The Hoffmann Family of Companies is moving forward with plans to develop an exclusive, members-only golf club near Estero, with construction expected to begin this summer pending final approvals.
The new club — named Pandion Club — is slated to replace the former Old Corkscrew Golf Club off Corkscrew Road and is projected to open in fall 2027.
"Pending approval, we are targeting a Summer 2026 groundbreaking and a Fall 2027 opening," said Rachel Berkowitz, vice president of marketing and communications for the Hoffmann Family of Companies, via email.
The project still awaits approval of its development order from Lee County, along with a state environmental resource permit.
The Hoffmanns say the multimillion-dollar redevelopment will generate significant economic activity in Southwest Florida.
According to the company’s latest update: "At peak, hundreds of workers will be active on site. Once the club opens in late 2027, permanent roles in course management and hospitality will further support long-term operations and local employment."
“By engaging top-tier firms and supporting opportunities for local talent through development and operations, Pandion Club will deliver lasting economic benefits to the community," said Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of the Hoffmann Family of Companies’ private equity arm, in a statement.
The family’s private equity division operates under the name Osprey Capital.
Beyond direct construction employment, the project is expected to support local contractors, suppliers, hospitality vendors and service providers, reinforcing Estero’s growing reputation as a high-end golf and residential destination.
The reimagined course will feature a heathland-style design by internationally acclaimed architect Kyle Phillips.
Founded in 1997 and based in Granite Bay, California, his firm — Kyle Phillips Golf Course Design — has created and restored courses across the globe, including Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, California Golf Club of San Francisco, South Cape Owners Club in South Korea and Kingsbarns Golf Links in Scotland.
The Pandion layout will measure 7,220 yards and play to a par 71, drawing inspiration from English “golden age” designers such as Harry Colt and Tom Simpson. The goal, developers say, is to create a strategic, walkable course that blends into the region’s natural terrain.
"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 Companies, back in October. “Our goal is to ignite passion in our members, who live and breathe golf, with every round played at Pandion.”
The name “Pandion” references the scientific classification of the osprey (Pandionidae), a bird commonly seen in Florida and often associated with vision and prosperity.
The development will also include a new low-country-style clubhouse and expansive practice facilities.
The clubhouse is being designed by MHK Architecture, led by founder Matthew Kragh.
In a video about his involvement, Kragh described the personal significance of the project.
"It was hands down, this is something I'm going to personally design," Kragh said of the project. "My experience through the years of being a golfer, really is what designed this particular clubhouse."
He added that his approach to the clubhouse design was "don't overdo it and be simplistic in its form."
The clubhouse will be "cozy," he said, while still hitting "all the hot buttons that we need to make it a great golf experience, a golfer-driven experience."
Plans call for expansive practice areas, gathering spaces and hospitality-driven amenities tailored to a capped membership of approximately 280 members — reinforcing the club’s exclusive positioning.
The Hoffmann Family first announced its acquisition of Old Corkscrew in 2021, though the transaction closed in April 2022.
Property records show the family purchased the semi-private, standalone club at 17320 Corkscrew Road for $14.5 million, including its 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed course. Simultaneously, the family acquired the Cottages at Old Corkscrew Golf Club for $4.5 million in a separate deal, bringing the total investment to $19 million.
The properties sit about seven miles east of Interstate 75 on the south side of Corkscrew Road.
The redevelopment represents a strategic repositioning — shifting from a semi-private model to an ultra-exclusive, members-only club designed to compete with premier private golf destinations nationwide.
The Hoffmanns have emphasized that Pandion Club will serve not only as an economic driver but also as “a steward of the natural environment.” Plans include sensitive land planning, preservation of natural habitats and design elements intended to complement Southwest Florida’s landscape.
Based in Naples, the Hoffmann Family of Companies operates more than 120 brands with over 22,000 employees across 400 locations in 30 countries. The firm maintains significant real estate and business holdings in Southwest Florida, including Hertz Arena in Estero.
If permits are approved as expected, groundbreaking could begin this summer — with the first tee shots at Pandion Club projected for fall 2027.
Originally reported by Laura Layden, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News in Golf Week.
