Sanibel Island embraces its wild side, with a focus on protecting and celebrating its natural assets. And that same kind of philosophy holds true at the Sanibel Island Golf Club. 

“What’s unique about this golf course is that golf takes a backseat to nature,” says owner and operator Drew Donnelly. “Golfers have told me that they can play other courses but choose Sanibel Island Golf Club because of the abundance of nature. It’s like golf almost becomes secondary.” 

Guests at the Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts enjoy access to this gorgeous, semi-private golf course smack-dab in the heart of Sanibel. A paradise inside of paradise, the course has undergone a transformation in the past few years in the areas of landscaping and irrigation, water offset efforts, and fertilizer usage. Course superintendent Chad Kithcart has also made changes in the tee layout and the function of the environmentally sensitive tract, adding more natural areas and acres of wildflowers. 

Donnelly is a fixture on-site at the family-owned and -operated course, working every day along with his wife, Mary. On holidays and weekends, there is also a good chance you’ll catch their sons manning the bag drop or raking bunkers on a SandPro. 

And if you’ve been to the Sanibel Island Golf Club before, don’t be surprised when they remember you. “Nothing makes me happier than seeing the look on a guest’s face when you greet them by name, knowing they haven’t been here in a year,” says Donnelly. 

The course’s lush landscaping and abundant wildlife ensure a captivating and challenging round. But the membership options are also attractive. Sanibel Island Golf Club offers various plans, from full-family to 30-day golf memberships. You can choose from annual or monthly options. “Our island visitors who stay for a few months are able to take advantage of the monthly membership to play often—and also to participate in club events,” says Donnelly. 

For golfers staying at the Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, the opportunity to tee up at the course is a definite perk. “We are proud that we partnered with the Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts to allow their guests to receive a 10 percent discount and a 50 percent discount off rental clubs,” says Donnelly. 

Customer service is always a priority at the club. “I think what makes Sanibel Island Golf Club so unique is our full-scale emphasis on customer service—on what the golfer and non-golfer experience here,” says Don-nelly. “When we have folks who visit the islands the same two weeks every year, it’s very refreshing to have our staff remember your name and your golf game. That makes us proud. Our goal was to have the guest become an extension of our family, and we have succeeded.” 

Freelance writer Beth Luberecki is a longtime contributor to TOTI Media. 

20% discount available for Active Military 

Year Opened: 1972  

(Formerly Beachview Golf Club) 

Designed by: Ray Fenton/Truman Wilson 

Holes: 18 

Par: 70 

Tee Marker Options:  

Blue 70, 6,321 yards, 70.1/133  

White 70, 5,818 yards, 67.6/115  

Gold 70, 5,150 yards, 64.3/115  

Red (W) 70, 4,586 yards, 62.1/110 

Amenities:  

Practice putting green, rental clubs, and carts