The Project
Why now?
The First Tee – Naples/Collier Learning Center
In 2021, after years of searching for a “home-base” for the First Tee – Naples/Collier, the Collier County Commissioners approached Executive Director, Cindy Darland and the Board with an incredible opportunity. Collier County, BigShots Golf and Club Corp are collaborating to develop a public golf venue on the former site of the Golden Gate Country Club. It will combine a BigShots Driving Range venue, a 12-hole Nicklaus Design golf course and the First Tee – Naples/Collier Learning Center. As Golden Gate CC was First Tee – Naples/Collier’s primary HUB before it closed in
2019, Cindy and the Board knew it was the perfect location for First Tee – Naples/Collier’s permanent learning center. The Commissioners required BigShots to provide a long-term sub-lease on the land to First Tee – Naples/Collier at the cost of $1/year. This lease has been executed, architectural and design services have been donated, the Learning Center building has been designed and construction is scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2022. We have launched our Swing Fore the Future Capital Campaign to fund the project.
First Tee Learning Center Renderings
A glimpse into the building
Timeline
Timeline of milestones
Project Team
Meet the Team
MHK Architecture is an architecture firm who helps successful and visionary people build their dream home with a process that is more enjoyable than they ever thought it could be. From beautiful contemporary mountain style architecture to luxurious coastal and waterfront homes, our team has the capabilities to appeal to our clients’ individual design styles while blending the architecture with the beautiful topography of the regions they are looking to locate their home in.
Similarly, our commercial focus helps investors create special commercial spaces in the housing, hospitality, and high-end retail markets. We take a boutique approach to all our projects, translating our vast luxury residential experience into elevating our commercial work into truly human-centered design.
FIRST TEE LEADERSHIP
Michael Benson – Chairman
Paul Greenberg – Vice President
Dennis Nally – Treasurer
Terri Fisher – Secretary
Ann Bain
Sudhir Bajaj
Ann H. Benjamin
Morty Cohn
Nathan Gingrich
Dena Rae Hancock
David Legus
Bob Minyard
Danny Schmieding
John Tobe
Cindy Darland – Executive Director
C.R. Obetz – Project Consultant
You Can Make The Difference
To build the next generation of Naples/Collier community leaders, we are seeking support and advocacy from the Naples community, parents, businesses, and charitable organizations. Your tax-deductible contribution will ensure the timely completion of this much-needed resource for our young people. All gifts over $10,000 will be permanently recognized on a donor wall in the First Tee Naples/Collier Learning Center.
