Southwest Florida golf courses still recovering from Hurricane Ian

LOCATION: Fort Myers

PGA HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL: Julie Carse

PUBLIC OR PRIVATE: Private Bundled Community

WHAT YEAR DID THE GOLF COURSE OPEN: 1987

NUMBER OF DAYS CLOSED AFTER IAN: 96

DATE REOPENED: January 2, 2023

WORST DAMAGE FROM IAN: The Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Cart Barn, Administrative Offices, Fitness Center, Golf Course Maintenance Facility, Tennis Courts, Golf Course along with any single story or first floor member’s home received two to eight feet of water.  Lost part of the roof on the clubhouse.  Lost all equipment including golf carts and golf course maintenance machines.

BIGGEST SURPRISE FROM IAN: After walking the property immediately after the hurricane, it’s amazing we were able to open when we did.  We were able to receive a new fleet of golf cars and other equipment.  We have had a lot of support from other communities and businesses to get us back up and running again.  We still have a long way to go but we are on the right track.

YOUR BEST ESTIMATE: HOW LONG TO GET BACK TO PRE-IAN CONDITIONS? The Golf Course is in excellent condition thanks to the efforts of our Head Superintendent, Matt Clem, and his crew.  The tennis courts have all been restored with the help of our Head Tennis Professional, John Ramsey. However, we don’t expect the main clubhouse and other buildings to be restored for the foreseeable future.

QUOTE: “Hurricane Ian has put things in perspective for a lot of people.  The Kelly Greens Community is stronger because of it.  Thank you to our dedicated members and staff for all the continued recovery efforts.”