Chris Wilczynski, ASGCA, will design a new 18-hole course and develop a master plan for the Esplanade Golf & Country Club in Naples, Fla.
“Given that there’s only a handful of courses being built these days in the U.S., I feel privileged,” said Wilczynski.Wilczynski said the topography of the Esplanade site is typical of southwest Florida. Along the western and northern boundaries of the golf course is an environmental preservation area featuring specially designed birding zones. A wetland stream will border some residential areas and holes 2-to-5. “There are also a couple of wetlands pockets within the confines of the golf course and alongside residential areas, but they will not be integrated into the course or affect its playability,” Wilczynski said.
Esplanade is slated to open for play in early 2014. The course will max out at just less than 6,900 yards, Wilczynski said. The architect is a fan of short, risk-and-reward par fours, and players will encounter those at the 5th, 10th and 14th.