RESORT
REVIEW
GreenLinks
offers
suites and concierge
service at Lely
Resort
By Cynthia Boal Janssens,
Staff Writer
NAPLES, Fla. (May 23, 2003) -- For the past 10 years, the 2,600-acre Lely Resort has been attracting golfers from all over Southwest Florida.
Its Flamingo Island course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1990, is already a classic in an area where new golf courses have been built at a staggering rate. And Lee Trevino's Mustang Course, opened in 1996, is also a popular play. Together, the pack a 1-2 wallop for any level of golfer. (There is also a third course, The Classic designed by Gary Player, but it is private.)
But
it has always
been difficult
to stay and
play at Lely,
as if you were
at a full-fledged
golf resort.
And it could
be tough to
get the good
tee times. Typically,
you would either
have to lease
a condo or house
at Lely and
play as a renter,
or you would
have to drive
in and pay a
hefty day rate.
(Many folks
on Marco Island
do just that.)
That has all changed now that the developer Terrabrook has opened GreenLinks Golf Resort. This all-suites resort is located next to the main golf clubhouse, itself an imposing Mediterranean-style building which opened in 2001. Together, GreenLinks and the Lely golf clubhouse offer a total resort experience, including concierge services.
I loved the entrance to GreenLinks: It is a putting green on which there are three golfers, cast in bronze. One is lining up his putt, one is tending the flag, the other is observing. It is especially riveting when lit at night. (Almost as pretty as the trademark bronze horses fountain which greets visitors at the main entrance to Lely off State Route 41).
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There are the usual resort amenities: A small clubhouse with a swimming pool, hot tub and fitness center and brand new tennis courts.
While you are certainly welcome to cook in your fully-equipped kitchen, many visitors take advantage of the Flamingo Island Grille Room, located in the golf club house, which is open for three meals, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What
is especially
nice about GreenLinks
is its concierge
program. When
you make your
reservations
you can also
lock in your
tee times which
will automatically
be billed to
your account.
You need only
take your yellow
receipt to the
starter and
you are on your
way.
"We do everything from make dinner reservations for restaurants in downtown Naples to setting up tee times on the beautiful courses that we sit on," explains Erik Swanson, guest services manager.
"Lely accepts tee times 60 days out, so when you make your reservation you tell us when you want to play. We put a tracer in your file and make your tee times as soon as those dates are available. We keep track of it instead of you having to do it."
GreenLinks is operated by Sunstream Resorts which is also building BellaSerra, another luxury resort in Naples which will late this year. Bella Serra will also offer concierge golf arrangements for the Lely courses.
Swanson
says that while
GreenLinks does
attract some
families, its
guests are mostly
golfers and
those wanting
a quiet getaway.
"There's not
a lot of activity.
Not a lots of
kids yelling
and jumping
about. It's
pretty quiet
and our guests
like it that
way."
Ladies will like it, too. Not only are the prices good, but the courses are extremely playable (I favor the Flamingo course, even though it was tougher) and Naples is just 10 minutes away. With all of its shopping, restaurants, art galleries and ambiance, Naples is a great place to dine and play.
GreenLinks' suites have already proven so popular that some visitors have stayed for two months during the season.
And, be careful, or you may be tempted to stay longer yourself by becoming an owner. The GreenLinks sales office (all units will eventually be individually owned) is right next to the tennis courts. You can't miss it.
Just the facts
GreenLinks
Golf Resort
7990 Mahogany
Run Lane
Naples, FL 34113
Phone:
(239) 732-5532
Fax:
(239) 732-5561
Toll-free:
(888) 992-2099
greenlinksnaples.com
glinfo@sunstream.com
Directions
From I-75, take exit 101 and go south on County Road 951 for five miles. Turn right on Grand Lely Boulevard. Turn left on Lely Resort Boulevard. Turn left at Greenlinks entrance.
GreenLinks introductory golf packages are extremely well-priced. They include suite accommodations, full breakfast, one round of golf per day, cart fees and a bucket of range balls. Based on a foursome, the rate for a two-bedroom suite is $88 per person (through May 31) and $70 per person (through Sept. 30). For a three-bedroom suite, the rate is $91 and $73.
Golf courses
Flamingo Island
and Mustang
8202 Lely Resort
Boulevard
Naples, Fla.
34113
(239) 793-2223
lely-resort.com
Course Ratings
Flamingo
Island:
Tips:
7,171 yards,
136/75.0
Back:
6,527 yards,
128/71.9
Middle:
6,018 yards,
123/69.8 (131/74.8
for women)
Forward:
5,377 yards,
123/71.4 Mustang:
Tips:
7,217 yards,
141/75.2
Back:
6,691 yards,
125, 72.5
Middle:
6,033 yards,
119/69.5 (130/74.8
for women)
Forward:
5,197 yards,
120/70.5 Mustang
-- Yardage:
7,217. Slope:
141. Rating:
75.2.
Flamingo
Island -- Yardage:
7,171. Slope:
136. Rating:
75.0.
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