There are places on Sanibel Island where you go to visit. And there are places where you belong.
The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club has been part of the fabric of this island for over thirty years. It is where mornings begin on the first tee, where afternoons unfold on the Har-Tru courts, where friendships form over lunch on the patio, and where sunsets are watched from the same chair, with the same view, season after season.
Membership at The Dunes is not simply access to a golf course. It is access to a way of life — one that brings together championship golf, world-class racquet sports, exceptional dining, and a community of people who have chosen this island and this club as their own.
The Course
The centerpiece of The Dunes is its 18-hole championship golf course, designed by 10-time PGA Tour winner Marc McCumber and set entirely within an Audubon-sanctioned wildlife preserve.
Water comes into play on 17 of the 18 holes. The fairways wind through native vegetation, lakes, and wetlands that are home to osprey, great blue herons, anhingas, alligators, and a remarkable diversity of birdlife. The course plays 5,606 yards from the championship tees at a par 70 with a slope rating of 129 — demanding enough to challenge accomplished players, yet approachable enough for golfers of all levels to enjoy.
For members, the course is available without greens fees. Advance tee time reservations extend to seven days, and the Aqua Driving Range is available daily for practice. Club rentals, professional instruction, and a fully equipped pro shop round out the golf experience.
What distinguishes The Dunes from other courses in the region is not simply the layout or the conditions — it is the setting. Playing golf inside a functioning wildlife preserve, surrounded by the natural beauty of Sanibel Island, is an experience that cannot be replicated at any other club in Southwest Florida.
The Courts
The Dunes maintains six Har-Tru clay tennis courts, all recently resurfaced, alongside four dedicated pickleball courts — the largest dedicated pickleball facility on the island.
Har-Tru is the surface of choice for discerning tennis players. It plays cooler than hard courts in the Florida climate, absorbs impact to reduce stress on the body, and produces the longer rallies and more strategic play that many members prefer. The courts are maintained to an exacting standard, and the playing experience reflects that care.
The tennis program operates through a partnership with the Blackwood Tennis Academy, offering daily adult clinics, private and semi-private instruction, junior development programs, and competitive league play. A Tennis Concierge is available to arrange matches and pair members with partners at their level — a service that is particularly valued by seasonal members who return each year and wish to resume play immediately upon arrival.
Pickleball programming includes daily open play, clinics for all skill levels, and private instruction. The sport has become one of the most popular activities at the club, drawing members and guests who appreciate its social nature and accessibility.
For members, court time is complimentary.
Dining
The Dunes clubhouse offers a dining experience that has quietly become one of the most sought-after on the island.
Lunch is served daily from 11am to 3pm, featuring a menu that rewards repeat visits — the signature steak sandwich with caramelized onions and gorgonzola fondue, coconut shrimp, pan-seared red grouper, and crab cakes among the most requested. The clubhouse bar and patio overlook the 18th fairway, the lakes, and a horizon framed by palm trees that, at sunset, produces one of the most beautiful dining views on Sanibel.
Cocktails and appetizers are available daily from 3 to 6pm, and the espresso martini has become something of a signature.
Edgar’s Steakhouse, located within the clubhouse, offers dinner nightly at 5pm with a menu built around premium steaks, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails — accompanied by live music and the same fairway views that define the lunch experience. Edgar’s is Sanibel Island’s only steakhouse, and for members, a 15 percent dining discount applies to all food and beverage purchases.
The dining program is open to the public, but for members, it becomes part of the daily rhythm — the place where a morning round naturally transitions into lunch, where happy hour gathers the same familiar faces, and where Friday evenings feel like an occasion.
The Pool and Sundeck
The Dunes pool and sundeck provide a quiet alternative to the public beaches — a place to cool down after a round, spend a languid afternoon reading, or simply enjoy the warmth of a Sanibel afternoon in a setting that feels private and well-maintained.
Pool access is included with membership, and the sundeck is designed for relaxation rather than activity. For families and couples, it offers a pace that complements the more active pursuits of the golf course and tennis courts.
Instruction
The instruction program at The Dunes is anchored by Nolan Henke, a three-time PGA Tour winner whose competitive career included victories at the Phoenix Open, the B.C. Open, and the BellSouth Classic, as well as top-ten finishes at The Masters and the PGA Championship.
Henke brings a depth of experience that is rare in club instruction. His teaching draws not only on technical expertise but on the judgment and perspective that come from competing at the highest level of professional golf. Private lessons, semi-private sessions, and group clinics are available, and members receive a 20 percent discount on all instruction.
The Blackwood Tennis Academy provides a comparable level of expertise on the courts, with certified professionals offering instruction that ranges from foundational technique to advanced match strategy.
The Community
What members describe most often when asked about The Dunes is not a specific amenity — it is the feeling of community.
This is a club where people know one another. Where foursomes form not from a booking system but from years of shared mornings on the course. Where tennis partners become dinner companions. Where the staff remembers your name, your preferred tee time, and the way you take your coffee.
The membership includes residents of Sanibel, seasonal visitors who return each year from across the country, and families from Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and the surrounding communities who have made The Dunes their home club. The result is a community that is both established and welcoming — one that values tradition without being closed to new members.
Social events, tournaments, mixers, and holiday gatherings provide a calendar of occasions that bring the membership together throughout the year. The Scott Adams Memorial Pickleball Classic, honoring a beloved late member, is among the events that reflect the depth of connection within the club.
What Membership Includes
Membership at The Dunes is offered in several categories to accommodate different interests and lifestyles:
Full Annual Membership provides complete access to the golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, swimming pool, dining discounts, advance booking privileges, and all member events and programs. Greens fees and court fees are complimentary.
Summer Membership is available from May 1 through September 30 and includes the full range of member benefits at a seasonal rate — an ideal option for year-round Southwest Florida residents who wish to enjoy the club during the quieter months.
Sports Membership provides access to the tennis and pickleball courts, pool, and dining at reduced rates for those whose primary interest is racquet sports.
All membership categories include a 15 percent discount on dining, 20 percent off instruction, 20 percent off golf and tennis apparel, and access to member events.
For current rates and availability, please contact Dana Swanson, Director of Membership Sales, at (239) 472-3355 or dswanson@sanibeldunesresort.com.
Becoming a Member
The process of joining The Dunes begins with a conversation. We invite prospective members to visit the club, play a round, experience the courts, dine at the clubhouse, and see the setting firsthand. Membership decisions are personal, and we believe the best way to understand what The Dunes offers is to spend time here.
To schedule a visit or request membership information, please contact:
Dana Swanson, Director of Membership Sales (239) 472-3355 dswanson@sanibeldunesresort.com
The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club 949 Sand Castle Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 sanibeldunesresort.com
Learn about membership | View the course | Explore dining
The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club has served the Sanibel Island community for over thirty years. The club features an 18-hole championship golf course inside an Audubon-sanctioned wildlife preserve, six Har-Tru tennis courts, four dedicated pickleball courts, a swimming pool and sundeck, and a full-service clubhouse with daily lunch, happy hour, and Edgar’s Steakhouse. Open to the public for daily play and dining. Membership inquiries are welcomed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of membership does The Dunes offer? The Dunes offers full annual membership, summer membership (May through September), and sports membership for racquet sports and pool access. Each category includes dining discounts, instruction discounts, and access to member events.
Is The Dunes a private club? The Dunes is a semi-private club. The golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, and dining are all open to the public. Membership provides additional benefits including complimentary greens fees, complimentary court time, advance booking privileges, and dining discounts.
How do I become a member? Contact Dana Swanson, Director of Membership Sales, at (239) 472-3355 or dswanson@sanibeldunesresort.com. We welcome prospective members to visit the club and experience the facilities before making a decision.
What is included with a full annual membership? Full annual membership includes no greens fees, complimentary court time on all tennis and pickleball courts, pool and sundeck access, 15 percent off dining, 20 percent off instruction, 20 percent off pro shop apparel, advance tee time booking, and access to all member events and programs.
Do members have priority for tee times? Yes. Members may book tee times up to seven days in advance, compared to five days for non-members.
Is Edgar’s Steakhouse included in the dining discount? Yes. The 15 percent member dining discount applies to all food and beverage purchases at both the clubhouse and Edgar’s Steakhouse.