Gordon Lewis has designed more golf courses in southwest Florida than any other golf course designer. The National Golf Course at Ave Maria being his last great design before his passing. Lewis designed many golf courses for Lennar (the home builder) golf course communities, including:
- Babcock Ranch
- Heritage Bay
- Naples Heritage
- Bonita National
- Cedar Hammock
- Forest Glen
The National has wide fairways and can have many shots over water depending on what tee boxes are played. Players are rewarded if the approach shot comes up short, but penalized with a more difficult shot if the ball rests over the green. The greens have very subtle undulations which rewards good putters.
The course is open to public play for now, as golf members are still being added, as home are built. When all homes are built, public play will no longer be available.
An indication of the National golf course's desirability is that the tee sheet is totally booked out each day.
