Lakes & preserve Courses
NAPLES, Florida
Completed in: 1993 and 1995 (original)
Now developing a Program for Improvements for both courses in 2014
Description
One of SW Florida’s most luxurious golf communities is also home to two dramatic and beautiful championship golf courses. The Preserve course was designed by Arthur Hills and opened in 1992. In 1993, I paired with Arthur to produce two additional 9-hole layouts that would later comprise the Lakes Course.
Unlike the Preserve, the Lakes Course was very much out in the open – at the time of construction the site was no more than flat tomato fields, with no distinctive characteristics or definition at all. Our charge was to completely create interest and drama – a course that would provide not only a suitable partner to the existing course, but also a key amenity to the planned real estate component of the development.
Work on the site began quickly… while plans were still being produced. I recall attending a meeting in Naples with Art, where we reviewed the conceptual plans of the course with the owner/developer, Bob Hardy. Bob insisted that the detailed construction plans were needed right now! So, Art said, “Drew, I guess you will have to stay!” So I did. After confirming a number of additional details and design intent with Art, I proceeded spend the next 5-6 days producing grading plans in the sales center office. Once I finished a hole, I would make photocopies and then drive out to the site and review them with the earthwork contractor – and work would ensue – just like that.
As the work progressed, we made our site visits and further developed the design and planned the landscaping and other details. Today, our creation is completely mature – hardly a tomato field! It’s a beautiful enclave. The Preserve and Lakes Courses were split up in 2007 to host the ACE Group Classic Champions tour event.
The superintendent at Quail West is Mark Black, a fellow that I have a tremendous amount of respect for…. Mark has fostered the development of quite a number of top-notch superintendents in the SW Florida area, including the courses at Bonita Bay. He is, without question, one of the most knowledgeable superintendents anywhere in SW Florida.
Today I am delighted to be working with the Club to develop a Program for Improvements for both the Preserve and Lakes Courses. The planning work is on-going with anticipation of implementation over the next several years.
Pedigree
2007 Ace Group Classic, Champions Tour event