Barefoot Resort (Fazio)

The Barefoot Resort has established itself among the leaders in a region crowded with public golf options, and its collection of four courses — crafted by modern architecture standouts and former PGA professionals — are at the base of that success. Tom Fazio was not the first architect to work at Barefoot but his renown made him an obvious candidate to contribute a course.

The layout takes a more traditional approach to golf, in that players will not be returning to the clubhouse. It is less traditional in that some distance must be covered between holes, including lengthy bridges across native marsh.

The course is not designed to be a bruiser, with the maximum distance coming out to 6,900 yards, and players of every distance will find an opportunity to consider between risks and rewards. No. 13 will provide a distinct treat, as Fazio created two different greens. Those there on a more daring day will be forced to carry a pond on the way to the green, whereas a safer option sits to the right.

Although it has close competition from the Dye, Love and Norman courses, Fazio may stand atop the list at Barefoot Resort.