Negotiations with nonprofit to redevelop, reopen Golden Gate golf course move ahead

Like a long putt to a hole, plans to redevelop and reopen the Golden Gate golf course are inching forward.

On Tuesday, Collier commissioners authorized county staff to begin contract negotiations with a newly formed charity that would design, build and operate the community project through a public-private partnership.

The nonprofit has been formed by the Schmieding family, behind the global medical device manufacturer Arthrex, based in North Naples.

The company pitched an unsolicited proposal to create a community golf course with a driving range and a restaurant at a commission meeting in mid-December, with involvement from First Tee. Afterward, commissioners directed county staff to issue what’s known as an invitation to negotiate, to see if other development groups had similar interest.

Ed Finn, an assistant county manager, told commissioners that two “responsive and responsible” proposals were received, and a selection committee chose the newly formed nonprofit, known as The Gate Golf Club Inc., as the top-ranked firm after hearing formal presentations.

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