Widely recognized as golf’s greatest ambassador and statesman, Arnold Palmer recently celebrated his 80th birthday. Like the legend’s countless contributions to the game, many of the courses Palmer has designed around the world are timeless. You can find one of the King’s finest works, Wildcat
Run Golf Club, a Signature Palmer design, in Southwest Florida. The club, like its creator is a champion and has achieved great success in every endeavor it has pursued. Let’s take a closer look at Wildcat Run and “Experience the Pride,” as the club’s membership does every day.
THE COMMUNITY
At its core, Wildcat
Run Golf Club is a place where neighbors become lifelong friends and that has been the club’s philosophy from the very beginning.
Vern and Betty Landey, the first homeowners at Wildcat Run, purchased the community more than two decades ago. Long before the club’s beautiful clubhouse was constructed, the Landeys displayed the communal spirit now present at Wildcat Run by inviting members into their home, which served as a makeshift 19th hole. The couple was also gracious enough to host member functions.The Landeys, like the majority of residents and members of Wildcat Run, quickly fell in love with the cypress, the clear lakes, the wildlife and serenity and quiet the secluded location offers.
Set amidst unmatched beauty in its purest form, this 514-acre gated community exhibits a delicate balance of nature and luxury living. With world-class amenities including a modern fitness center, championship-caliber tennis courts, a spectacular clubhouse and the club’s centerpiece, an Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, Wildcat run is a visual treat that embraces the ambiance and style of a traditional country club.
In 2005, the club marked its 20th anniversary by completely revamping its facilities. The makeover provided members with new fitness, tennis, golf and clubhouse facilities.
Enhanced by lush landscaping, the wide-open streets throughout the Wildcat Run community are lined with elegant homes on exceptionally spacious home sites. There are a variety of homes designed to perfectly suit your lifestyle, from stylish carriage homes to elegant detached villas and custom estate homes crafted by the area’s most reputable homebuilders.
THE GOLF
The Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole championship course at Wildcat
Run Golf Club
offers members the variety, challenge and conditioning expected from an
upscale country club layout, yet the beauty of the course is its
playability and replay value.
A Southern golf reporter once called the golf course “benevolent and embracing from the whites and a wildcat from all the way back.”
It’s a true test in an exquisite setting, but makes every skill level feel at home. It no doubt matches up with Palmer’s personal viewpoint.
“A golf course must be built for all golfers and should be truly beautiful,” Palmer once stated. “There can be no gimmicks; every aspect of the course must serve the game in the purest form.”
Elements of the courses design include wide, gently rolling fairways and emerald greens. Each hole includes five sets of tees, and the course includes practice facilities with an unparalleled driving range, seven target greens, a practice bunker and large chipping and putting greens. The practice and instructional area frequently hosts clinics and is open for private lessons.
In the summer of 2008, the golf course was completely restored with fresh greens similar to the size they were when Mr. Palmer first designed them. In all, club members have invested more than $8 million on what is now their club.
Characterized by an impeccable balance of nature, this course offers players an exceptionally satisfying test of skill and is regarded as one of Florida’s finest courses.
THE PEOPLE
Wildcat Run Golf Club offers a variety of golf memberships, but current members say it would be more accurate to refer to them as “lifestyles.” And predictably, a Wildcat lifestyle is all about golf.
As it was when the Landeys invited fellow members into their home during the club’s early days, Wildcat Run is all about people; it’s about friends, neighbors and families who share golf as a common joy It’s not unusual to overhear friends discussing their handicaps or other golf-related matters, and that sense of community just comes naturally in an environment that centers on a shared passion.
The members at Wildcat Run expect, enjoy and preserve a lifestyle that truly appreciates nature, friendship and the game of ladies and gentlemen.
Golf Equity memberships at Wildcat Run are available to residents and nonresidents. Members are welcome to enjoy the challenge and playability of the newly-restored Palmer-designed golf course. In addition to unlimited play, this premier membership includes special golf events for members, as well as access to the fitness center and tennis courts, voting rights, social events, access to world-class food & beverage service and the clubhouse and advanced tee times.
For more information about memberships offered at Wildcat Run, please visit www.wildcatruncountryclub.com.
THE LOCATION
Situated cozily between Naples and Fort Meyers in Estero, Wildcat
Run Golf Club is a community convenient to the main attractions and areas of exploration in Southwest Florida without compromising privacy.
The club is just minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport, performing arts, kayaking, river fishing, horseback trail rides, beaches, historic sites, libraries, health care and professional sports and event arenas.
Wildcat Run is also perfectly located only minutes from mall and outlet shopping at the two newest, largest and nicest facilities. It’s also convenient to some of the best schools in the area including Florida Gulf Coast University.
To “Experience the Pride” for yourself, call (239) 947-6066 to make an appointment to visit the club. For additional information on Wildcat Run, visit the club’s Web site at www.wildcatruncountryclub.com.