Edison's Playground
In the 1920s, inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford made Fort Myers Country Club their winter golf hangout. Their presence turned 'The Fort' into a social hub and left an enduring mark on the club’s local lore.
The verdict
Classic Ross, now truly revived
Fort Myers Country Club delivers golden-age Donald Ross strategy with modern turf and renovated greens, all in a walkable, lively municipal setting. Local golfers enjoy a true slice of golf history—now updated for pace, fun, and challenge thanks to an ambitious, city-backed restoration.
Course DNA
Difficulty
68
Scenery63
Conditioning80
Shot Variety71
Walkability93
Green Complexity81
Wow Factor74
Design Quality79
At a glance
Quick facts
Locally known as
"The Fort"
Original architect
Donald Ross
Latest renovation
2025–2026, Smyers & Andrews
Famous frequent guests
Thomas Edison & Henry Ford
Green surfaces
Tifeagle bermudagrass
Fairway turf
Celebration bermudagrass
Neighborhood
McGregor Blvd, near downtown and Edison/Ford Estates
Course nickname
The Fort
The design
The architecture
Fort Myers Country Club is the golf equivalent of a living monument: a Donald Ross routing with deep local roots, now thoroughly revived for modern play. The recent renovations by Steve Smyers and Patrick Andrews retained the classic, walkable character while upgrading turf, green contours, drainage, and bunkering. The result is a course that feels both timeless and fresh—ground-game options remain, while crisp new Celebration fairways and Tifeagle greens challenge every approach, especially on the Ross-style complexes where angles matter and boldness risks a tough recovery.
Ross’s strategic vision is evident in every hole’s angles and green defenses, now updated with Smyers’ touch for the 21st century.
Defining features
- Exceptionally walkable, compact routing
- Restored/renovated Ross green complexes
- Rebuilt Celebration bermudagrass fairways
- Bunker upgrades for sharper visuals and play
- Smart drainage and water management improvements
- Subtle elevation changes and mature trees
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 2
Hole 2
PAR
4
YARDAGE
470 yds (Black tee)
A long, punishing early par 4 that demands a precise, confident tee shot to set up a fair approach. The fairway turns gently, side bunkers shaping the ideal angle, with Ross’s original 'placement over power' philosophy front and center.
Play it smart
Favor the left side for a better approach, but beware the deep right bunkers. Second shot must carry to a defended green.
Where it bites
Pushes right face tough up-and-downs, and any false-front miss can turn par into five quickly.
Course management
Shots to think about
Front nine approach to Ross green with open front
Run it up—use the ground contour and avoid challenging front bunkers long or in the air.
Long iron on No. 7, 220-yard par 3
Favor short and center, taking bunkers and difficult chip zones out of play.
Second shot on No. 8 par 5
Be honest—lay back if you’re unsure, or go for it only if you’re on the correct angle; better to have a wedge in hand than a tangled recovery.
Tee shot on No. 2, punishing par 4
Emphasize accuracy over length; a straight drive beats a hero’s slice and avoids a scramble from rough or sand.
Aggressive birdie look on 18
Attack only if the lie is perfect; anything offline brings trouble around a well-guarded green.
Putting on fast, new Tifeagle greens
Favor dying speed—these slick surfaces reward soft touch and punish the heavy hand.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Firm, fast-running new bermudagrass, renovated greens and bunkers—outstanding for a municipal track.
Pace
Quick rounds, with fast-moving regulars and efficient management—often faster than typical city courses.
Vibe
Friendly, proudly local, energized by history—not exclusive, just welcoming old-school golf.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Dial in your short game
The subtle Tifeagle greens demand deft pitches and a confident putting touch.
02
Embrace walking—it's worth it
Pack lightweight shoes and a carry bag; this is one of the best-walkable layouts in Florida.
03
Brush up on Ross angles
Study Donald Ross guiding principles—knowing where to miss and how to approach from the best side pays off here.
04
Book online ahead
Tee times are snapped up regularly, especially on weekends—plan a few days ahead for prime spots.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1916
Ground broken for Fort Myers Golf and Yacht Club
- 1917
Course opens as classic Donald Ross design
- 2014
Major restoration by Steve Smyers; first full modernization
- 2025
Comprehensive renovation by Steve Smyers & Patrick Andrews—lengthened, new turf, greens, bunkers
- 2026
Newly upgraded course reopens, maintaining Ross influences
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Ross’s Vision, Smyers’ Revival
Donald Ross chose the sand-and-pine site for both its beauty and its ability to allow affordable, creative design. Over 100 years later, Steve Smyers’ renovation honored that vision with new turf, strategic angles, and faster, subtler greens.
A Course Built by Hand
Fort Myers CC was literally carved from wild pine and palmetto with mules, wagons, and shovels; its first fairways laid the groundwork for a century of city golf. That DIY energy still pulses in its community feel.
Fast Greens, Fast Rounds
Known for its lively pace and player-friendly routing, 'The Fort' marries municipal speed with championship-style putting; the locals pride themselves on keeping play moving.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Once a winter haunt for Edison and Ford—history literally walks the fairways.
2
Known locally as 'The Fort,' symbolizing pride and tradition in Fort Myers.
3
Rebuilt with mules and shovels in 1917—this muni pre-dates most Florida development.
4
First major course-wide upgrade in over a century happened in 2025–2026.
5
Its routing is praised as a textbook example of elegant, walkable Donald Ross design.
Build the trip
If you’re making a Fort Myers golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Old Corkscrew Golf Club
Public
Jack Nicklaus design—true public championship test.
Eastwood Golf Course
Municipal
Value, accessibility, and a fun supplement to The Fort.
Raptor Bay Golf Club
Resort/public
Resort conditioning, eco-sensitive design—unique Southwest Florida feel.
Shell Point Golf Club
Resort/private community
Reliable conditioning and a scenic, playable experience.
Downtown Fort Myers or McGregor corridor for best access and dining
Course DNA
If You Like Fort Myers Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.8
The Loop at Augusta Municipal Golf Course
Augusta, GeorgiaWalkability
Why it matches: The Loop at Augusta Municipal Golf Course is a natural next stop after Fort Myers Country Club: it has a similarly satisfying rhythm on foot.
Strong DNA Match7.4
Losantiville Country Club
Cincinnati, OhioWalkability
Why it matches: If Fort Myers Country Club is your kind of course, Losantiville Country Club is worth a look because it moves through the round with the same walkable flow.
Very Similar DNA8.1
San Jose Country Club
Jacksonville, FloridaConditioning
Why it matches: San Jose Country Club is a natural next stop after Fort Myers Country Club: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Community Sentiment
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