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The Hoffmann Family of Cos. is developing a new private golf course and club named Pandion Club near Estero.The club will be built on the site of the former Old Corkscrew Golf Club, which the family purchased in 2022.Internationally renowned architect Kyle Phillips will design the new course, inspired by English heathland-style architecture.The new golf club and course are projected to open by late 2027 with a membership cap of 280.
Plans are in play for a new golf course and club near Estero.
On Oct. 24, the Hoffmann Family of Cos. announced the name of the development and shared more information about their vision for the development, as well as revealing the likely timetable for its opening.
The name: Pandion Club. It’s based on the scientific classification for the osprey (Pandionidae). The large, brown-and-white raptor is commonly spotted in Florida. It’s often used as a symbol for wealth.
In August, the Hoffmanns announced they had partnered with internationally renowned architect Kyle Phillips to design and build the new golf course on the site of the former Old Corkscrew Golf Club.
Property records show the family acquired the semi-private, stand-alone club – at 17320 Corkscrew Road – for $14.5 million, including its 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, in April 2022. At the same time, the Hoffmanns bought the Cottages at Old Corkscrew Golf Club for $4.5 million, in a separate transaction, bringing their total investment to $19 million.
The residential and golf properties are on the south side of Corkscrew Road, sitting about seven miles east of Interstate 75.
The deal to purchase the property was announced in the fall of 2021, but it took time to finalize.
Based on early projections, the new golf club and course could be open by late 2027.
“We’re thrilled to introduce a golf-only private club to Southwest Florida, designed by one of the world’s premier architects, Kyle Phillips,” said Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of Hoffmann Family of Cos.’ private equity arm, in a statement. “Golf is a true passion for our family, and Pandion Club reflects that. Members can expect an unforgettable experience centered entirely around the game.”
The family’s private equity arm is known as Osprey Capital (drawing its name from the same bird, known for its power and prowess).
The design of the new course is inspired by the heathland style of architecture, drawing inspiration from the works of English golden age designers such as Harry Colt and Tom Simpson.
“We’re confident that Kyle Phillips is creating something truly special – an inspiring sanctuary that reflects the unique terrain of our region and elevates every aspect of the game,” said David Hoffmann, patriarch of the family and chairman of the Hoffmann Family of Cos., in a statement. “Our goal is to ignite passion in our members, who live and breathe golf, with every round played at Pandion.”
While it’s not finalized, the tentative layout is for a par 71, 7,220-yard course.
In a statement, Phillips said: “Our aspiration is to highlight the architectural mastery of Colt and Simpson, while utilizing the sand-based natural features of the land so that pure golf is on display. Our heathland-style design provides a chance to create something new and desirable for our discerning membership.”
Founded in 1997 and based in Granite Bay, California, Kyle Phillips Golf Course Design has earned international acclaim for both its original designs and restorations. His global portfolio includes world 100 courses such as Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, California Golf Club of San Francisco, South Cape Owners Club in Namae, South Korea; and Kingsbarns Golf Links in St. Andrews, Scotland. He’s also designed an array of top-level courses throughout Europe, as well as in Africa, Asia and Oceania.
The Hoffmanns envision a membership cap of 280 for the new club.
The clubhouse will have a low-country style house. There will be a large practice range, teaching and short-game areas, and putting greens.
The new offering will be “entirely separate” from the Hoffmanns’ other golf course and club in Southwest Florida, known as the Old Collier Golf Club. The family acquired that property in 2021, which is located in Naples.
Based in Naples, the Hoffmann Family of Cos. consists of more than 120 brands, with 17,000 employees across 400 locations in 30 countries. The family-owned firm is known for its continued growth, mostly through acquisitions, and expansions of its myriad brands.
The family has extensive real estate and business holdings in Southwest Florida, including the Hertz Arena in Estero.
