Raptor Bay Golf Club
Southwest Florida’s challenge with no sand traps
Story by: Bill Hensley & Ed Stone
Photos by: Ed Stone
The Raptor Bay Golf Club in Bonita Springs, Florida, has been well received by the golfing public since it opened in 2001. Former PGA star Raymond Floyd was the designer, and the colorful pro created a scenic and challenging layout that will appeal to players of all skill levels.
First of all, he put in five sets of tees that range from 6702 yards from the tips to 5030 yards from the forward tees. In between, guests may choose from 6362, 5906 and 5445 yards for a round that will fit their handicap.
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There are no sand traps, but plenty of waste bunkers at Raptor Bay Golf Club
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Surprisingly, there isn’t a sand bunker on the course, but Floyd made good use of numerous well-located “waste bunkers” on each hole, which provides an interesting twist. Landing areas are fairly precise and greens provide undulations that require the golfer to have all parts of the game finely honed to enjoy a competitive score.
A 458-Coconut Point Hyatt Hotel is the centerpiece of the well-appointed Raptor Bay complex, along with three spacious Vacation Club condo buildings for renters. WCI Communities, Inc., in partnership with Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, not only enlisted the expertise of Floyd but was also part of making history as the first resort course in the World to receive Audubon International's Gold Signature Sanctuary Certification. This is a big deal for those golfers wanting to play environmentally friendly courses.
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Broad fairways and challenging greens
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Annually, some 35,000 rounds played on the southwest Florida resort course that may soon gain a third nine. Ed Weber, a Pennsylvania native who grew up in the Orlando area, serves as Golf Director. The affable and popular pro formerly was head golf professional at Pelican Sound Golf and River Club, just up the road from Raptor Bay.
For both the local residents and the seasonal visitor, the Eagle's Club allows golfers an opportunity to enjoy the amenities at Raptor Bay for a fraction of the everyday rate. Designed for the true golfer, The Eagle's Club at Raptor Bay provides access to a spectacular golf course at a cart-fee-only rate.
“We hope to add another nine holes soon,” he said, “in an on-going effort to improve our resort amenities. Raptor Bay has a spacious clubhouse with a bar and dining facilities along with a large practice area. Par is 71. The championship course has a 71.9 rating with a slope of 129.
Players will enjoy seeing a variety of wildlife on the picturesque course that range from alligators to eagles. The day we played this beautiful layout, there were two golden eagles flying above number 14 hole where they nest and call home. Quite beautiful but not distracting…nice touch to a wonderful day of playing golf at Raptor Bay.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Raptor Bay Golf Club
23001 Coconut Point Resort Drive
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Website: www.raptorbaygolfclub.com
Phone: 239-390-4600
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
5001 Coconut Road,
Bonita Springs, Florida, USA 34134
Website: http://coconutpoint.hyatt.com
Phone: 239-444-1234