Worthington Country Club
Talk about busy.
Worthington Country Club averages about 50,000 annual golf rounds, a testament to the quality, playability and sheer enjoyment of the 18-hole tract in Bonita Springs. A so-called “bundled community” shaped in 1991 that quickly blossomed and was turned over to its residents in 1994, Worthington has matured and allowed for reinvention during its moderate lifespan. It has also welcomed amateur and junior events at the course that can stretch over some 6,700 yards from the farthest tees. Worthington, PGA head professional Don Tracy says, “is a very nice golf course, a nice tract. Pin placement is the challenge.”
Play at Worthington is complemented by the obvious popularity of the housing options. By every account, Worthington housing has matured with the lush tropical landscaping and common area amenities. It’s close to major shopping, the airport, beaches and other Florida attractions. And there are dozens of activities outside golf; tennis, fitness, bocce, group and individual events, a pool and spa.
But the golf is immensely popular, Tracy says. Golf membership is part of the association fees upon locating to Worthington. Nearly 800 living units mean many players of varying skills making tee times, practicing, putting and altogether staying active in a sport that carries well into advanced age. Not everyone, of course, plays golf, but the 50,000 rounds attest to its status within Worthington.
Worthington holes are situated to accommodate players of every skill, meaning drive distance and shot accuracy are important, but there’s room for ball placement. The key is laying up on longer holes, confident that consistent and member-friendly greens will keep scores manageable. Still, distances and difficulty from the first couple of sets of tees are challenging, with many of the par 4 holes stretching close to 400 yards, the par 5 holes nicking 500 yards and the par 3 holes from 160 to 180 yards. Worthington’s final hole is regarded as its most appreciated; short and wide with a broad green screened by water and bunkers bermed in stone.
The term “member friendly” allows for distance accommodations off the tee, which can and should give golfers adequate challenges, yet provides confidence and enjoyment after a satisfying round. Summer reciprocal golf is allowed, Tracy says.
Worthington Country Club also offers one of those rare treats in life―a vibrant community, especially with second- and third-generation families coming aboard, Tracy says. “I have been in this business for nearly 30 years,” he says, “and the camaraderie is unbelievable. There’s the golf, of course. But there’s dinner and dancing. And the younger generations are playing golf. It’s really like a mini-resort.”