Fiddlesticks Country Club in Fort Myers, FL

Pros

• The courses are always in good condition.
• The cabana bar across the street is great for after golf.
• The community is tight-knit and the members are great.
• Fiddlesticks is beautifully landscaped with two outstanding golf courses and an outstanding dining room.
• The staff is amazing, kind, helpful, attentive, and funny.
• The service and food are excellent.
• The property is beautiful with inviting surroundings and wonderful people.
• The course is very well kept and challenging.
• The clubhouse and facilities are beautifully designed and well maintained.
• The atmosphere is outstanding with extremely friendly staff and members.
• Mike, the director of golf, makes guests feel welcome and well cared for.
• The dining experiences are top-notch with great meals and service.

Cons

• The reviewer describes the culture as one of profound racism and bigotry, which they say ruins it for them.
• They note that MLK Day and Juneteenth are the only federal holidays residents are not allowed to celebrate.
• A resident recounts being awakened by loud banging on Juneteenth and being told to remove decorations, claiming residents are prohibited from recognizing the holiday.
• They remark, "If you like Jim Crow laws, you'll love Fiddlesticks," as a pointed negative assessment.
• One reviewer found the course in a dry, poor condition and expressed disappointment.
• They describe the cleaning staff as rude and the tennis shop staff as gossiping about other members in a way that felt rude.
• They state that the place is high-priced and the value is questionable.

Review

This community is best suited for golf-centric buyers who want a polished, upscale country club lifestyle and are prepared to invest in a membership that secures access to two highly regarded courses, strong dining, and a social scene built around shared interests. Fiddlesticks combines two well-regarded layouts - the Long and Mean and the Lochness - with meticulous landscaping, a robust staff, and an active, tight-knit membership where residents and guests mingle easily. If a premium golf experience paired with resort-like amenities and a lively social calendar appeals, this club delivers in spades. The cabana bar scene and the sense of belonging among many members further reinforce its appeal for those seeking a standalone, club-forward lifestyle.

That said, this is not a fit for everyone. Potential buyers who value inclusivity, affordability, or a more relaxed, less club-dominant environment may want to look elsewhere. Pricing is a reality to assess early, as several reviews flag the high cost and the value question that comes with it. Access to the golf courses often hinges on membership status, a factor that can constrain participation for prospective residents who want turnkey, all-ages urban-like access without a private-club commitment. For families or individuals who prize a broader, more egalitarian culture and lower financial barrier to entry, alternatives in the Fort Myers area may offer a more flexible fit.

The core positives are compelling and substantial. The golf is consistently described as well-maintained and challenging, with two courses that keep players interested and engaged. Landscaping is repeatedly praised, creating a park-like backdrop that elevates day-to-day life on campus. Dining experiences get frequent kudos, from breakfast service to dining rooms and specialty nights, underscoring a practical strength for residents who value high-quality meals without leaving the property. The staff across golf, dining, and the clubhouse are consistently praised for courtesy, attentiveness, and a willingness to go the extra mile, which helps the overall experience feel seamless and welcoming for most visitors and members.

However, concerns about the social climate and governance cannot be ignored. A prominent review accuses the club of a culture steeped in racism and bigotry, describing formal restrictions around recognizing certain federal holidays and a confrontational approach from security leadership. This is a serious offset to the otherwise premium package and can dominate the perception of the community for families who prioritize inclusivity and personal safety in daily life. In addition, there are reports of tense or heavy-handed moments - decor rules enforced at odd hours, and security behavior described as abrupt - which can erode trust and enjoyment for residents who crave a lighter, more relaxed environment. While many experiences are positive, these dissonant accounts are real signals about the social climate that must be weighed carefully.

Practical realities further color the decision. The overall impression is upscale and well-run, with clear strengths in golf, dining, and social opportunities that make it easy to picture a rewarding long-term home for a golf-committed household. Yet costs are nontrivial, and a premium to pay for the privilege of living on-site is a recurring theme in the reviews. Prospective residents should examine the exact membership model, guest access rules, and ongoing fees, ensuring alignment with personal budget and lifestyle expectations. If status, exclusivity, and a club-centric calendar are nonnegotiables, Fiddlesticks delivers with discipline; if flexibility, open-armed community culture, or financial practicality top the list, it's prudent to explore comparable communities where the balance between amenities and cost may be more favorable.

In the end, the decision rests on priorities. For those who place golf excellence, pristine grounds, and a refined dining and social environment at the forefront - and who can tolerate a club culture that may feel restrictive or unevenly welcoming - Fiddlesticks stands out as a strong, well-rounded choice. For families or individuals who demand inclusivity, transparent governance, and a more approachable price point, consider other upscale Fort Myers options that offer similar caliber courses without the same cultural qualifiers or cost barriers. A thorough visit, conversations with current members, and a clear-eyed audit of membership terms will reveal whether the pros truly offset the noted cons or whether a different path better matches expectations and budget.

This section of Fort Myers, Florida, offers convenient access to various amenities and services that may be of interest to seniors. With multiple pharmacies within a few miles, transportation options for running errands or traveling are readily available. There are also cafes and restaurants nearby for dining out or grabbing a quick bite to eat. Places of worship are within reach for spiritual needs, while physicians and hospitals in the vicinity provide healthcare support. Additionally, parks and theaters offer opportunities for leisure activities in the area. Overall, this part of Fort Myers presents a well-rounded community with essential resources that could cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Lee Pharmacy - Gulf Coast Medical Center (2.8 miles)
• Gulf Coast Medical Pharmacy (2.8 miles)

Transportation

• Fox Rent A Car Fort Myers (2 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (3.5 miles)
• Concourse D (3.5 miles)
• American Airlines Ticket Counter RSW (3.6 miles)
• Delta Air Lines (3.6 miles)
• Avis Rent A Car (3.6 miles)
• Security Checkpoint (3.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.7 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (2.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.3 miles)
• Cracker Barrel (2.3 miles)
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (2.4 miles)
• Pei Wei Asian Kitchen (2.5 miles)
• Twin Peaks (2.5 miles)
• Connors Steak & Seafood (2.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers (2.1 miles)
• Blessed Pope John the XXIII Catholic Church (2.4 miles)

Physicians

• Headache & Pain Management (2.6 miles)
• Vascular & General Sur Spec-Fl - Brian D Kurland MD (2.6 miles)
• Nagesh B Ravipati (2.6 miles)
• Millennium Physician Group: Kim Schurman, MD (2.7 miles)
• Lee Health Neurodiagnostics - Plantation Rd (2.8 miles)
• Millennium Physician Group (2.9 miles)
• Florida Skin Center (3 miles)

Parks

• RSW Aircraft Observation Area (3 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Belltower (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Gulf Coast Hospital (4.6 miles)