Golf reciprocity - heaven wedged between May and October
ANDY HALL Special to Florida Weekly

There are few places on earth where spring emerges and the herd thins, but Southwest Florida is just such a place for the year-round golfer seeking coveted access to where the grass is greener - or at least new and unfamiliar.

Next week heralds the beginning of golf reciprocal season in this region, running from May 1 to October 31 for an estimated 50,000 duffers who call Fort Myers and the surrounding area their only home. This "offseason" provides members of over 150 clubs and courses along with holders of various purchased passes the opportunity to play some of the finest fairways and greens in the land.

Often credited with inventing the game of golf, the Scots may also have been the first to offer reciprocals based on availability alone. However, they pale compared to the horsetrading, back scratching, finagling negotiators regional golf pros and general managers become in the weeks before May.

"Most clubs manage reciprocal partners based on member desires," says Jason Miller, head pro at Copperleaf Golf Club in Bonita Springs. He said the first priority is to provide members with a nice selection of courses with similar amenities to the ones they've come to expect at their own club. This typically includes comparable course size and conditions, along with other services like fine dining.

PHOTO ANDY HALL John and Helga Reynolds putt out on a local.

The second priority for many clubs is to ensure a large number of potential participants from the same caliber clubs in the region. "This helps with the bottom line," says Miller, "but it's also a balancing act to some extent". Clubs also consider the number of reciprocal participants from other partners in previous years, while determining how many of their members play at other clubs," he said.

Additionally, geography often plays a part in club partners, as potential reciprocal participants may not want to travel too far.

Reciprocal lists range in size from just several partners among some upscale private communities, to lists with over 70 clubs and courses stretching across several counties. I enjoy having a variety of clubs available, and in fact routinely discover something fun, challenging and unique at each course in Southwest Florida.

The question many regional golfers have, especially those not currently a member of a club or course, is how to gain access to reciprocal golf courses? Several organizations offer limited play passes at selected clubs, one of the most popular being the ACE Group Classic's Ultimate Golf Experience book providing 72 rounds for cart fee at eight Bonita Bay courses. It's still available at some local golf stores for $100. Another hot seller is the American Lung Association's $15 Golf Privilege card offering access to over 50 courses at reduced fees in the area.

Additionally, the cost conscious duffer looking for access to a variety of courses may consider joining a club as an associate member. Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Fort Myers offers single memberships for $1349 per year and $2099 for couples, which includes reciprocal golf at over 40 courses in the area. In addition, other clubs offer associate memberships and can be contacted at the list provided at http://www.floridaweekly. com/ regarding availability.

Seeking out reciprocal opportunities offering something new and fun, regardless of handicap or membership status, has become the passion of many in this region. We can count ourselves fortunate that the variety of courses and clubs in the area are substantial.

Click here to view a list of Southwest Florida Golf Courses.