A major renovation project at the Bobcat course at The Forest Country Club in Fort Myers, Florida, is underway.

GCA spoke to Matt Gaudet, the club’s director of Golf Course Maintenance, about the project.

“The two main goals are to improve the aesthetics and playability by improving playing surfaces, drainage, landscaping and hardscapes and to improve sustainability through a reduction in water usage and more efficiently managing reclaimed water,” Gaudet explained.  

Gordon Lewis was the original architect of both courses at The Forest – the Bobcat Course and the Bear Course – both of which were built in 1979. The architect has returned to the club to lead the renovations to the Bobcat Course.

“These courses were the second and third designs of Lewis’s storied career that now includes more than 50 courses,” Gaudet said. “He has been hired by The Forest to put a fresh update on the Bobcat course 35 years after its original construction.”

The project includes the introduction of new USGA-standard greens that feature TifEagle grass. The green complexes have been redeveloped and bunkers have been reconstructed across the course. 

New tees have been introduced and substantially increased in size. The fairways and tees have also been regrassed with Celebration bermudagrass.

A new Toro Golf Decoder Control system has also been introduced, as have two new WaterTronics pump stations. 

New cart paths have been developed, while four bridges have also been introduced.

Gaudet added: “The end result of this improvement project will ensure The Forest remains among Fort Myers finest golf properties with both the Bear and Bobcat courses being renovated within the past five years.”