$11.5 million renovation project wraps up at Bonita Bay Club

Bonita Bay Club’s “Vision 2013” is now reality, following two years of planning, closing the nearly 30-year old clubhouse for eight months and spending $11.5 million for a new look, a more functional layout and fresh amenities.

The most striking change was the conversion of the golf shop into a 4,700-square-foot, open-air bar and casual grill. The 55th Hole (Bonita Bay Club has five 18-hole courses) has glass walls that slide away and glass railings on the surrounding wraparound terrace to allow unobstructed views of the green practice range and Bonita Bay’s mature trees and colorful landscape. Stairs lead to an outdoor seating area with a 14-foot log fire pit.

The 55th Hole lounge also has a media wall with 18 LED panels that can work as one screen or four. Eight 60-inch television screens are suspended above the center bar.

The golf shop was relocated to the new 30,000-square-foot Golf Super Center, where rocking chairs overlook the driving range from the new building’s terrace. There is underground storage for 240 carts and 2,900 golf bags are organized inside. The shop has expanded inventory, a coffee bar and two televisions.

The clubhouse renovation involved numerous changes to make the space more functional and visually appealing, including an open-hearth pizza oven and custom-made banquettes that can be moved easily to make room for a dance floor. Behind the scenes, the kitchen was totally reconfigured, with better storage and an improved loading dock to increase efficiency and maximize space. The clubhouse’s octagonal, glass-walled ballroom, one of the largest spaces in the clubhouse, has a more elegant look that is more inviting to members.

Improvements extended beyond the clubhouse. The first of a three-phase golf course irrigation renovation provides the most efficient use of water and electricity with the most sophisticated technology in the industry. The asphalt cart paths on the Arthur Hills-designed Marsh golf course were replaced and upgraded with a combination of concrete and crushed coquina shells.

D. Garrett Construction of Naples was the contractor for the project, which is part of a multiyear capital improvements initiative. Members took ownership of Bonita Bay Club in the spring of 2010. Under the leadership of Dan Miles as general manager and COO, an expansive program to restore the club’s legendary amenities and service was launched.

To learn more about Bonita Bay Club, visit www.bonitabayclub.net. For information about membership opportunities, contact Dianne Rambo by calling 949-5036 or emailing DianneR@Bonita- BayClub.net.