NAPLES — Arthrex, a global leader in minimally invasive surgical technology, research and medical education, proposed an unsolicited plan for consideration to the Collier County Board of Commissioners to create a community golf course in Golden Gate, to allow residents and their families to have access to an affordable place to golf and dine.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the proposal to move forward at Tuesday’s meeting. With the commissioners’ vote, Collier County staff will proceed with an Invitation to Negotiate to see if other development groups have an interest and, if not, will move forward with the Arthrex proposal.

The community golf course would include a 9-hole golf course, driving range, short game area, restaurant and learning center, developed at the site of the former Golden Gate Golf Course in an area that is currently lacking public golf access.

“As the largest private employer in Collier County, Arthrex is excited to submit this bid in hopes of providing the community access to a state-of-the-art facility and course where everyone can practice, play and enjoy the game of golf without joining a private golf club,” said Arthrex Vice President of Operations David Bumpous. “We saw a need for our community members to have more access to the game of golf, allowing them to spend time with their families and friends and enjoy this wonderful property. Arthrex is proud to invest in our community with this facility, which will also help support employee retention for all Southwest Florida employers.”

Plans for the community golf course, which would operate as a 501(c)(3) entity, include an area exclusively designed for veterans to practice, as well as special rates for Collier County residents, children and veterans to play golf.

In partnership with local non-profit organization First Tee Naples/Collier, Arthrex would create a learning center to serve children by exposing them to the game of golf, using the sport to develop their character and core values. First Tee Academy would offer advanced, interactive technology and learning classes, as well as a safe place for youth to practice.

“Our mission at First Tee is to impact the lives of young people by integrating the game of golf with a life-skills curriculum,” said First Tee Executive Director Cindy Darland. “First Tee Academy would allow us to finally have a home base for programming and expand our reach to help more children in Collier County.

The Arthrex proposal for the property at 4150 Golden Gate Parkway includes the following:
• A high quality 9-hole Peter Jacobsen-designed public golf course that highlights the existing Willow Oak tree landscape,
• Expansive driving range with separate hitting bays for adults, children and the residents of the veterans assisted-living home,

• A clubhouse with a restaurant open to the public,
• An indoor putting green and events lawn, and
• A First Tee learning center for golf and life-skill instruction.

About Arthrex
Arthrex, headquartered in Naples, Florida, is a global leader in multispecialty minimally invasive surgical technology, scientific research, manufacturing and medical education with more than 5,000 employees in Collier County. More than 40 years ago, Arthrex pioneered the field of arthroscopy and sports medicine and established its global headquarters in Naples in 1991 with 2 employees. Today, we develop more than 1,000 new products and related procedures annually to advance minimally invasive orthopedics, trauma, spine, cardiothoracic, orthobiologics and arthroplasty innovation worldwide. The company also specializes in the latest 4K multispecialty surgical visualization and OR integration technology and designing the ASC of the future. For more information, visit www.arthrex.com.