Work commences on new Naples golf course development

Taylor Morrison has started work on an 18-hole championship course and practice facilities at Esplanade at Rivergrass, a new residential golf course community in Naples, Florida.

Golf course architect Christopher Wilczynski, ASGCA, founder and owner of C.W. Golf Architecture, was selected for the project in 2021. Rivergrass represents Wilczynski’s fifth collaboration with Taylor Morrison under the Esplanade brand, continuing a successful partnership that began in 2012.

Previously agricultural land, the palette for the Rivergrass development is an open canvas that will be transformed through the comprehensive mass grading of over three million cubic yards of soil.

“The vision was to create a unique and natural ‘rivergrass feel’ with an abundance of beautiful water features and a variety of landscape materials that together support and tie seamlessly into the design theme and overall course aesthetic,” Wilczynski said. “From a design perspective, the goal was to carefully balance the relationship between golf and water with some holes that sit on the water and others designed adjacent to it.”

Playability and strategy were key design drivers throughout the planning process. The course will feature a five-tee system, offering yardages ranging from approximately 3,500 to 6,700 yards, ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience for beginners while still presenting an exciting challenge for accomplished golfers.

“Each hole is designed at strategic angles to create options and risk-reward decisions,” Wilczynski added. “Golfers will be able to choose how aggressive they want to play from tee to green, which keeps the course fun, interesting, and engaging for all skill levels.”

The golf course master plan was developed and approved in 2022, followed by an extensive permitting process that spanned nearly two years. The project received final approval and was officially greenlit in the fall of 2025. CWGA will remain closely involved throughout construction, with plans to be onsite regularly throughout 2026 to oversee design implementation and detailing.

Construction of the golf course and residential community is being led by Ryan Golf, with Atwell serving as consulting engineer, RVI as land planner and landscape architect, and Aqua Turf International providing irrigation design services.

Taylor Morrison emphasized the importance of golf and resort amenities within the Esplanade lifestyle.

“At Esplanade, our goal is to deliver first-class hospitality, resort-style amenities, and exceptional recreational experiences that our residents have come to expect,” said Cammie Longenecker, President of Resort Lifestyle at Taylor Morrison. “The Rivergrass golf course is being thoughtfully designed to elevate the overall lifestyle experience—combining beautiful surroundings, outstanding playability, and the high level of service that defines the Esplanade brand.”

The golf course is expected to open to the public by early 2027.