County settlement allows Links of Naples golf course to redevelop into homes

Collier County commissioners have approved a settlement for two lawsuits between the county and Naples Golf Development, opening the door for the redevelopment of the Links of Naples golf course into homes.

Now, 369 homes can be built on the 82.5-acre golf course. The golf course is located off US-41, south of Collier Boulevard, in a rural area.

Some locals WINK spoke to leading up to the commission’s decision expressed concern over additional traffic coming to the area.

“Collier Boulevard is being overbuilt, and the traffic on Collier Boulevard going towards I-75 is going to be very, very crowded and much of a nightmare,” said Louise Bender, a Naples resident and frequent golfer at Links of Naples.

“If this were all homes out here, I wouldn’t come out this way,” said Brian Armstrong, a golfer. “I live down in Fiddler’s Creek not far from here, so it’s close and easy to get to for me.”

The decision to allow the redevelopment of the property comes after years of controversy.

The owner of Links of Naples, Naples Golf Development, filed two lawsuits against the county and commissioner Bill McDaniel in 2023.

The legal battle began when Naples Golf filed a Bert Harris claim against, alternatively named the Private Property Rights Protection Act in 2023 after commissioners halted a staff settlement that would allow Naples Golf development to build 247 homes.

According to FloridaBar.org, the Bert J. Harris, Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act provides a specific process for landowners to seek relief when government action unfairly affects their property.

The county and Naples Golf would have gone to trial, but now that county commissioners approved a settlement, it will no longer take place.

WINK News spoke with golfers right after the settlement was approved, all of which, expressed their disappointment.

“It makes me feel sad because there aren’t many places where you can go for a beginner golf or just something that’s not exorbitantly expensive,” said Diane Spalter.

“I heard rumors for several years, and it just never seemed to have transpired,” said Louise Bender. “And this golf course… it’s affordable, it’s close to home, and it’s a short course, so for ball beaters like myself, it’s the right kind of golf course.”