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New Buildings Welcome

Club Pelican Bay Members

C lub Pelican Bay members made a bold decision. They 1980. The only building at the time was the cart barn, which also

housed a small pro shop and snack bar.
chose to tear down all existing buildings and create an
The clubhouse was built in three phases from 1980 to 1983. So, it
elegant, warm and timeless setting for themselves and
their guests to enjoy. has been almost 35 years since the buildings opened.
“Our buildings were all structurally sound, but we wanted to
THE NEED FOR CHANGE
refresh and enhance our ambiance and offerings,” says General
Manager Dave Mangan, who has been with Club Pelican Bay for 12
Club Pelican Bay members in 2015 participated in focus groups
years. “By starting from the ground up, we were able to implement
and a survey to assess their interests in making updates to the build-
a new vision and add amenities we hadn’t considered when the club
ings and enhancing the programs offered. Consultant Bill McMa-
initially opened.”
hon, chairman of McMahon Group, led the process and helped craft
the vision for the club’s future.
A BIT OF HISTORY While member satisfaction was extremely high, the results
Club Pelican Bay sits among the 2,104-acre Pelican Bay commu- indicated the desire to have a new design in the clubhouse interior,
nity. A championship golf course was part of the original plans as a additional outdoor seating and dining areas, and casual dining op-
centerpiece to help define the lifestyle envisioned for residents. tions. Based on member interests, a spa and fitness center was also
Construction of the community began in 1978. Shortly thereaf- perceived as a need.
ter, famed golf course architect Arthur Hills was hired. He utilized “Three-quarters of our members live in Pelican Bay or other
the natural landscape, including the lakes and ponds, and enhanced communities within close proximity six or more months of the year,
the setting with sculptured and contoured fairways, elevated tees and and we utilize Club Pelican Bay often,” says Fred Luconi, Construc-
other visually appealing elements for the 27 holes. tion Committee Chairman. “So, it was important for us to have the
Arthur Hills was among the first group to play a “test run” round right atmosphere and amenities.”
on December 28, 1979. The course officially opened on January 2, The members approved the $33 million project in order to

24 Life in Naples | November 2017