After the former Royal Tee Golf Club in Cape Coral was closed by the retiring owner in late 2017, the members of the Capel Royal homeowners association convinced the residents to raise $1.4 million to buy the club, even though 90% of them didn’t play golf.
“It was sort of a shock how the golf course closed,” said Edward Harrington, who was on the community Homeowners Association at the time. Ed and Donald Wegand, also a former Board member and President of the HOA, then sprung into action to acquire the course which was designed by Gordon Lewis in 1991. The two held meetings educating the residents about the pros and cons of a golf course closing down, convincing them that a developer could come in and put homes and condos down the fairways. Almost 98% of the homeowners have either a golf course or waterfront view, and the possibility of losing those open spaces led to the residents voting to purchase the property.
The purchase was complete and the association signed a 10 year lease with Green Golf Partners to run the golf club. Last week Troon bought Green Golf Partners and will continue to run the 27 hole public facility that has a revitalized life. The club’s website now touts “magnificent golf, fantastic food and championship service.” Club managers and operators from all over the country are contacting them to find out how they pulled it off.
“We came from a closed golf club that was degrading rapidly to one that’s become a viable product here in the local golfing arena,” says Wegand.
“The community was a major reason that the golf course has become a success.”
Go check out the Wood Storks, Ibis, Egrets and Herons on the fairways and preserves of the beautifully landscaped gated community. Considered one of the best kept secrets in the greater Ft. Myers area, Cape Royal Golf Club sits on 455 acres of pristine property and offers the feel of a protected enclave yet only minutes away from all that Southwest Florida has to offer.
Prepare yourself for an unparalleled golfing experience on the three distinctive nine-hole-layouts; King, Queen & Prince. The course is a real pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play with five sets of tees to make your round enjoyable. Test your game on our fast fairways, avoiding our water hazards and well placed bunkers. We have everything needed to challenge you and improve your game. Cape Royal is the only course in Lee County where you can surf the golf course on our motorized GolfBoards. Season Passholder deals for snowbirds or year round players are available.
The Caloosa Club is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with an affordable and varied menu, indoor or outdoor dining and great service. Call 239-283-5522 or visit CapeRoyalGolfClub.com for more information.
