Collier County Commissioners unanimously approved Naples-based Arthrex’s proposal of a nine-hole golf course, driving range, restaurant and First Tee facility as part of plans to redevelop Golden Gate Golf Course during a Dec. 12 meeting.
Arthrex Vice President of Operations David Bumpous presented to the board a vision for the public course, which is aimed to be accessible and affordable for all families. The course would operate as a nonprofit entity with special rates for county residents, children and veterans.
“Most people in Collier County would argue that we actually live in a sea of golf courses, and quite frankly if you were to look at an aerial map, I think most people can make that case. But I would turn that around and say I believe it’s more of a desert. It’s a desert of affordable, accessible courses for the public,” Bumpous said.
“And while there are nearly 90 golf courses in this county, very few of them are truly accessible. And of those that are, they’re generally associated with some type of resort, meaning the fees are in the hundreds and hundreds of dollars each year, simply out of touch for most Collier County citizens to play golf and have a practice facility.”
The project will sit on 115 acres north of a planned 25-acre affordable housing property and south of a planned state veterans nursing home. The course will be designed by Jacobsen Hardy Golf Course Design, led by seven-time PGA Tour tournament winner Peter Jacobsen. His design team has constructed more than 10 courses in the U.S., including Hammock Bay just north of Marco Island.
Matthew Kragh, founder of Naples-based MHK Architecture, is also behind the planning and design of the project. He presented more details about 18,000 square feet of amenities situated in a campus-style setting.
There will be a practice facility providing short range and putting opportunities, along with a driving range, a 150-seat restaurant and space leased to nonprofit youth program The First Tee—Naples/Collier to build its headquarters. The First Tee facility will have an indoor putting space, covered hitting bays and indoor virtual golf simulations. Adjacent to the veterans nursing home will be a hitting bay for veterans use.
The entire project is estimated to cost about $23 million in the initial development phase, which includes what First Tee would be responsible for to build its facility.
DeAngelis Diamond construction management company also committed to helping with the project.
Jacobsen spoke on his excitement for the project, particularly in having a First Tee facility on-site.
“I started playing the game when I was 10 years old. I started as a caddy, and then I’ve been in the game ever since. And I find it to be one of the most important mentorships in society,” Jacobsen said.
County Commissioner Burt Saunders said the course design is in good hands with Jacobsen’s expertise, along with the commitment of MHK and Arthrex.
County staff will proceed with an invitation to negotiate for other developers to show interest in the project within the next 45 days. If no other groups propose a design, the county will move forward with Arthrex’s design.
