With more than $40 million in updates during the past two years, including a completely renovated 27-hole golf course that reopened in the fall of 2019, Club Pelican Bay shines like the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico located less than a mile away. Nestled among the most prestigious residential area on the Paradise Coast of Florida, Club Pelican Bay serves as an oasis for nearby residents as well as members from throughout the world who have made Naples their home. The exclusive club closed the golf course in April 2019. Forse Design was selected for the major renovation of the Arthur Hills-designed golf course, which originally opened for play in 1980 and was last renovated in 1999 and 2000 by Arthur Hills and Associates. Most green complexes were completely redesigned to add variety and playability. Large chipping and collection areas were added around the green complexes, and the putting greens now have a wide variety of interesting but fair hole locations. Sand-flashed bunkers now capture the eye across long vistas throughout the golf course. High handicappers will enjoy the addition of a sixth set of tees, large landing areas, and a variety of shot options when approaching the green. Low handicappers will be challenged by a variety of shot options off the tee, as well as to the green. The overall length of the golf course increased to over 7,000 yards from the professional tees. As part of the updates, the entire golf course was regrassed. The USGA greens were planted with TifEagle ultra dwarf Bermuda grass, Bimini hybrid Bermuda grass was planted on fairways and roughs, and bahiagrass was added around the edges of the golf course to add contrast. A state-of-the-art irrigation system was installed, allowing for precision irrigation for the entire golf course. Asphalt cart paths were replaced by concrete at green and tee complexes, and soft Pave material was added along fairways and roughs. The timber retaining walls along the lake banks now feature environmentally friendly caprock walls, adding beauty and durability. A highlight in the club’s history, Club Pelican Bay was selected to host the Aetna Challenge, the first PGA Senior Tour held in Southwest Florida. The Aetna Challenge was played at the club in 1988, 1989 and 1990. Club Pelican Bay is also known for hosting its biennial Founders Fund Tournament, a highly successful philanthropic endeavor that provides financial assistance to young men and women from Collier County in their pursuit of post-high school education and training. The Club Pelican Bay golf course has been certified as anAudubon Cooperative Sanctuary since 2016 and boasts abundant wildlife, including many shorebird species. The recent golf course renovation follows the opening in 2017 of an all-new 50,000-square-foot, two-story clubhouse, a new 15,000-square-foot golf shop and locker rooms building, and the club’s first spa and fitness center. Wide plank European walnut flooring; textured wallcoverings; soft palettes of blues, grays, browns and greens; and vibrant artwork create an environment that is a nod to the beauty of Florida’s natural habitat and coastal waters. In addition to the golf membership, Club Pelican Bay offers a payment plan for prospective members under 60 years of age, summer membership and social memberships.The active club presents a robust variety of superlative dining experiences, live music events, croquet and bocce ball, card groups, extensive outdoor gathering areas with fire pits, and numerous other opportunities to enjoy family and friends, and to meet other members. GOLF COURSE RENOVATION CAPS MULTIMILLION DOLLAR UPDATES AT CLUB PELICAN BAY PLAY IN THE BAY Pelican Bay Member Guide 2023 84 PelicanBay.org
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