The Naples, Fla. club marked the beginning of construction activity for the redesign and renovation of its 18-hole, Bill Amick-designed championship South golf course, with work likely to be completed by the end of December. Officials intend to begin renovations on the North course in spring 2024.

Vineyards Country Club in Naples, Fla. marked the beginning of construction activity for the redesign and renovation of its 18-hole, Bill Amick-designed championship South golf course. Club + Resort Business first reported on plans in November 2022.

The traditional-style course has served as a Champions Tour stop for five years, hosting The Aetna Challenge, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Challenge and The IntelliNet Challenge.

The renovation represents the first phase of a major transformation of Vineyards Country Club’s two 18-hole golf courses since their creation more than 30 years ago. Both the south and north courses will undergo full-service redesign, renovation and irrigation reconstruction.

“The improvements we are making to the golf courses will take Vineyards Country Club’s golfing experience to a new level,” said Vineyards Country Club, Chairman & Co-Owner Michael Procacci Jr. “Since 1988, the tradition of the club has been to provide an unparalleled experience to our members and to be a valued neighbor to all. We are committed to honoring our place in the community and the continued legacy of leadership that our members have always insisted upon.”

Plans include expanding the course’s yardage from the professional tees to enhance the layout to a championship level, as well as rebuilding and enlarging the greens to help accommodate a range of pin locations. Fairways will also be recontoured to enhance playability, pace of play and challenging, yet will be enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. The finished courses will have several modern touches adding character, contour and elevation and giving members a unique golfing experience.

Procacci estimates the South Course renovations will take around nine months to complete, starting this month with work likely to be completed by the end of December. Officials intend to begin renovations on the North course in spring 2024. A complete renovation timeline, including course closing and reopening dates, is available on the club’s website.

The golf course renovations are the latest in a series of extensive, structural and aesthetic transformations and improvements undertaken to enhance the debt-free, Blue Zones-certified community’s amenities without assessing its 1,600 members.

Plant City-based QGS Development, in tandem with Kipp Schulties Golf Design, will serve as general contractor for the project.

“Our goal is to enhance course aesthetics, function and player enjoyment on both courses within the next few years,” said Procacci. “Both QGS Development and Kipp Schulties bring a wealth of expertise, in keeping with our tradition of member satisfaction, to re-imagine our two courses and increase their recreational playability.”

QGS Development was the recipient of the Best Large Builder, and Best Small Builder awards from Golf Course News Magazine. QGS is a member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America, Florida Turf Grass Association, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Suncoast Underground Contractor’s Association, National Underground Contractor’s Association and the Tampa Bay Business Association. The company’s notable complete renovation projects include Admirals Cove in Jupiter, Fla. and Adios Golf Club in Coconut Creek, Fla.

Procacci added, “Since 1988, Vineyards Country Club has offered an unparalleled golf and club experience to our members, and we have strived to be a valued neighbor to all. The golf course transformations and other investments we are making will continue to elevate our membership experience to an entirely new level.”