You’re driving down Airport Pulling Road, and the sky is that specific shade of Southwest Florida blue that looks almost painted on. If you’re here for naples florida ritz golf, you probably think you know what’s coming. A nice room, a green course, and maybe a decent club sandwich at the turn.
Honestly? You’re only seeing half the picture.
Most people confuse the two Ritz-Carlton properties in Naples. They book the beach resort and wonder where the first tee is, or they book the golf resort and get grumpy that they can’t see the Gulf of Mexico from their balcony. Let’s get the geography straight: The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón is the "golf" one. It’s inland, Mediterranean in style, and sits right on the edge of the Tiburón Golf Club.
It isn't just a place to sleep between rounds. Since the massive "Evolution of an Icon" renovations and the rebranding to the Tiburón name, this place has transformed into something much more complex than a standard golf hotel.
The Two-Course Dilemma: Gold vs. Black
If you’re coming for naples florida ritz golf, you are playing Greg Norman’s designs. Norman—the "Great White Shark"—is the reason it’s called Tiburón (Spanish for shark). But the two courses, the Gold and the Black, are like siblings who don't actually get along.
The Gold Course is the one you see on TV. It hosts the LPGA’s CME Group Tour Championship and the Grant Thornton Invitational. It’s long. It’s flashy. It’s basically a stadium of turf. There is no "rough" in the traditional sense; instead, you have pine straw, coquina shell waste areas, and those iconic stacked sod wall bunkers that look like they belong in Scotland, not Florida.
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Then there’s the Black Course.
It’s tighter. Much tighter. While the Gold lets you grip it and rip it, the Black demands you play like a surgeon. It’s carved through native wetlands and pine forests. If you have a hook or a slice that you haven't tamed, the Black course will eat your Pro V1s for breakfast. It’s a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, which is a fancy way of saying "there are a lot of birds and probably an alligator named Gary watching you miss that four-footer."
Why the "No Rough" Rule Changes Everything
Most Florida courses are a swampy mess if you miss the fairway. Tiburón is different. Because there is no conventional rough, your ball doesn't just stop in a tuft of Bermuda grass. It rolls. And rolls.
It might roll into a pine straw bed. It might roll into a coquina pit. Or, if you're lucky, it rolls right into one of those sod wall bunkers. Have you ever tried to hit out of a stacked sod bunker? It’s basically like trying to hit a ball out of a vertical chimney. You don't aim for the pin; you aim for "out."
It's Not Just a "Dads Only" Club Anymore
For years, the golf resort had a reputation for being a bit... quiet. Stiff. Very much a "collared shirts and hushed tones" vibe. That’s dead.
The addition of The Reservoir changed the entire energy of the property. We’re talking a full-blown water park with a lazy river (the "Drift"), three waterslides, and luxury cabanas that have their own dedicated servers. You’ll see guys finishing 18 holes and immediately jumping into a tube with a drink in their hand. It’s weirdly refreshing to see a Ritz-Carlton let its hair down a little.
Where to Eat When You’re Tired of Protein Bars
Basically, you have three real choices on-property at Tiburón, plus the shuttle to the beach resort if you want the high-end steakhouse vibe at The Grill.
- Sydney’s Pub: This is in the clubhouse. It’s where the locals actually go. Get the grouper sandwich. It’s legitimately one of the best in Naples, and that’s saying something in a town obsessed with grouper.
- Ria: This is the Latin American spot. It’s outdoors, overlooking the greens. The vibe here at sunset is incredible. Order the pisco sour and the ceviche; skip the standard burger here and go for the authentic stuff.
- Bella Vista Lounge: This is the classic "hotel bar," but it has a terrace that looks out over the 18th hole. It’s the best spot for "post-game analysis" (complaining about your putting).
The Secret "Dual-Resort" Hack
Here is what most people miss: When you stay at the golf resort, you aren't stuck there. The Ritz-Carlton runs a continuous shuttle to its sister property on the beach.
It takes about 10 minutes.
You can spend your morning playing the Gold Course and your afternoon sitting in a padded chair on Vanderbilt Beach. Your room key works at both places. You can charge your Gumbo Limbo tacos to your room at Tiburón. It’s the best of both worlds. Typically, the golf resort is also significantly cheaper per night than the beach resort.
Pro Tip: If the beach resort is running $1,200 a night, check Tiburón. Often it’s $700 or $800. You get the same service, the same brand, and a free ride to the same beach.
The Reality of the "Cart-Only" Rule
Purists might be annoyed, but you aren't walking these courses. Not in the Florida heat, and not with the distances between green and tee. The carts are top-of-the-line, though, usually equipped with GPS that gives you exact yardages to the pin.
If you really want the professional experience, use the Caddie Concierge program. Having a forecaddy who knows exactly how the grain of the Bermuda grass affects a putt is the only way some of us have a prayer of breaking 90 on the Black course.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
- Book the "Stay and Play" package: Don't just book a room and try to find a tee time later. These packages often include breakfast and a vastly reduced rate on golf.
- Watch the calendar: The LPGA and PGA events usually hit in November and December. The weeks leading up to these tournaments mean the courses are in pristine, "pro-level" condition, but they also get very busy.
- Hydrate or die: This sounds dramatic, but the Naples sun in July is no joke. The Ritz staff is great with the beverage carts, but if you aren't drinking water every three holes, the back nine will be a blur.
- Check the renovation status: While the major 2023/2024 overhaul is done, always check if any specific amenities (like the spa) are undergoing seasonal maintenance before you book.
- Tennis is actually a thing here: If you’re golfed out, the Mouratoglou Tennis Center on-site is world-class. It’s the same Patrick Mouratoglou who coached Serena Williams.
The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón isn't just a backup plan for when the beach is full. It’s a specific, high-tier golf destination that finally feels like a complete resort. Whether you're there to tackle the stacked sod bunkers or just to float down the lazy river after a mediocre round, it’s arguably the most balanced luxury stay in Southwest Florida.
Start by looking at the tournament schedule. If you want to see how the pros do it, aim for the Grant Thornton Invitational in December. If you want the course to yourself, brave the humidity of a Tuesday in August. Just don't forget the sunscreen.