Foxfire Country Club

As a kid growing up in a few of the northern states, I dreamed of retiring, moving to a golf community somewhere in the Sunshine State, playing golf, and living happily ever after! As I got older and moved through the workforce, that was the same dream shared by just about everyone I ever played golf with.

On a recent trip to the Naples area, I came across a community that more than fills the bill. The community is home to more than 900 residents and has a very robust calendar of social and recreational activities including tennis, bocce ball, and yoga. You can spend time in the fitness center or relax in one of the 19 community swimming pools. You can be a part of the social scene at trivia or karaoke night and enjoy theater trips and themed parties. Plus, you can enjoy both fine and casual dining on property. It's like living life on a permanent vacation. Oh, did I mention that there are 27 holes of Arthur Ross-designed golf?

The community I'm talking about is Foxfire, which is located just east of U.S. Highway 41 in Naples and is bordered by Radio Road to the north and Davis Road to the south, with easy access to both downtown Naples and I-75. The beautiful Gulf Beaches are a mere 10 minutes away and shopping is within walking distance.

History of Foxfire Golf & Country Club

In March 1982, U.S. Homes announced plans to build a "Planned Community with Country-Club Living." The development was to be located north of Davis Boulevard on 320 acres in an area formerly known as King's Lake North. U.S. Homes commissioned Arthur Hills to design a golf course around a Florida-shaped lake, which would become his trademark.

Seventeen months later it was plain to see that this new community - dubbed Foxfire - was starting to take shape. Roadways were being laid out and the outline of the golf course could be seen. Home lots had been subdivided and construction had begun. The first residence was sold in January 1984 and by June, home sales had far exceeded expectations. A year later, the golf course opened for play. By 1987, all 925 units (condominiums, verandas, villas, and single-family homes) at Foxfire had been sold, two years ahead of schedule. This was a new record for selling out a development in Florida.

Foxfire's early popularity can be chalked up to two things: an equity membership in the country club was included in the price of each property, and the Arthur Hills golf course was the epitome of premium quality and high standards. That continues to this day.

Unfortunately, because of the high volume of golfers, tee times were hard to come by, upsetting many of the residents/members. A decision was made to bring Arthur Hills back to build another nine holes and in 1995, the new 9-hole layout opened with enough room left over for 6 more home lots.

Over the years, the golf course has undergone several renovations which has now morphed into the beautiful, well-conditioned course you find today. In 2003 all 27 greens were rebuilt to USGA specifications and completion of a new 20,000-square-foot clubhouse was completed in 2005. The second and final phase of the master-planned restoration project was completed in 2013 when all 27 greens were re-graded, and all bunkers were rebuilt. Tee boxes were touched up and new ones were added on all 27 holes and 12 holes received major fairway renovations.

Another ten-year rolling plan was recently completed. This renovation focused on landscaping improvements to the golf course and common areas and included a new irrigation system and golf carts.
Foxfire Golf & Country Club is a private club and the only way to join this private golf club is to buy a home. This gives you access to all of Foxfire's amenities with no initiation or membership fees due upon joining the club.

The Arthur Hills Golf Courses

The golf courses are very popular - to the tune of about 65,000 rounds each year. Having 27 holes is a real bonus because it is the same as having three championship 18-hole layouts in one location. You're not going to tire of playing the same 18 holes over and over again. Many of the members/residents are "snowbirds," so the course stays busy from January through April each year. Each course has five sets of tee boxes, so finding a suitable distance to play from is never a problem.

Each of the nine-hole courses is unique in its own right. The Red Course requires accuracy not only off the tee but on approach shots as well. Water comes into play on at least 7 holes. The water hazards and sand bunkers are strategically placed in landing areas and around the greens. The dogleg left, par 5, 3rd hole is the #1 handicap, with water down the entire left side. Playing your tee shot and layup shot down the right will take the water out of play and give you the best angle into the green, which is relatively flat.

The Blue Course is referred to by many members as "The Original Back Nine." It is best played with strategy and patience. Water comes into play on each of the nine holes with water surrounding or abutting at least 6 greens. Nowhere is this more prevalent than on the 7th hole, with three separate lakes that need to be navigated. It's a long par 5 that is (at least) a three-shot hole for most players. Favor the left side off the tee then play your layup shot between the other two lakes and leave yourself a short chip shot into an angled green with many subtle slopes. It's protected by a bunker on the left and water on the right. It's a fun and challenging hole that claims a lot of golf balls!

The Silver Course is carved from the native Florida vegetation in the area. Once again, water is the predominant variable, coming into play on 7 holes. The course is defined by the beautiful preserve areas which add definition to several holes. It is easily the most picturesque of all the layouts, but don't let that psyche you out. Case in point, the short, 322-yard par 4, 3rd hole, which is handicapped the toughest on this side. It offers different options off the tee; big hitters can try and go for the green, while the rest of us will lay up down the right side. This will leave a short iron or wedge into a slightly elevated green which slopes from back to front.

A gated golf community needs great practice facilities and Foxfire lives up to expectations. The Celebration Bermuda natural grass driving range has modern artificial tees and five target greens that simulate on-course scenarios. It's full-length, so you can hit every club in the bag. The range is conveniently located near the clubhouse, pro shop, and grille room patio and is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

In addition to a full-length driving range, there's a short-game area that features two putting greens and a separate pitching and chipping green. You'll also find a greenside practice bunker over at the pitching and chipping area. The practice greens are covered in Tif-Eagle Bermuda Grass which you'll be putting on during your round.

If you're heading to Florida and are ready to make a major life change, Foxfire Golf & Country Club in Naples is worth checking into. Visit them online at www.foxfirecc.com.