A project to redesign and renovation of the course at Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Naples, Florida, is nearing completion.

A collaboration between Nicklaus Design and Sanford Golf Design, the US$9 million project sees the reworking of the layout and addition of a new 300-yard practice and teaching range.

Work began back in April, and the course is on schedule to open and be fully operational on 17 November – almost a month ahead of schedule.

“The course has been redesigned to challenge the best players but also be enjoyable for all golfers,” said John Sanford. “The redesign takes advantage of the sandy soils so the course will play ‘firm and fast.’ The ball will roll out so tee shots will be longer and approaches are open to accept running shots to the greens. The greens are gently contoured to allow for multiple hole locations but have continuous movement that will challenge all skill levels. Many of the large trees were cleared to ‘open up’ the course and various types of palm trees have been planted to extend the beachfront character of the resort. We are very excited about the reopening of the course in November.”

The reworked course will have a par of 71 and will feature five tees per hole, giving it a total length of 4,800 yards to 6,900 yards.