According to the Naples Daily News, as part of its substantial member approved and financed club renovation initiative that is now underway, Quail West Golf & Country Club is investing approximately $12 million to enhance the playability of its two award-winning championship golf courses that were originally designed by architect Arthur Hills more than two decades ago. The golf course renovation is one component of a member approved and financed initiative budget at approximately $30 million that reflects the community’s mission to be the premier private residential country club in Southwest Florida.
The club’s amenity enhancement initiative will further Quail West’s legacy for providing one of Southwest Florida’s finest golf experiences. While the original design and character of the community’s Preserve and Lakes curses will remain intact, the renovation initiative is focused on improving the playability of both courses for golfers of all skill levels. The renovations will address enhancements to the irrigation systems, green complexes, the adjacent bunker, fringe and grass areas, and the fairways. New irrigation technologies will be introduced to embrace best water conservation practices and to reduce overall operating costs.
The golf course enhancements will be overseen by J. Drew Rogers, a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects who is highly regarded for his ability to undertake golf course renovation projects. Rogers is familiar with Quail West’s golf courses, having worked directly with Arthur Hills to design two nine-hole layouts that would later comprise the Lakes Course.
Improvements to the Preserve course are underway and the course will remain closed a the renovations proceed. The Preserve course is expected to re-open by January, 2017. A similar schedule will be implemented for the Lakes Course with work beginning in Spring, 2017 and the course re-opening by January, 2018.
The Preserve Course is encircled by a large nature preserve and enhanced by a lush landscape and strategically placed water hazards. The Preserve Course plays to 6,841 yards from the back tees and takes the golfer on a journey through verdant woodland areas. The 7,041 yard Lakes Course offers wide open vistas across a system of shimmering lakes. The layout is fairly open and has a links quality to it, although there are numerous water hazards and marsh areas to negotiate.
In addition to the enhancements of the Preserve and Lakes courses’ irrigation systems and green complexes, the club renovation initiative includes improvements to the golf practice area that will be enlarged to provide increased preparation and instructional space. The enlarged practice area will further the members’ enjoyment of the club’s golf experience. At the same time, Phase II of the initiative to be undertaken and completed next year will include a new golf pro shop that will offer a wider array of golf equipment and apparel selections.
