punta Gorda has everything you’ll need for this golf vacation, and a whole lot more, including one of the most challenging golf courses on the Gulf Coast. More about that in a minute.
Our trip started with adjoining rooms in one of their SunSuite Towers, with a stunning view of Charlotte Harbor. Each unit sleeps four people and features two large-screen TVs, a Nespresso coffee maker, a complete kitchen, balcony, and plenty of space. There’s a large resort pool, a couple of hot tubs, and your favorite adult beverage available at every turn.
A premium resort needs premium dining, and Sunseeker does not disappoint, with 15 world-class options for dining and drinking. Choose from stand-alone restaurants, a multi-dining food hall, poolside venues, and several bars and lounges that serve over 200 globally- inspired dishes. The premier dining option at Sunseeker resort is unquestionably Stretto Italian Chophouse. It’s a place where high-quality, premium-aged beef meets handmade, gourmet Italian dishes. Throw in several premium seafood selections, such as twin lobster tails and sea scallops, and you’ve got Stretto. The service is impeccable, and the wine collection of 200+ bottles is quite impressive.
The Stadium Club is the place to watch your favorite sporting event. They offer true classic American dishes like chicken wings and fried chicken, and with over 40 TVs, three large central screens, and a state-of-the-art sound system, you’ll feel like you’re actually at the game!
If none of this tempts your taste buds, check out the 10 venues at The Harbor Yard Food Hall with everything from a seafood raw bar to Mexican and Asian dishes.
Cap off the evening and satisfy that sweet tooth with one of the many freshly made gelatos and handmade crepes offered at Charlotte Parlor, or watch as Sunseeker’s talented pastry chefs create delectable French pastries at Sweet Shine.
One of the many amenities available at the Sunseeker Resort is golf. Back when Allegiant Airlines owned the resort, they purchased Kingsway Country Club, located just east of I-75 and about 15 minutes from the main resort. According to General Manager Aaron Merritt, they took the course “down to the studs,” basically leveling it. Renowned designer Kip Schultes was brought in to build the new course re-named Aileron Golf Club, and what he has created is nothing less than a masterpiece. You would be hard-pressed to find a course as well-maintained in the entire state. They recently hosted Florida’s 65th Senior Amateur Championship, and they are currently in discussions with LIV and the LPGA to host events in the near future.
Overall, I would say the course is player-friendly, especially the front nine. It’s wide open, and low scores can be had. To me, the biggest challenge is the greens; they can be lightning fast, with very few straight putts. All of the holes are named around the aeronautical industry; Tailspin is Aileron’s answer to Amen’s Corner and is a tough stretch with a par 4, a par 5, and a par 3. Stratolaunch, the par 5, 3rd hole is one of the longest par 5s in the state, at 664 yards. This hole isn’t about getting cute or taking shortcuts; it’s about survival! It’s going to take three of your best shots to reach the green in regulation. Equally important as distance off the tee is keeping the ball in play; water comes into play on every hole. The green has some great undulation, and even short putts can leave you scratching your head. Aileron is a fun and challenging test of golf.
If you don’t mind venturing away from your base camp, I strongly suggest booking a round at either Babcock National or Webb’s Reserve Golf Club. Webb’s Reserve is a Nicklaus Design masterpiece, and, as Nicklaus courses go, this one is very tame! The layout features wide open fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and modestly undulated greens. There’s water on every hole, but for the most part, it’s easily avoidable. The layout is still pretty new, so the fairways and greens are firm and fast. Webb’s Reserve’s signature hole is #12, a 163-yard par 3 that is all carry over a lake into a green that slopes significantly from back to front. It’s one of the most challenging par 3s in the area!
Webbs Reserve is home to one of only two Toptracer Aqua Ranges in the world (Glynlea Country Club in Port St. Lucie, FL is the other). Toptracer technology allows players to hit into the water and track every shot in real-time via an app on their phone, maximizing each practice session. You can also play interactive games or virtual rounds on the world’s best golf courses.
Currently, there is no food available at the golf club. Construction began in mid-January on a new 27,000 sq. ft. clubhouse that is due to open in early 2027. If you’re hungry – or thirsty – after your round , head over to the Lakehouse Kitchen & Bar at Babcock Ranch. It’s a casual, waterfront American restaurant that offers a relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the lake. The Lakehouse serves fresh, modern American comfort food—like burgers, seafood, and brunch dishes—alongside craft cocktails, beer, and wine. With scenic views and a friendly vibe, it’s the perfect laid-back gathering spot for you and your golf group.
After checking out of the Sunseeker Resort, head to Riverwood Golf Club in Port Charlotte. Riverwood is located in Port Charlotte and has been referred to as a “best-kept secret” in Southwest Florida, even though it has received numerous accolades from highly regarded golf media outlets, including multiple “Top 50 in the U.S.” recognitions.
The course is set along the scenic Myakka River corridor and weaves its way through protected wetlands, pine forests, and several nature preserves. It’s been called a shot-maker’s course and favors brains over brawn. The Bermuda grass fairways and greens are always in great shape, with practice facilities that let you hone every part of your game, including a full-length driving range, a short game area with bunker, and a practice putting green. With five sets of tees, Riverwood is playable for players of all skill levels.
Riverwood is nature’s golf at its best and features two contrasting nines. The front nine has a parkland feel and is routed through dense pine stands and tree-lined fairways. You’ll need accuracy off the tee and good distance control on approach shots, as the landing areas are smaller. The back nine brings wetlands, lakes, and salt marshes into play.
As you leave Riverwood, take a left onto El Jobean Rd, and then head down the street to The Twisted Fork for one of the best restaurant/entertainment experiences on the Gulf Coast. In addition to a menu that spans just about every type of comfort food you can imagine (and served in large portions), The Twisted Fork features an outdoor entertainment venue that has hosted numerous nationally recognized acts. It has to be seen to be believed.
What I’ve just detailed would be a quick weekend getaway on some of the nicest courses in the “Pure Florida” region. For more information, visit www.PureFlorida.com, where you can check out all of the golf courses in the area and anything else your heart desires in a Florida vacation.
