From designer Dr. Michael Hurdzan:

"Naples National was a hallmark project for Hurdzan/Fry, because it was our first course to make Golf Digest's list of America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses. This splendid course, always kept in meticulous condition, has allowed us to compete and land other top quality projects whose developers might not have considered us before. But what really makes Naples National so special, are the members who appreciate attention to detail and the staff who strive to deliver it. Starting at the front gate there is an aura of friendly and shared passion for golf that envelopes the entire property and golf experience.

It is nearly impossible to look at a picture of Naples National without seeing stacked coral rock, rock excavated from the site about four feet down. Almost all Florida golf courses bury the rock or treat it as fill. To make Naples National different, we left the rock exposed and used it in various ways. Coral rock lines the ponds, stone walls bisect and frame the holes like old farm fences do in New England and Europe, rock walls support the tee decks, and coral cairns and bronze plaques give information about each hole. Naples National was perhaps the first to use this architectural device of stone in South Florida, giving it a visual distinction that other clubs lack. The rock also adds a different textural and color quality than the green turf, brown pine straw and native sand scrub areas.

One environmental goal we had at Naples National was to limit the maintained and irrigated turf areas to the smallest acreage possible and still have a playable, fun golf course. There are about 50 acres of turf on the entire course, with the rest being sand scrub, yet the golf course plays fast and about the only lost balls are ones that go in the water. This golf course conserves water, fertilizer, pesticides and fossil fuels while still delivering immaculate playing conditions.

There are lots of fabulous golf holes at Naples National, holes wrapped around wetlands, cypress hammocks, and significant trees. Dana's bunkering emulates low, rolling sand dunes, and the green surrounds are tightly mown chipping areas similar to Pinehurst No. 2. That alone was enough to qualify it for Top 100 status. But the people who've been attracted to Naples National make it just as distinctive, guys like Fuzzy Zoeller, golf writers and raters, and many CEOs of multinational companies who love its low-key atmosphere. Naples National has already amassed a rich history of golf lore, and each successive generation of members seek to extend that legacy and preserve the stature of the club that attracted them to become part of it. These folks love to play golf, and especially at Naples National because it was designed to be both challenging and forgiving, demanding yet fair, and a place to enjoy the company of other golfers who care about the game. Naples National is one of our personal favorites." 

- Dr. Michael J. Hurdzan