Bonita Springs Golf Course property

     The Bonita Springs Golf Course has been closed for some time and is available.  The neighbors would rather it be a golf course again before it's developed with more empty homes. 
     As a PGA Member Golf Professional I have an idea for a facility that would satisfy many factions by utilizing this land and most importantly provide a facility that is conducive to learning the game and living a healthier lifestyle. 
     Presently golf programs are not bringing new people into the game and as those who currently play get older there will be fewer players each year.  Why aren't we bringing new players to this game?  There are four components to why golf has slowed down which have only been exacerbated by the slow down in the economy: 1)  golf is still perceived as an elitist sport; 2) it takes too long; 3) it is too expensive and 4) it's hard to play.  Too many simply don't have a "training ground" for the real game and never join in. Others get early instruction and then their experience at the full scale golf course is so uninspiring that they soon quit.  
     Solution:   An extensive practice/learning facility that will bring new players to the game as well as provide a place for all golfers to enjoy the experience of golf.  The facility would primarily cater to new and newer golfers as well as to those in the twilight of their golfing careers.  The facility would not be exclusive to this audience but play to their favor with shorter holes and larger targets - both greens and holes.
     Amenities: A practice/learning facility complete with an extensive practice range with multiple tees and various and different types of targets which would bring an entertaining element to practice or just hitting balls; a large practice green; and a large chipping green.  A twelve hole golf course with two six-hole loops.  The course would be short and conducive to the beginner (youth or adult) or aged golfer.  Consider WIDE fairways, the ability to run the ball up on greens, limited water hazards, bunkers that aren't cavernous pits of despair, and over sized greens with two holes in each.  One of standard size (4.25") and another of 8".  Players can choose which hole is to their liking and pace of play would be improved.  Those new to the game would have a training ground to learn the game in a much less intimidating environment and ultimately "graduate" to the full scale golf course thus supplying new demand for the other courses in our area.
     The population continues to age in our area and a shorter golf course with larger holes provides a place for that occasional older golfer who still wants to enjoy the game they've played their entire lives.  Most courses in our area are not built for these players and we are finding them simply quitting the game all together.
     Coupled with this facility would be a fitness center geared towards heart health as well as golf-specific training.  Who wouldn't want to be healthier all around much less be better physically prepared to play this game better?  Programs will be developed to address children and adults.
     Add in a play ground (indoors or out) and/or a dog park to address all family members to be able to have activities to do while on the same grounds.  
     I am working on a pro-forma budget based on offering daily fees for range use and golf course fees as well as a "membership" that would provide discounted pricing on all fees vis a vis those who pay out of pocket for the incidental use of such a facility.  
     I'd like to learn what is on the minds of others in our golfing community as well as those in the Bonita Springs community.  What's on your mind?   Give me your input - good, bad or indifferent - and pass the word on to your neighbors about this blog! Be sure to leave me your email address so I can build a database for this project and keep people informed.
     Provide some constructive feedback!