The outdoor patios at the Estero, Fla. club cover more than 11,000 sq. ft., seat more than 360 for dining and have hosted 500-plus for cocktail parties. 

Beautiful views of the golf course and Bocce courts, multiple seating options, and a relaxing atmosphere with fire pits and water fountains can be found on the patio areas at Shadow Wood Country Club in Estero, Fla.

These are among the reasons why the club received a top-level ranking in the 2023 Club + Resort Business Top Ranked Patios program.

“It’s extremely exciting to learn that the patio areas received a positive response in the judging process,” says Andy Scrivner, Assistant General Manager for Shadow Wood Country Club. “We are grateful to be included alongside other prestigious facilities. After the tremendous effort and work that went into designing, building, and operating these areas, it’s nice for our team to see the positive recognition.”

The outdoor patio cover more than 11,000 sq. ft., seats more than 360 for dining and has hosted 500-plus for cocktail parties. The club finished two patio projects in the summer of 2022: The Sunset Terrace patio was expanded and a new area called The Player’s Patio was constructed on the east side of the clubhouse. 

The expansion of the Sunset Terrace patio more than doubled the bar’s outdoor seating capacity and enlarged the covered area that overlooks the 18th hole and Bocce courts with 40 additional seats in the lounge area.

“The elevation [at Sunset Terrace] provides an overlook view to the par five 18th green on the South Course and its greenside lake,” says Scrivner. “It also provides a fantastic perspective looking down upon activity on the three Bocce courts.”

The Player’s Patio is next to the golf shop and locker rooms, and overlooks the club’s golf practice facilities. This new section is set up for gathering for drinks after a round of golf, and is also used for golf event scoring and private parties. It has seating for 120 people in both indoor and outdoor spaces, and offers two fire pits.

“Shadow Wood now serves as many meals outdoors as indoors seven nights per week and is the most popular venue at the club for members to get together,” says Danita Osborn, Director of Membership and Marketing.

The Sunset Terrace patio offers “colorful and warm” dusk and sunset views throughout the year, Scrivner says. 

Both Sunset Terrace and The Player’s Patio offer a variety of seating options such as traditional patio tables and chairs for dining, couches and soft-seating areas for dining and/or drinking, and plenty of bar stools for seating at the bar.

Each patio is laid out in a manner that encourages mingling and socializing.

“The layout…lends itself to groups of 10-15 members enjoying a space together, while also providing the opportunity to co-mingle amongst other groups,” Scrivner says. “Members may encounter 100-plus other members on any given night when they choose to mix and mingle.”

There are also multiple fire pits and water fountains on both patios that complement one another and add to a laid-back atmosphere. Scrivner adds that components such as shade sails, retractable sun/wind screens and larger covered awnings provide an ambiance. Members and guests stepping on to the patio will also find numerous televisions to watch sports and other special events.

All of these features of the patio settings reflect the club’s primary mission.

“The overriding mission is to provide casual spaces which don’t require reservations, allow for a variety of group sizes, and create a relaxed environment while fostering co- mingling amongst members,” Scrivner says.

He notes club members hail from many places around the country, and adds that the patio spots have been “thoughtfully designed and furnished to establish a tropical feel.”

In conjunction with the tropical theme, Scrivner says staff members wear casual, resort-style attire and are trained to “offer tropical, ‘South-Florida/Caribbean-style’ food and beverage choices.”

The club often schedules certain staff members to work on the patio areas in an effort to provide familiarity and promote an “interactive, casual connection” between employees and members, Scrivner says.