Public-access golf courses can be found around Naples in southwest Florida

NAPLES, Fla. -- For nine months of the year, the tamer side of south Florida is, well, downright sleepy. But from January through March, Naples and the rest of southwest Florida rocks and rolls to the drumbeat of thousands of snowbirds who seek out sun-splashed resorts for their second homes.

The golf courses and restaurants fill up fast in high season. Most of the Naples' courses are private or connected to a resort, but public golf is available on its outer fringes. The two prettiest and toughest courses are the TPC Treviso Bay in Naples and Old Corkscrew Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus course in Estero.

Local architect Gordon Lewis designed Arrowhead Golf Club in Naples, Stoneybrook Golf Course in Estero and Panther Run Golf Club farther out in Ave Maria.

Both TwinEagles and Bonita Bay East feature two strong courses that feel like private clubs. TwinEagles hosted the 2012 ACE Classic, a Champions Tour event, on its Talon Course. The newly redesigned Eagle Course will host the LPGA Tour's CME Group Titleholders for the first time in November, 2012.

The 36-hole Tiburon Golf Club (call ahead to check on availability) continues to host the Franklin Templeton Shootout, a silly season event featuring teams of tour pros every December.

Old Corkscrew G.C. in Estero - hole 2

The 221-yard second hole at Old Corkscrew Golf Club appears daunting from the tee.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

Stoneybrook Golf Course in Estero - hole 11

A golfer tees off on the 11th tee, the start of the Talon's Grip at Stoneybrook Golf Course.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

Arrowhead Golf Club in Naples - hole 3

Rocks and a water hazard pinch the approach to the third green at Arrowhead Golf Club.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

TPC Treviso Bay in Naples - hole 6

The par-4 sixth hole is scenic at TPC Treviso Bay.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

Spanish Wells Golf & Country Club - South nine - hole 7

This elevated green makes for an interesting par-3 seventh hole on the South nine at Spanish Wells Golf & Country Club.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

Lely Resort Golf & C.C. - clubhouse

The clubhouse at Lely Resort Golf & Country Club is host to two of the best courses in Naples, Fla.

Courtesy of Lely Resort Golf & C.C.

Panther Run Golf Club in Ave Maria - hole 7

The par-3 seventh hole at Panther Run Golf Club is a challenge.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

Tiburon Golf Club - Black Course - hole 9

The par-5 ninth hole on the Black Course at Tiburon Golf Club climaxes at a green perched across a water hazard.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

TwinEagles in Naples - Talon Course - hole 7

Here's a look at the seventh hole on the Talon Course at TwinEagles in Naples, Fla.

Katharine Dyson/TravelGolf

Bonita Bay East - Cypress Course - hole 9

Wild grasses add to the eco-friendly atmosphere on the Cypress and Sabal courses at Bonita Bay East.

Katharine Dyson/TravelGolf