Golf community makes significant progress of $14.2 million Clubhouse enhancement
Countryside Golf & Country Club is nearing another milestone as it begins foundation work of its self-described “Countryside 2.0” project, a comprehensive renovation that expands dining, social and recreation amenities while modernizing the community’s popular Clubhouse.
“The dynamics of our community are evolving,” said Joe Smith, Countryside’s general manager and chief operating officer. “We are no longer a golf centric community. While golf is still an important and key amenity, our residents today are active and vibrant, and they appreciate living in an amenity-rich community with a vacation vibe, right from the comfort of their own home.”
Elevating the culinary experience is an emphasis of Countryside 2.0, which nearly doubles seating capacity at the Clubhouse with the creation of a third dining option and an expanded central kitchen:
- Outdoor Pool Café & Bar: A new culinary destination will overlook the pool and golf course, offering seating for 108 people. A “grab and go” option will allow golfers to pick up quick items and continue with their round.
- Lakeview Lounge: Expanded indoor and outdoor casual dining options will offer seating for 156 guests with a large oval bar as the focal point of the vaulted ceiling casual area.
- Main Dining Room and Four Seasons Room: Renovated fine dining spaces will expand indoor seating to 168 patrons.
Additional community enhancements include a redesigned Clubhouse lobby, relocated 36-seat multipurpose room, new parking areas and relocation of the physical therapy area for enhanced privacy. Lighted pickleball courts are scheduled to be added sometime in 2025 following the reopening of the Clubhouse.
The total estimated project cost is $14.2 million, and renovations are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025. Countryside is continuing to offer a full slate of social events and dining options in temporary facilities at the Clubhouse.
“Our residents and prospective buyers are looking for more than just a beautiful home with picturesque views and championship golf,” said Tony DiRado, president of the Countryside Master Association Board. “The community they choose becomes the place where they form a new social circle, pick up a new hobby and discover a new favorite entree. The new Countryside Golf & Country Club – Countryside 2.0 – will become the destination of choice for those who want to live like they vacation.”
Project partners include Humphrey Rosal Architects as the lead designer and Heatherwood Construction as the general contractor.
Countryside 2.0 follows a pair of major upgrades in recent years. The club spent $5.5 million renovating its 56-acre Arthur Hills-designed golf course, which included the addition of USGA greens and a new irrigation system. Countryside also invested more than $5 million in a new 6,000-square-foot wellness center, tennis and bocce complex.
“The 2.0 team is striving to achieve the program goals expressed by our members while keeping to the $14 million budget,” said Mike MacDonald, chair of the renovation committee. “Successfully communicating progress has meant articulating those priorities with a consistent voice. Look no further than our bi-weekly YouTube video updates, some of which are getting more than 1,000 views. The excitement is building, and Countryside will maintain its position as one of Naples’ premier bundled communities.”
