Gate Golf Club transformation: Arthrex, First Tee outline plan for golf-learning center and community facilities

Developers for the former Golden Gate Golf Course told Collier County commissioners on Tuesday that demolition and reconstruction are underway on a phased project that will create a public Gate Golf Club anchored by a First Tee Naples Collier learning center.

Project leaders said the redevelopment is a comprehensive transformation of the site, not a simple renovation, and is scheduled for phased completion with a target opening in spring 2026.

David Bumpas, representing the Gate Golf organization and First Tee Naples Collier, described three overlapping project phases: demolition and reconstruction of maintenance facilities; redesign and construction of a new nine-hole course designed by golf course designer Peter Jacobson; and a village area with the First Tee learning center, offices and a 175-seat Oakwood Grill. "This is not a renovation of the old Golden Gate Golf Course. This is a transformation of the property from top to bottom," Bumpas told the commission.

The First Tee learning center will include technology-enabled training facilities intended to support more than 1,000 participants and roughly 30 in-school programs in Collier County, project representatives said. The overall plan includes a 30-bay covered driving range, a club house and a restaurant; the learning center will also provide office space for First Tee staff.

Project-presenters said work began on demolition and grounds facilities roughly two months earlier and that course work started this month. Contractors and consultants identified in the presentation include local firm MHK (architects), Glaze (course contractor), and national designer Jacobson Hardy. Presenters said more than 15 permits are required and that more than 30 consultants, contractors and suppliers are participating.

Bumpas said the team is using on-site grinding of removed cart path materials for foundation work and is transplanting some trees while removing others. He said the contractor Glaze of Bonita Springs is leading course construction. "We're on track for a spring opening of 2026," Bumpas said, adding the schedule depends on weather.

Commissioner Saunders, who requested the update, thanked the team and said the project reflects longstanding effort and county support. First Tee representative Cindy Darling said the organization expects to begin planning community events, including a "commissioner's cup" in May 2026 once the facility is operating.

Why it matters: County-owned property will be repurposed into a public golf venue with a youth learning center that project leaders say will expand access to golf and provide discounted programming for Collier County youth. Several county permits remain pending, and the presenters emphasized that state and regional agencies have been engaged in permitting discussions.

Next steps: Project leaders said the project's website (gategolf.org) will be updated regularly and that the development team will continue permitting work with county staff and state regulators.