'Unprecedented Opportunity' in Naples

Naples, Fla., one of the busiest areas during the golf course boom of the 1990s, became one of the hardest-hit areas during the current economic downturn. Naples golfers have a chance to benefit.

Four private golf course comminities in the Naples area -- Bonita Bay, Shadow Wood, Verandah and TwinEagles -- are offering a nonresident membership that allows a golfer to join one club and then enjoy reciprocal golf and dining privileges at the other three facilities. All together, the four clubs have a total of nine courses, including three designed by Bob Cupp, and two apeice from Tom Fazio, Gary Player and the team of Jack and Jackie Nicklaus.

Cost of the membership is $25,000.

"This is an unprecedented opportunity for people who love golf," Joey Garon, president of New Leaf Management, a subsidiary of Bonita Bay Group, which oversees all four facilities, told The News-Press of Fort Myers for this story.

-- G.R.