First Tee – Naples/Collier Breaks Ground on New Youth Golf Academy

NAPLES, Fla. — With cheers, smiles, and the strike of ceremonial shovels, First Tee – Naples/Collier officially broke ground on its long-awaited Youth Golf Academy at The Gate Golf Club—a project set to reshape opportunities for young people across Collier County.

For more than 20 years, First Tee has helped kids learn the game of golf while instilling values like integrity, respect, and perseverance. Now, the organization is stepping into a new era with a state-of-the-art academy designed to double its reach and impact.

A Community Vision Realized

The development—made possible through a public-private partnership led by the Schmieding family of Arthrex—will include a nine-hole course, driving range, pro shop, putting green, and a 175-seat restaurant. At its heart, a dedicated First Tee learning center will provide classroom space for life-skills education alongside golf instruction.

“This is so much more than a golf facility,” said the organization’s director at the groundbreaking. “It’s a place where kids will build confidence, character, and lifelong values.”

Expanding Opportunities for Youth

Currently serving about 1,000 children, First Tee – Naples/Collier expects to double enrollment once the new academy opens. For the first time, programming will run year-round, ensuring kids can participate rain or shine.

Parents, volunteers, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the milestone, calling the project an investment in both the next generation and the broader Collier County community.

More Than a Golf Course

Beyond golf, the academy is envisioned as a community hub—a place for families to connect, friendships to grow, and young people to discover the resilience and perseverance that will carry them through life.

“This academy shows what’s possible when a community comes together,” said one supporter. “It’s a commitment to our kids and the values that make Collier County strong.”

As construction moves forward, excitement continues to build. With every swing of a hammer, First Tee – Naples/Collier edges closer to creating not just a golf academy, but a launchpad for life.