Not for public courses. There’s no surplus there, according to Jim Whedon, assistant golf pro at Cypress Woods Golf & Country Club. His course, which welcomes the public, has hundreds of in-season tee-time seekers, he states. Membership-only clubs in residential communities, however, are in a different fix. Either their total number of homes is too small to support their course, or the number of existing sold homes when the course opens—usually before most homes are even built—isn’t increasing as expected.

"In some communities, when there finally are enough homeowners to support the course, nonresident members are usually phased out," Whedon explains. "But with sales [having] slowed, new owners aren’t showing up and nonresident candidates are fewer."

So nonresident members, sometimes viewed as temporary financial necessities, have become hot properties. "We have a lot of competition," says Joan Bilson, membership director at Quail Creek Country Club. "Our 292 homes could never support our two 18-hole golf courses and clubhouse, so we’ve always had off-campus members." The numbers fluctuate, she says. "Some people took advantage of the hot market by cashing in and moving on. New golf club developments are vying for members, and we have to cope with a much more mobile population." Bilson claims course quality and club amenities are potent assets in the membership game.

Such sentiment resonates with Bill Berutti, general manager at Collier’s Reserve in north Naples. "With fewer newcomers to the area, great facilities and tee-time availability are a must," he says. "Older properties have to keep pace. We’ve just completed a $4.5 million renovation to our clubhouse complex."

Realtor Ken Buratti, of Prudential Florida WCI Realty, notes the bigger pitch to the pocketbook these days. "Private golf clubs are offering deals and payment terms that weren’t there three years ago," he says. Looks like nonresident golfers are now in the driver’s seat.

A screened terrace and open balcony complement Model 202’s three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath plan of 2,606 air-conditioned square feet. Equipped with passenger and service elevators, the unit’s generous sliding glass doors heighten the impact of the 247-acre community’s natural surroundings.

Robb & Stucky’s Kimberly Oxford composed a transitional classic interior in sunset colors for the seamless floor plan. A grand salon with a separate dining area leads to the family room. The opulent master suite has a sitting area, two walk-in closets and a master bath with jetted tub. The price, furnished, is $1,250,000.

Furnished by Crawford & Associates Interior Design of Naples, the 2,893 square feet of Residence 1706 includes a grand salon/dining room, family room, two bedrooms, den and three baths. The overall design is transitional leaning toward traditional, according to Patricia Crawford. Marble tile flows throughout the main living areas, and crown molding and dark wood accents supply added character. The sense of spaciousness gets a boost from mirrors behind the dining area, and original artworks heighten the sophisticated feel of the home. Crawford’s subtle combinations of moss green, taupe and cream create a light look and allow the view to be the centerpiece.

The master suite’s bay windows also showcase views, and the family room has a breakfast area enveloped by bay windows. The guest bedroom, finished in spa blue and off-white, serves as the home’s stylish beach retreat. The den has a coffered ceiling, and a closet was renovated to create a more private workspace. Residence 1706 is available for leaseback for $1.95 million.

To maximize the opportunities for outdoor living, the two floor plans, ranging from 2,539 to 2,917 square feet under air, include screened loggias accessed through eight-foot, tinted-glass sliding doors. The three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath, den/media room plan has a great room in its design. The master suite has its own private loggia, and the island kitchen includes a breakfast nook framed by bay windows. A den/media room with loggia and two guest suites complete the gracious, livable design.

The two-bedroom, three-bath plan provides loggia access from the great room, the owner’s suite, guest suite, den/media room and dining nook. And what’s cooking in the culinary center? The kitchen is equipped with a 36-inch gas cooktop, raised-panel wood cabinetry, crown molding and granite countertops.

In addition to two-space parking in an enclosed garage and storage units, Marquesa Royale residents will have a resort-style pool and spa with a covered pavilion, and access to Tiburón’s community amenities. The property includes 36 holes of championship golf, a 27,000-square-foot clubhouse, fitness center and the Rick Smith Golf Academy.