Concierge

Mark Twain once wrote, "Golf is a good walk ruined."

Fortunately, millions disagreeand that makes golf courses on the islands among the most popular recreation spots for visitors and residents alike. More than 125 public and private courses dot the Lee, Collier, and Charlotte County coastline-with more on the way, the tourism bureau is happy to report. In fact, this area may have more golf per capita than just about any other place in the country.

With golf notables such as Chi Chi Rodriguez, Ken Venturi, Nolan Henke, and Nancy Lopez known to be spending more and more time in Southwest Florida, you could be hobnobbing with the pros.

Touted as an environmental triumph, Beachview Golf Club's championship 18-hole course snakes along the scenic Sanibel River. It capitalizes on the natural beauty of the area, while at the same time using the site's magnificent features to create a golfing challenge. It's Sanibel Island's only public golf course and regularly attracts golfers from around the world. The first hole is a forgiving starting hole. The short par 4 puts the emphasis on your tee shot. The last hole is billed as "a demanding par 5 requiring precision all the way home." The clubhouse includes amenities such as a full-service restaurant serving lunch and dinner and a pro shop open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Tee-offs begin at 7:30 a.m., and tee times should be requested 24 hours in advance. Membership information can be obtained at the pro shop. Private and group lessons are available. Open 365 days a year, the club hosts men's, women's and homeowner leagues as well. Located at the corner of Periwinkle Way and Donax, with the clubhouse entrance off Middle Gulf Drive; 941/472-2626.

The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club boasts a semi-private championship 18-hole, par-70 course situated amidst 75 acres of links and 70 acres of lakes; the back nine is part of a wildlife preserve that golfers share with osprey, brown pelicans, blue herons, and an occasional alligator. Designed by touring PGA professional Mark McCumber, the Dunes golf course underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation in 1995, including a state-of-the-art clubhouse, pro shop, and restaurant. A variety of programs and clinics for all levels and skills includes adult golf clinics, twilight golf scrambles for ages 18 and up, junior golf clinics for ages 7-17 (June through mid-August) and 30- and 60-minute private golf lessons for all ages. The course offers two putting greens and an aqua driving range. Full memberships and summer memberships are available. Located at 949 Sandcastle Road, Sanibel; call 472-2535 for golf, 472-3355 for the clubhouse.

Captiva's 330-acre, tranquil island setting-South Seas Plantation-is home to a nine-hole, par-36 golf course that dramatically takes advantage of the Gulf of Mexico. Four fairways run along natural water hazards, providing a sparkling setting for memorable golf. The course is for members and guests of South Seas only, with occasional public play allowed during the summer. Former PGA player Jerry Heard has been the golf director at South Seas for 11 years; he and his staff offer clinics and private lessons. A driving range and putting green are available. For information in the U.S. and Canada, call 800/227-8482 or visit the World Wide Web at http://www.southseas.com.

The Sanctuary is a golf club community tucked amidst the pines and palms of Sanibel Island's "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Open to members and their guests only, the championship course (rated by Golf Digest among the top 10 new private courses in the country) is dotted with homes artfully placed among the lush fairways and impeccable greens. Amenities include an award-winning clubhouse and recreation center. Call 800/725-4222 for more information.

The clubhouse of the Gasparilla Golf Club on beautiful Gasparilla Island has been welcoming guests for more than 65 years. Open only to members and guests of the Gasparilla Inn, the 6,395-yard par-72 course is said to "test anyone's ability." It has a putting green, chipping practice area, and a driving range. The club pro can help you hone your game, and the pro shop has all the equipment you may need, from clubs to spikes. The clubhouse gazebo is the perfect place to watch other golfers tackle the courseand enjoy food and libations. Palm Avenue at 5th Street, P.O. Box 1088, Boca Grande, FL 33921; 941/964-2201.

A short trip off-island to one of the numerous golf courses designed by some of the country's top architects could be the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon. Call ahead; reservations, cart rules and greens fees vary and may change with the season.

Lexington Country Club, just minutes from Sanibel and Captiva Islands, boasts a Gordon G. Lewis 18-hole, 72-par golf course designed to enhance the natural beauty of the site, blending fairways and greens with natural vegetation and topography. Varied pin positions, multiple tee locations (five sets per hole) and creative use of sand and water traps make this course continually interesting and exciting to play. The pro shop and locker facilities are located in the clubhouse, which also offers formal and casual dining, meeting and banquet rooms, and lounge. Home ownership automatically makes you a member of the club. This semi-private course accepts requests for tee times 48 hours in advance, and lessons are available. The public is encouraged to play during the summer season. Located at Summerlin and Bass roads, Ft. Myers; 941/437-1442.

Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club features a par-72 layout originally designed by Ron Garl. The semi-private course, nestled next to the Caloosahatchee River in South Ft. Myers, stretches as long as 6,800 yards. Featuring four sets of tees, this magnificently manicured golf course provides enjoyment and a challenge to golfers of all skill levels. Professional PGA instruction, practice areas, and a fully stocked pro shop are available. Members may reserve tee times seven days in advance. The new 30,000-square-foot clubhouse features a waterfront restaurant. 15000 McGregor Blvd.; 941/433-4211.

-CBT