Naples, January 22, 2026 – Vineyards Country Club’s North Course in Naples has achieved national acclaim, securing the prestigious “Best Transformation” honor from Golf Digest. This recognition highlights the course as one of the country’s most significant recent redesigns, a testament to the club’s dedication to innovation and excellence in golf course architecture.
National Recognition for a Transformed Golf Experience
The announcement on January 20 confirmed that Vineyards Country Club’s newly renovated North Course was singled out by Golf Digest editors. Out of more than 350 renovated courses evaluated nationwide, fewer than 50 received the “Best Transformation” distinction. This honor is reserved for projects that go beyond traditional renovations, delivering a new architectural identity and an enhanced playing experience.
The North Course stands as the sole recipient of this distinction in Southwest Florida, joining only two other courses statewide, located in Orlando and Tallahassee. This achievement underscores the scale and quality of the redesign project undertaken by Vineyards Country Club.
A Comprehensive Redesign Focused on Playability and Sustainability
The “Best Transformation” honor follows the completion of a comprehensive redesign of the championship 18-hole North Course. Renovations commenced in March 2024 and concluded in December, marking the second major course transformation at Vineyards Country Club in as many years. The South Course also underwent a significant renovation, which was completed in December 2023.
Michael Procacci Jr., co-owner of Vineyards Country Club, emphasized the club’s vision: “This recognition supports our belief that great clubs never stand still. From the beginning, our vision has been to invest thoughtfully, innovate responsibly and continually improve the experience we offer our members. The North Course transformation represents our legacy commitment to creating premier amenities that honor the game, respect the land and serve our membership for generations to come.”
Under the guidance of Vineyards Country Club’s Director of Agronomy, Billy Huskins, CGCS, the renovation focused on several key areas:
- Enhancing playability, agronomic performance, and sustainability.
- Preserving the spirit of the original design.
Specific improvements implemented during the redesign include:
- Expanded yardage from the professional tees.
- Newly contoured fairways.
- Larger greens and the integration of natural design elements such as stone cap walls, wood bridges, and native South Florida landscaping.
The course was fully re-turfed with Bimini Bermudagrass on tees, fairways, and roughs, complemented by TifEagle greens. Bunkers were rebuilt using Par Angle White sand, and a new Toro irrigation system along with advanced drainage infrastructure were installed to improve water efficiency and ensure long-term durability. The drainage system, approved by Collier County, was also designed to enhance stormwater management for both the club and surrounding areas.
Environmental Considerations at the Core of the Project
Environmental sustainability played a central role in the redesign project. Efforts included reducing maintained turf areas and implementing lower water and chemical inputs, aligning with the club’s broader sustainability objectives. According to a press release from the club, the redesigned course now features an “Old Florida” aesthetic, incorporating native palms, oaks, and ground plantings. This not only enhances the natural beauty of the course but also complements the South Course while offering a distinct playing experience.
This Golf Digest recognition builds upon earlier national acclaim. In July 2024, Golf Inc. magazine also named the North Course among the nation’s best renovated courses, making it the only course in Southwest Florida (public or private) to receive that distinction.
About Vineyards Country Club
Vineyards Country Club is a private, non-equity golf and country club that has been welcoming both residents and non-residents for over 30 years. Family-owned since its founding in 1988 by Michael J. Procacci and Joseph Procacci, the award-winning club has undergone three major renovations, all completed without member assessments.
Members enjoy a wide array of amenities, including 36 holes of award-winning golf courses, a 15,000-square-foot Wellness Center & Spa equipped with advanced fitness equipment, exclusive spa and medspa services, and a premier Racquet Center featuring tennis, pickleball, and bocce. The club also offers multiple dining venues, ranging from casual to elevated dining experiences, expansive event facilities, and one of Naples’ most active and engaging club social calendars.
For membership or residential information, interested parties can visit vineyardscountryclubnaples.com or call 239-353-1500.
Source: https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/local/2026/01/22/are-there-any-public-golf-courses-in-naples-florida-private-vineyards-golf-digest-transformation/88271750007/
