Tiburon Golf Club - Gold Course
Naples, Florida
Home of the PGA Tour's QBE Shootout at the Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburon Gold is a Greg Norman design that delivers championship resort golf in a tropical setting. The layout features wide fairways through native Florida vegetation with strategic water hazards and Norman's signature bold bunkering.
History & Heritage
Tiburon\'s Gold Course was designed by Greg Norman and opened in 2001 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples. "Tiburon" is Spanish for "shark" — Norman\'s nickname. The Gold Course hosted the QBE Shootout (formerly Shark Shootout) for over 30 consecutive years, founded by Norman in 1989.
The Gold is the longer and more demanding of Tiburon\'s two 18s (the Black Course is the other). The links-influenced layout relies on coquina-shell waste areas, water hazards, and large undulating greens rather than trees for its defense.
Signature Holes
One of the most demanding holes on the front — a long par 4 requiring precision off the tee and a well-struck approach. The open terrain and wind exposure make it play even longer than the yardage suggests.
What to Expect
Wide-open, links-influenced layout with minimal tree interference. Coquina-shell waste areas, water hazards, and large undulating greens define the challenge. Wind is a major factor on exposed holes.
Conditioning is resort-level excellent. Caddie service available. Resort guests at the Ritz-Carlton get priority tee times at $100-225.
The Gold plays longer than the card suggests due to constant wind exposure.
Playing Tips
Club selection into the wind is critical — the open terrain amplifies gusts by 1-2 clubs.
Waste areas are playable but unpredictable. Keep the ball on maintained turf.
Greens are large — being on the correct tier matters more than just finding the putting surface.
The finishing stretch (17-18) features water carries demanding composure under pressure.
Highlights
- ✓ Host of PGA Tour QBE Shootout
- ✓ Greg Norman design at Ritz-Carlton Naples
- ✓ Championship resort golf in tropical setting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the QBE Shootout?
Is it open to resort guests?
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