Initial golf course construction for Pandion Club in Estero, FL., the new private golf club owned by The Hoffmann Family of Companies, is set for this week.
Operating under the motto of ‘Pure. Golf.’, Pandion is being built on the site of Old Corkscrew Golf Club. It’s being designed by acclaimed architect Kyle Phillips. Pandion Club promises to redefine the golf experience in Southwest Florida – where passion, design, and nature converge.
The Hoffmann family, well-known in South Florida business and sports circles through its ownership of the prestigious Old Collier Golf Club in Naples, as well as the Pittsburgh Penguins and Florida Everblades hockey franchises, purchased Old Corkscrew in 2022 with a vision of creating a premier golf-focused club unlike anything in the region.
“Everything we do at Hoffmann Family of Companies, we want to provide a unique, best-in-class experience for our guests and Pandion is going to be no exception” said Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of HF Companies’ private equity arm. “From the moment that you drive through our gates, you will know that you have arrived somewhere special. You are going to feel like you are in nature, and this is an escape. We knew that his experience presented an opportunity to preserve the natural landscape that was embedded on the site and that’s something we are going to build around.”
Phillips’ worldwide design footprint includes originals at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and Kingsbarns Golf Links in St Andrews, Scotland, as well as new and restored or remodeled courses in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, England, France, Italy, Morocco, Netherlands, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand.
Phillips envisions a heathland-style course inspired by the great English Golden Age architects Harry S. Colt and Tom Simpson. The par-71 layout, expected to stretch approximately 7,220 yards, will feature firm and fast playing conditions and place a premium on strategic shot-making, particularly around the greens and green complexes.
Drawing on the site’s natural, sand-based terrain, Phillips plans to create a design with distinct Lowcountry influences. He points to the short par-4 12th hole as a prime example of the strategic architecture and thoughtful risk-reward decisions that will define the course..
Pandion has hired Bob Wren as Director of Agronomy. Wren brings more than 30 years of golf course management experience. He most recently served as golf course superintendent at Old Collier Golf Club in Naples. Widely respected for delivering exceptional course conditioning and meticulous attention to detail the entire property, Wren will oversee all aspects of course grow-in, turf establishment, irrigation, and long-term conditioning. in collaboration with Phillips and his team.
“As we continue assembling a world-class team at Pandion, hiring Bob was a natural choice,” said Geoff Hoffmann. “His reputation for excellence, decades of experience, and the respect he has earned throughout the golf industry speak for themselves. His leadership will be instrumental as we bring Kyle Phillips’ and our family’s vision to life.”
In addition, Pandion has selected Glase Golf, Inc., as the club’s golf course builder. While preliminary site preparation is already underway, Glase Golf will lead construction from groundbreaking to grow-in. Recognized as one of Florida’s premier golf course construction firms, the company brings nearly three decades of experience building and renovating many of the Southeast’s most notable golf courses..
Following construction, Phillips and his design team will complete the final shaping and refinement of the layout.
The Hoffmann family’s vision is for Pandion Club to operate as an exclusive golf-only club with approximately 280 members. Amenities will include a Lowcountry-inspired clubhouse, expansive practice facilities, a short-game area and multiple putting greens.
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of over 120 global brands and employs 17,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate.