The Naples, Fla. property had over 1,500 trees come down after the hurricane hit in September, disrupting completion of the final stages of $2 million in golf course enhancements that were made over a three-year period. Even with the storm’s disruption, however, the club reports that it is still fielding strong interest from prospective property owners, members and renters.
Eagle Creek Golf & Country Club in Naples, Fla. reopened its golf course on November 20th, after scheduled summer renovations and Hurricane Irma damage delayed its original opening date.
“We started the summer in renovation mode, then a few months later we were in full recovery mode once Irma hit.” said Jimmy Alston, Eagle Creek Golf Course Superintendent.
With the eye of Irma over the golf course on September 10th, Eagle Creek was undergoing a major renovation project by notable Naples golf course architect Gordy Lewis. The course enhancement project started on May 15th with a projected opening date of mid-October.
“Then Irma hit, and we had over 1,500 trees down on the golf course, and opening was pushed back to November 15th.” stated Alston.
With Eagle Creek nestled within 300 wooded acres of cypress, pine and palm trees, there was no question as Hurricane Irma approach that the property would have damage—but just how extensive a hit it would take was unclear.
“We had a contractor, GDIC Inc., on site during the renovation, and with their expertise they immediately went from golf course construction to major disaster cleanup and recovery mode,” Alston said. “Because of their expertise, headed by project manager Dave Carter, we were able to recover faster than most courses to bring Eagle Creek back to top-level conditions.”
In addition to GDIC Inc., dedicated Eagle Creek staff members from other departments, including Food & Beverage joined in the disaster cleanup, making it a true team effort to get the course reopened. “In the worst of times, everyone came together to help on the course,” Alston said. “It is a true testament to the culture of being an Eagle Creek employee. Just looking at the greens and fairways now, you’d never know a high Category 3 storm came through.”
The renovations that were completed including planting multiple turfgrass species, installation of major drainage systems, renovation of bunkers and a focus on high-impact areas, with reshaping of landing areas on the fairways and approaches before the greens were done. Over 50 acres of rough were replaced, using Celebration grass, in addition to cart path work and pitched bunkers.
Eagle Creek has an established history and staying true to the original design of the course was of the utmost importance when integrating new design features through the renovation, Alston said.
“It was our goal when making the enhancements that we stayed true to Larry Packard’s original design,” he stated. “The gradual approach to the renovation process ensured that we kept the integrity and maturity of the original design.”
This summer’s completed renovation is in addition to gradual work done in 2015 and 2016, resulting in $2 million in course enhancements over a 3-year period.
And even with the disruption of the hurricane, there has already been strong response to the improvements, reported Eagle Creek’s Marketing Director, Laura Hill.
“For the national attention and destruction brought on by Irma, you would think interest in joining a private golf club would have slowed,” Hill said as the course reopened. “We are gearing into high season with three properties and one non-resident membership sold this month [November], and a waitlist of 22 renters for this season.
“What buyers and renters are seeing here has not stopped them from making financial decisions requiring them to commit months ahead for a rental,” Hill added. “In fact, they appreciate the unique atmosphere that Eagle Creek offers, along with Ken Venturi’s legacy and our famous four finishing holes. You can’t replicate our unique environment anywhere else.
“Recent demand is showing us that buyers and renters are embracing the design and beautification enhancements on the course.” Hill concluded.
Added Alston: “It’s been a summer we will never forget, but what is rewarding is finally hearing our members say how they can’t believe how good the course is looking and playing.”
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