If you’re driving down Vanderbilt Beach Road and miss the turn for Tiburón, you’ll likely end up at the beach. That’s fine, but you’d be missing the point. Most people think "The Ritz" in Naples is just one place—that massive, iconic structure sitting on the sand. Honestly, it’s not. There are two. And if you’re a golfer, the "other" one, The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, is actually where you want to be.
It’s quieter. It’s greener. It basically feels like a private country club where the staff actually remembers how you like your coffee.
I’ve spent a lot of time talking to travelers who get these two properties confused. They book the beach resort and then complain about the shuttle ride to the first tee. Or they book the golf resort and are shocked they can’t see the Gulf of Mexico from their balcony. Let’s set the record straight: the ritz naples golf experience is its own specific beast. It’s focused on the Greg Norman-designed Tiburón Golf Club, and in 2026, it remains one of the few places where you can play on a Monday and watch an LPGA pro hit the same shot on a Friday.
Why Tiburón Isn't Your Average Resort Course
Most resort courses are designed to be "resort friendly." That’s code for wide fairways, no rough, and a feeling that you’re better at golf than you actually are. Tiburón is different. Greg Norman designed these 36 holes (The Gold and The Black) with a very specific aesthetic in mind: no conventional rough.
Instead of thick grass, you get stacked sod wall bunkers and coquina shell waste areas. If you’ve ever played in Australia, it feels familiar. If you haven’t, it feels like a beautiful trap.
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The Gold Course vs. The Black Course
You’ve got two choices here, and your handicap might dictate which one you enjoy more.
- The Gold Course: This is the "famous" one. It hosts the LPGA CME Group Tour Championship and the Grant Thornton Invitational. Because it’s a tournament host, it’s kept in "TV-ready" condition almost year-round. It’s longer and a bit more open, but those sod-wall bunkers will absolutely ruin your scorecard if you’re careless.
- The Black Course: This feels more intimate. It’s carved through pine forests and feels narrower. Most locals will tell you the Black is actually the tougher test of golf because there’s less room for error off the tee.
What’s cool is that the resort is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. You aren't just playing golf; you’re basically hiking through a well-manicured nature preserve. Expect to see ospreys, maybe an alligator or two in the water hazards, and definitely some very frustrated golfers trying to hit out of the pine straw.
The 2026 Reality: Renovations and Vibe
One thing people often get wrong about the ritz naples golf resort is the age. For a while, the rooms were starting to feel a bit... "Grandma’s classic Florida." That’s changed. Recent updates have brought the property into the modern era. We’re talking clean lines, smart tech, and balconies that look over the 18th hole.
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If you stayed here five years ago, you might remember it as a sleepy golf hotel. Today, it’s much more of a family destination. They added "The Reservoir," which is basically a mini water park with a lazy river and slides. It’s a genius move, really. It keeps the kids busy while the parents are out chasing birdies on the Gold course.
The Price Tag (Let’s Be Real)
You’re staying at a Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. It isn't cheap. In peak season (January through April), you can easily see rates north of $800 a night. However, if you look at the Stay & Play packages, you can often find deals that include unlimited golf, which, considering the green fees at Tiburón can top $300 in the winter, actually makes sense for a serious player.
What Most People Miss: The "Other" Amenities
It’s easy to get tunnel vision about the 18th green, but the ritz naples golf resort has a few secret weapons.
- The Tiburón Golf Academy: If your slice is terminal, this is where you go. They use some high-end tech (TrackMan, etc.) to show you exactly why you’re hitting it into the trees.
- Bella Vista Lounge: This is the "after-golf" spot. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, sitting on that terrace with a drink while the sun sets over the course is a top-tier Naples experience.
- The Beach Connection: Here is the kicker—if you stay at the golf resort, you still get access to the beach resort. There is a shuttle that runs between the two. You get the private beach, the fancy beach chairs, and the Gulf views without having to pay the higher room rates of the beachfront property. It’s the ultimate "pro tip" for staying in Naples.
Common Misconceptions About the Experience
"I need to be a pro to play here."
Not true. While the courses host professional tours, they have multiple tee boxes. If you play from the forward tees, it’s a very manageable, enjoyable day. Just don't try to play from the "Shark" tees unless you enjoy pain.
"There’s nothing to do if you don't golf."
This used to be true. Now, with the expanded pool area, the world-class spa (the Golfer’s Relief Massage is legit), and the tennis/pickleball courts, it’s a full-blown resort.
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"It’s too far from downtown."
Naples isn't that big. You’re about a 15-20 minute drive from 5th Avenue South. You’re also right next to Mercato, which is arguably the better spot for nightlife and dining anyway.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you’re planning a visit to the ritz naples golf resort this year, don't just wing it. Here is how you actually do it right:
- Book tee times 60 days out. Even if you’re a hotel guest, the morning times fill up fast, especially when a tournament is approaching.
- Request a room in the West Wing. Generally, these have better views of the course and are closer to the pool area.
- Check the tournament schedule. The LPGA usually rolls in around November. If you visit then, you might not be able to play the Gold course, but the energy at the resort is incredible.
- Use the shuttle for dinner. Save the $30 on an Uber and take the resort shuttle to the beach property. Have dinner at The Grill, then take the shuttle back.
- Ask about the "Hassle-Free" rentals. If you don't want to lug your clubs through the airport, they have brand-new Callaway sets for about $45-$55. It’s often cheaper than the airline baggage fees.
The bottom line is that the ritz naples golf resort isn't just a place to sleep between rounds. It’s a specific vibe—more relaxed than the beach, more focused on the game, and arguably a better value if you know how to play the system.