La Playa Golf Club is ready for it’s close up.
After a nearly $1 million face-lift that took six months, the course in North Naples is open for play with a redecorated clubhouse, restored putting surfaces and rebuilt greens, and spruced up landscaping. Since the course’s last major makeover was 14 years ago, it was long overdue, said club manager Alan Findlay.
On April 19, the club was closed down and TDI Golf was brought in to begin renovations. To start, the five-inch deep limestone gravel base was replaced with harder granite, which was then topped with 18 inches of sand. The 18-hole golf course was sprigged with Tif-Eagle grass on the greens and Tif-Grande on the collars. Tees got Celebration grass, while fairways were planted with 419 Bermuda. But the course’s refurbishment wasn’t just about maintenance. It also gave the designer a chance to upgrade many of its features.
Because today’s golfers tend to want challenging – but not frustrating – courses, some modifications were made to make them a little easier to play. In some cases, that involved adding more red tees (sometimes known as ladies’ tees) as well as pink tees, which are even closer for beginners.
Full golf and beach memberships currently are $80,000, fully refundable, with $10,530 annual dues, though the membership cost will go up to $95,000 with only 80 percent refundable, in January.
The club currently has 275 members, and is close to full membership limit of 300.
