You Can Do It! Learn to Play Like a Pro (Or At Least Aspire to It)

Jan 27, 2022 02:37PM ● By ANN MARIE O’PHELAN

Southwest Florida is an athlete’s paradise. There is no lack of activities to be enjoyed year-round here. Consider three of the area’s most popular activities—swimming, tennis, and golf—all of which you can improve by taking lessons.

 Since there is water nearly everywhere you look in the area, swimming is almost a required activity. “Lee County Parks and Recreation (LCPR) offers affordable swimming lessons for children and adults of all skill levels—at all of its community pools,” says aquatic supervisor Paul Rapp. Register at any of the community pools, which include Lehigh Acres, North Fort Myers, Pine Island, San Carlos, and Tice, or online at leeparks.org. Bonita Springs has its own community pool located at the Community Park. Though lessons are not offered there, the pool has eight lanes for lap swims, water aerobics, and open swim, so swimmers can brush up on their skills.

Tennis attracts thousands of players to the multitude of both private and public courts in Southwest Florida. Lee County Community Tennis Association (LCCTA) provides public tennis programs in partnership with Lee County Parks & Recreation. Certified tennis professionals are on hand at five of the largest hardcourt facilities, all with lights for night play. “LCCTA offers clinics and private lessons that are affordable and accessible for adults and children,” says executive director Lyn Bruner. Bonita Springs Community Park has two hardcourts with lighting for night play, and Estero Community Park has four tournament-quality volleyball courts. So, you can practice to perfection.

Of course, Southwest Florida is often labeled “Golf Capital of the World,” and it tries to live up to that title. In addition to the many country clubs dotting the area, the City of Fort Myers owns two professionally designed public 18-hole golf courses: Fort Myers Country Club and Eastwood Golf Course. Both offer lessons with certified PGA instructors. In Naples, Lely Resort and Tiburon Golf Club offer lessons to the public. 

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.