Best for: The marquee round in Naples. PGA Tour pedigree, Greg Norman design, immaculate conditioning. This is the course that anchors your trip itinerary.

Insider tip: The Gold Course is the tournament layout (home of the Grant Thornton Invitational), but the Black Course is equally excellent and often $50-$75 less. If budget allows, play both on consecutive days. Afternoon rates drop significantly -- a 1pm tee time in February can save $100+ per player. The Ritz-Carlton's golf concierge can package rooms + rounds at better rates than booking separately.

Best for: The slightly more forgiving Tiburon experience. Groups that want to play Tiburon twice should do Gold one day, Black the next. The Black is also a better fit for mid-handicappers who want the Tiburon conditioning without the Gold's tighter landing areas.

Insider tip: Pair the Black Course as your first round of the trip to warm up, then play the Gold Course on day two when your Florida swing is dialed in. The practice facility between the two courses is expansive and worth 30 minutes before your round.

Best for: Groups wanting variety without leaving one property. Lely's three courses (Flamingo Island, Mustang, Classics) mean you can play three different layouts in three days without driving anywhere new. The Flamingo Island Course is the most dramatic of the three.

Insider tip: Play all three Lely courses on consecutive days -- Flamingo Island first (the showpiece), Mustang second (more forgiving, great for a fun round), and Classics third (tight and demanding, a good finisher). The on-site restaurant between rounds is convenient and decent. Ask about multi-round packages -- playing 2-3 rounds at Lely often triggers a per-round discount.

Best for: The most accessible of the Lely courses. Good for groups with mixed skill levels -- wide enough fairways for beginners, enough teeth from the back tees for single-digit handicappers. Also the best option for a relaxed round after a big night out.

Insider tip: The Mustang Course is where to send the higher-handicap members of your group while the competitive players tackle Flamingo Island. Both tee off from the same clubhouse, so the group reunites easily for post-round drinks.

Best for: Groups staying at the Naples Grande Beach Resort who want the convenience of resort-affiliated golf. The course is a short shuttle ride from the hotel and the packaging (room + golf + beach) is excellent value.

Insider tip: The Naples Grande Beach Resort stay-and-play packages are often the best value in Naples for groups wanting a full resort experience with beach access, pool, spa, and golf all in one booking. The course itself is a Rees Jones design that rewards accuracy over length -- play the right tees for your game and you'll enjoy it more.

Best for: The value play in the Naples rotation. When you need a round that doesn't break the bank between Tiburon and Lely Resort outings, Hammock Bay delivers solid golf at half the price. Also a good warm-up round on arrival day.

Insider tip: Hammock Bay is the course locals play when they don't want to fight the tourist traffic at the marquee venues. Conditions are good, pace is reasonable, and you'll save enough on green fees to upgrade your dinner reservation. Great for the group's 'fun round' day.