(NAPLES, Fla.) – The Club at Olde Cypress, one of the most vibrant, active and welcoming private clubs along the Sunshine State's stunning Paradise Coast, has named Gary Shea its new head professional.
Before arriving at Olde Cypress this month, Shea was the first assistant at Foxfire Country Club, a 27-hole Arthur Hills-designed course just 20 minutes away. He's lived in Naples since 2009, when he started at Foxfire, and has been a Class A PGA Member since 2021. An avid and highly-skilled player, Shea plays in numerous South Florida PGA Sectional tournaments throughout the summer offseason. He first played Olde Cypress in 2011 and last year finished second at the challenging P.B. Dye-designed course during the Southwest Chapter Pro/Pro.
"Gary has such a passion for this wonderful game and is already developing a powerful connection to our members who appreciate his commitment to the product and experience," says Olde Cypress Director of Golf Joe Conforti, PGA. "We're excited to welcome him to Olde Cypress and to have him as part of our valued team."
Shea arrives at Olde Cypress during an unprecedentedly exciting time, as the club has undergone numerous enhancements over the past two years. In 2021, the course reopened following a multi-million-dollar investment by owner STOCK Development. The expansive project entailed resurfacing all 18 greens, practice green and chipping area with TifEagle Bermuda. Tee boxes were enlarged, leveled and re-grassed with Bimini Bermuda, and a new subsurface drainage system was installed for rapid expulsion of excess water. The course's 98 bunkers were also refreshed with new edging, contouring and visually-stunning sand.
"The unwavering commitment to Olde Cypress by ownership, management and these wonderful members made this an easy decision and incredible opportunity," says Shea. "That, and I'm a true believer that this is one of the state's best golf courses and operations. I'm proud to be a part of the team and look forward to creating an amazing experience for our members and guests."
The experience is now punctuated by a recently renovated 34,000-square-foot clubhouse that reopened in September last year following a full-scale interior renovation by Winter Park-based Soco Interiors. The golf shop, welcome area and offices were recast in a contemporary palette of crisp whites, sophisticated grays and layered neutrals with accents of deep blue. The woodwork was painted a cool gray, blending seamlessly with new silver and wood-accented pendant lighting and a modern sphere-shaped chandelier. Countertops were finished with Calacatta stone tops, and revamped display areas for clothing and shoes create a neutral backdrop for displaying the latest fashion trends.
For more information about Olde Cypress and all it offers along Naples' Paradise Coast, visit www.oldecypress.com.
About the Club at Olde Cypress
The Club at Olde Cypress is owned by STOCK Development, Southwest Florida's preeminent residential developer and builder since 2001, and operated by STOCK Hospitality, which provides innovative solutions uniquely tailored to club communities. Creating exceptional member experiences is the cornerstone of all Stock Hospitality services, which range from club operations and golf course maintenance to membership marketing and programming. New members can choose from three categories of membership carefully crafted to offer something for everyone.
Widely considered one of the most vibrant, active and welcoming clubs in Southwest Florida, Olde Cypress is home to the first P.B. Dye golf course in Collier County. Other amenities include tennis and pickleball courts, fitness center and pool and a 34,000-square-foot clubhouse featuring both casual and fine dining. The club and surrounding 540-acre gated community are just minutes from Naples' famous beaches, world-class shopping on 5th Avenue, and the Southwest Florida International Airport.
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