The National at Ave Maria

With plenty of water, grass bunkers, sand bunkers and undulating greens that come into play, the golf course at The National Golf Club & Country Club at Ave Maria is both challenging and fun. Designed by golf course architect Gordon Lewis, who has crafted more than 80 courses in Southwest Florida, The National is a par-72 championship test that can play more than 7,300 yards from the back tees. There are, however, five sets of tees, starting at just more than 4,500 yards, which means it is playable by golfers of all ages and abilities. Except for the more forward tees, water does indeed come into play on most every hole on this well-groomed layout that opened in 2021. The course features a great dichotomy of holes. The par-3 13th is only 114 yards from the back tees, but the par-3 fifth is 242 yards, and the par-5 14th is two yards shy of 600. In addition to the course, The National at Ave Maria also offers an aqua driving range with floating targets, chipping area, and practice putting green. Inside the clubhouse is a well-stocked golf shop, offering a wide array of the best equipment and apparel in the industry.