Naples, January 23 – Vineyards Country Club’s North Course in Naples has received national acclaim from Golf Digest, being highlighted as one of the country’s most significant recent redesigns. This prestigious recognition, announced on January 20, positions the course among an elite group of golf course transformations nationwide.
National Recognition for Vineyards North Course
Editors at Golf Digest evaluated over 350 renovated courses across the United States. From this extensive pool, fewer than 50 courses were selected for the ‘Best Transformation’ honor. This distinction is reserved for projects that go beyond traditional renovations, delivering a new architectural identity and an enhanced playing experience.
The North Course at Vineyards Country Club is the sole course in Southwest Florida to achieve this recognition. It joins only two other courses in Florida, located in Orlando and Tallahassee, in receiving this notable award.
A Comprehensive Redesign
The ‘Best Transformation’ honor follows the complete redesign of the championship 18-hole North Course. Renovations commenced in March 2024 and were successfully concluded in December. This marks the second major course transformation at Vineyards Country Club in as many years, following the South Course renovation completed in December 2023.
“This recognition supports our belief that great clubs never stand still,” stated Michael Procacci Jr., co-owner of Vineyards Country Club. “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.”
The renovation was guided by Billy Huskins, CGCS, Vineyards Country Club’s Director of Agronomy. Key areas of focus included:
- Enhancing playability, agronomic performance, and sustainability
- Preserving the spirit of the original design
Improvements implemented during the redesign encompass:
- Expanded yardage from the professional tees
- Newly contoured fairways
- Larger greens
- Integration of natural design elements such as stone cap walls, wood bridges, and native South Florida landscaping
The course was entirely 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 long-term durability. The drainage system, approved by Collier County, was specifically designed to enhance stormwater management for both the club and the surrounding areas.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Environmental considerations played a central role in the project. The redesign incorporated reduced maintained turf areas and lower water and chemical inputs, aligning with the club’s sustainability objectives. According to a press release from the club, the renovated course now features an “Old Florida” aesthetic, characterized by native palms, oaks, and ground plantings. This design not only complements the South Course but also offers a distinct playing experience.
This latest recognition from Golf Digest builds upon previous 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 (both public and 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 residents and non-residents for over 30 years. Family-owned since its establishment in 1988 by Michael J. Procacci and Joseph Procacci, the award-winning club has undergone three significant renovations, all completed without member assessments.
Members at Vineyards Country Club enjoy a wide array of amenities, including:
- 36 holes of award-winning golf courses
- A 15,000-square-foot Wellness Center & Spa with advanced fitness equipment, exclusive spa, and medspa services
- A premier Racquet Center offering tennis, pickleball, and bocce facilities
- Multiple dining venues, ranging from casual to elevated dining experiences
- Expansive event facilities
- One of Naples’ most active and engaging club social calendars
For those interested in membership or residential information, Vineyards Country Club can be contacted at vineyardscountryclubnaples.com or by calling 239-353-1500.
