Naples, Fla. — CAVU Golf Club today announced its official transition to a fully private golf club, marking a defining new chapter for the storied Naples property formerly known as Naples Grande Golf Club. The move follows unprecedented demand for membership and the successful completion of a comprehensive renovation of the golf course and clubhouse—an investment underscoring the club’s long-term commitment to quality, playability, and a truly member-first experience.
Previously operating under a semi-private model affiliated with Naples Grande Beach Resort, CAVU Golf Club’s evolution represents a deliberate shift toward greater exclusivity, access, and refinement. While the club now operates as a fully private entity, members continue to enjoy access to the resort’s acclaimed amenities, offering a rare combination of private-club golf and luxury coastal hospitality.
“This evolution represents a strategic investment in both the long-term strength of the club and the quality of the member experience,” said Rob Duckett, Managing Director, Golf and Club Operations of Henderson Park. “We have seen sustained and growing demand for membership, particularly following the completion of the renovation, which confirmed the market’s appetite for a truly premium, private offering. Transitioning to a fully private model allows us to protect the integrity of the golf experience by prioritizing access, course conditioning and service, while ensuring the club continues to operate at the highest standard for years to come.”
Located just minutes from downtown Naples, CAVU Golf Club features a par-72 championship course originally designed by renowned architect Rees Jones. Long regarded as one of Southwest Florida’s most compelling tests of golf, the course is distinguished by dramatic elevation changes, strategic water features, and fairways framed by indigenous Florida vegetation. The recently completed course renovation was led by renowned golf course architect Beau Welling, who thoughtfully enhanced playability for golfers of all skill levels while preserving the integrity of Jones’ original design intent. The clubhouse renovation was designed by Wegman Design Group, creating a refined, functional environment that supports both daily member use and elevated social experiences.
The reinvestment was not a routine capital improvement, but a strategic commitment to the club’s future. Course conditioning, infrastructure, member flow, and daily service experiences were prioritized, reinforcing CAVU’s identity as a modern private club designed for long-term sustainability and generational appeal.
“Our goal was to create a more focused, consistent, and member-first environment in every aspect of the club,” said Jon Chapman, Director of Golf Operations at CAVU Golf Club. “From course conditioning and pace of play to the overall rhythm of a round and the way members experience the clubhouse and daily services, every detail has been thoughtfully refined to deliver the high standard our members expect and deserve.”
CAVU Golf Club’s transition also reflects respect for its history and its longstanding role within the Naples golf community. While the operating model has evolved, the club remains rooted in the values that have defined it for decades. As CAVU Golf Club enters this next phase, the focus is clear: building for the future through exclusivity, excellence, and a daily experience centered on members—always.
The name CAVU is drawn from an aerospace term meaning “clear ahead visibility unlimited,” often associated with smooth flying conditions and steady forward momentum. For CAVU Golf Club, the name reflects both the club’s recent transformation and its vision for the future.
For more information about membership opportunities at CAVU Golf Club, interested parties are encouraged to inquire directly with the club.
About CAVU Golf Club
CAVU Golf Club is a fully private golf club located minutes from downtown Naples, Florida, offering a refined, member-first experience rooted in exclusivity, playability, and service excellence. Formerly known as Naples Grande Golf Club, the club features a par-72 championship course originally designed by Rees Jones and recently renovated by Beau Welling, along with a thoughtfully reimagined clubhouse by Wegman Design Group. While operating as a private club, CAVU members enjoy continued access to the adjacent Naples Grande Beach Resort amenities, delivering a rare blend of private-club golf and luxury coastal hospitality.