
Naples Tees Up Transformative Public Golf Experience with The Gate Golf Club Set for 2026 Opening
The highly anticipated Gate Golf Club, poised to redefine public golf and recreation in Southwest Florida, is on track for a late spring 2026 opening. Rising from the grounds of the former Golden Gate Golf Course at Golden Gate Parkway and Collier Boulevard, this ambitious project promises a unique blend of accessible golf, state-of-the-art amenities, and a commitment to community enrichment.
More than just a golf course, The Gate is envisioned as a vibrant hub designed to serve as a non-profit, public destination for golfers of all ages and skill levels, with a particular focus on affordability for Collier County residents.
At the heart of The Gate will be its meticulously crafted 9-hole, par-35 golf course, a masterpiece from the renowned Jacobsen-Hardy Golf Course Design, led by PGA Tour legend Peter Jacobsen. The design promises a balance of challenge for seasoned players and playability for beginners, featuring TifEagle putting greens and Celebration Bermuda fairways for a premier experience.
Beyond the course, The Gate is set to boast an impressive array of public amenities:
Illuminated Driving Range: A cutting-edge, 30-bay covered and illuminated practice facility equipped with automatic ball machines and advanced game improvement technology, allowing for practice day or night, rain or shine.
Himalayas-Style Putting Green: An expansive, illuminated 18-hole putting course offering a fun and engaging practice environment for all.
Oakwood Grill: A 175-seat American-style restaurant, designed to be an affordable local dining option with an elevated atmosphere and stunning views of the course. The restaurant will feature a scratch kitchen committed to fresh, local ingredients.
The Village: This central area will include the Oakwood Grill, a full-service Pavilion Bar, a quick-service concessions venue called “The Gimme,” a golf shop, an activity lawn for family games, and event spaces for community gatherings.
A cornerstone of The Gate’s mission is its role as the new headquarters for First Tee – Naples/Collier. This state-of-the-art youth development campus will offer advanced, interactive technology, educational programs, and skill-building classes, utilizing the game of golf to instill important life skills, character, and values in young people. Special rates will be offered for county residents and juniors, ensuring the game is more accessible to the next generation.
Construction on the county-owned site has been progressing steadily since early 2025. General site preparation, removal of invasive vegetation, and demolition of old structures commenced in January. Golf course construction, including shaping and drainage, began in March, while “The Village” buildings, encompassing the covered hitting bays and restaurant, started construction in June.
The Gate Golf Club is a collaborative effort, driven by a dedicated group of Neapolitans and significantly supported by Arthrex founder Reinhold Schmieding. Numerous local companies have contributed their expertise, including MHK Architecture, DeAngelis Diamond for construction management, and Glase Golf, Inc. building the course. Bobby Jones Links will manage the daily operations, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience for all visitors.
As construction continues, The Gate Golf Club stands as a testament to a vision of accessible recreation and community engagement, promising to become a cherished landmark in the Naples landscape for years to come.