History

Club Pelican Bay sits among the 2,104-acre premier luxury Pelican Bay community. A championship golf course was part of the original plans as a centerpiece to help define the lifestyle envisioned for residents.

The Pelican Bay Community

Pelican Bay began to take shape in 1972 when Coral Ridge Properties (a division of Westinghouse now known as WCI Communities) purchased more than 2,330 acres from local entrepreneur and landowner Barron Collier, for whom Collier County is named.

At the time, the county population was less than 50,000. (Today, it is almost 320,000.)

Many attribute the development of Pelican Bay -- with the nearby Ritz-Carlton, Artis-Naples and Waterside Shops -- as the impetus for making Naples the upscale destination it is today.

The developers made a progressive decision to embrace and protect the beachfront and mangrove environment. This prescient action ensured that the 6,500 homes are surrounded by 88 acres of parks.

Club Pelican Bay’s History

Construction of the Pelican Bay community began in 1978. Shortly thereafter, famed golf course architect Arthur Hills was hired to design the private golf course. He utilized the natural landscape, including the lakes and ponds, and enhanced the setting with sculptured and contoured fairways, elevated tees and other visually appealing elements for the 27 holes.

Arthur Hills was among the first group to play a “test run” round on December 28, 1979. The course officially opened on January 2, 1980. The only building at the time was the cart barn, which also housed a small pro shop and snack bar.

The original clubhouse was built in three phases from 1980 to 1983.

The Members purchased the club from WCI in 1992.

Club Pelican Bay Today

With 450 Golf Memberships and 350 Social Memberships, Club Pelican Bay is a vibrant and dynamic place.

And, in fall of 2017, it got even better.

Club Pelican Bay Members in 2015 made the bold decision to tear down all existing buildings and create an elegant, warm and timeless setting for themselves and their guests to enjoy.

The $33 million project includes a new 50,000-square-foot, two-story clubhouse, expanded outdoor seating overlooking the golf course, and the club’s first Spa & Fitness Center.

Another building housing the new Golf Shop and locker rooms opened in Summer 2018.

About the New Buildings

Peacock + Lewis Architects and Planners designed the interiors. Wide plank European walnut flooring, textured wallcoverings, soft palettes of blues, grays, browns and greens, and vibrant artwork create an environment that is a nod to the beauty of Florida’s natural habitat and coastal waters.

Highlights include an 8’ x 15’ custom chandelier in the open air cupola, a merlot-inspired Cambria bar top in The Oaks Room and Wine Bar, and a 116-inch chamcha wood table in the private Oaks dining room.

Club Pelican Bay added four outdoor fire pits and designed doors across the entire clubhouse back that open to exterior seating. The rules now allow denim to be worn in the Tavern and outside gathering areas.

There are two kitchens – one upstairs near the ballroom with built-in dance floor and private dining rooms, and one downstairs near the Tavern, The Oaks Room and private wine/dining room that features a custom chamcha table that seats 12. A sommelier was hired, and the menu now focuses on farm-to-table, local fresh ingredients.

The new Spa & Fitness Center features rooms with gym equipment, for classes such as Pilates and yoga, and to provide treatments such as facials and massages.

Our Journey Begins