Annual Report To The Membership

Prepared by:

Darren J. Davis, CGCS

darrenjdavis@oldefloridagolfclub.com

(239) 860-3920 - Cell

(239) 353-4441 - Office

www.DarrenJDavisGCS.com

As we wind down another terrific winter golf season at Olde Florida, I wanted to provide an update on course conditions, the weather challenges we have faced, and the work planned for the months ahead.

As your golf course superintendent, my responsibility is to ensure the golf course remains healthy, attractive, and playing the way it should. That requires a balance of agronomy, leadership, logistics, budgeting, and constant day-to-day problem-solving. Even with careful planning and a dedicated team, weather still plays a major role in the final result and has a significant influence on our success.

This has been another unusual year from a weather standpoint, and I am very proud of how our team has responded. We experienced some of the coldest winter weather we have seen in nearly 20 years, along with several significant frosts that sent our TifTuf bermudagrass, a warm-season turfgrass, into dormancy.

February 9, 2026

In addition to that stretch of cold weather, we have also dealt with an extended period of drought. Olde Florida finished 2025 with 47.12 inches of rainfall, well below our annual average of 60 inches and far short of the 98.85 inches we received in 2024. The dry pattern continued into 2026, with only 1.8 inches of rain in January and just 0.25 inches in February. Fortunately, we have recently started to receive some much-needed precipitation, and March finished at 1.87 inches, which is right at the historical average for the month. With much of Florida still experiencing significant drought, we are hopeful that the typical rainy season, which usually begins in mid-May, will bring some relief.

TifTuf

Even under these somewhat atypical weather conditions, TifTuf, which is highly regarded for its drought tolerance, has continued to perform exceptionally well at Olde Florida and has provided an outstanding playing surface. Since our successful 2021 renovation, when we achieved our goal of greater than 99 percent purity through eradication and re-grassing, we have seen a slight decline in purity each year. That is not unusual, as complete eradication of existing bermudagrass is not possible and some common bermudagrass can also return from viable seed. Even so, I would estimate we remain approximately 93 to 94 percent pure TifTuf.

Our 26-year-old stand of TifEagle on the greens and TifGrand collars have also performed very well this year.

April 4, 2026 

Summer Projects

Looking ahead, we will continue many of the same summer programs that have served the golf course well in recent years. These include the essential cultural practices of aerification, vertical mowing, and topdressing, all of which play an important role in maintaining healthy, firm, and consistent playing conditions.

In 2023, we expanded our topdressing program beyond tees and greens to include fairways. Today, all 25 acres of fairways receive one-quarter inch of sand annually, with wetter fairways receiving an additional one-quarter inch as needed. It is a significant investment, but it has resulted in firmer, better-draining fairways, and we plan to continue that practice again this summer.

Since 2019, we have also performed a minimum of two aggressive soil-modification programs annually on our 33-year-old greens. This summer, we will once again utilize the Drill and Fill process on all greens. This machine creates a one-inch-by-ten-inch channel that is completely filled with sand, providing effective pathways through the root zone. We will perform this process twice again on all greens this summer.

We will also continue our lake bank reclamation project. In 2021, we installed the ShoreSox erosion system adjacent to the 1st and 5th greens, and last summer we installed the system adjacent to the 2nd green. ShoreSox is a geotextile-based system with a patented anchoring design that helps stabilize shorelines and prevent future erosion. This summer, we will complete 850 linear feet adjacent to the 10th, 14th, and 16th greens.

Drainage work, tree trimming, and underbrush maintenance will also remain important summer priorities. All of the cultural practices we perform during the summer months, when turfgrass is growing most actively, go a long way toward preparing the golf course for winter conditioning. Just as importantly, they help the course endure challenging weather patterns and position us for success when the season returns.

Vanderbilt Beach Road Extension Update

Many of you have continued to ask about the Vanderbilt Beach Road Extension project, so I wanted to share a brief update. This project is a seven-mile extension of the existing six-lane road, beginning at Collier Boulevard and ending at 16th Street.

The project began in the fall of 2022, and unfortunately, weather-related challenges in 2024 slowed progress. As a result, the estimated completion date shifted from fall 2025 to spring 2026.

The final connection from our lake system to the new canal was made during the summer of 2025 and is functioning extremely well.

The eight-foot chain-link fence bordering our entire property line was completed this winter, and the landscaping with Areca palms has also been finished. Through negotiations with the county, we were fortunate to secure the ability to plant and maintain a landscape barrier on county property at road elevation. This area sits approximately ten feet above the elevation of the 9th fairway, and over time it will provide both a sound and visual barrier.

Golf Cart Usage

I would also like to thank the majority of the membership for driving golf carts responsibly and according to club policy. As a reminder, we ask that all members and guests keep golf carts off the turfgrass around tees by exiting the path only after the last green-and-white post, and keep carts outside the green-and-white posts around putting greens. Your adherence to this policy benefits your fellow members and helps us provide the highest-quality turfgrass possible for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you, as always, for your support and interest in the golf course. Please feel free to reach out anytime if I can assist with anything. If you are not already doing so, please follow the Olde Florida Facebook page and subscribe to my blog for more frequent updates on the golf course. Links to both can be found on my website. www.DarrenJDavisGCS.com

Assistant Golf Course Superintendent - Position Announcement

Olde Florida Golf Club

Assistant Golf Course Superintendent

Designed by Rees Jones and opened in 1993, Olde Florida Golf Club is a distinguished private, individual-membership club located in Naples, Florida. Olde Florida is a golf-only facility that exists solely for the enjoyment of its membership. The club is recognized as one of the premier private clubs in Southwest Florida and beyond.

Situated on 220 acres, the 18-hole course provides a challenging yet enjoyable test of golf in a natural setting. Olde Florida is an established, invitation-only club with a multi-year waiting list for membership.

The club and agronomy team continually strive to enhance the golf course and facilities while improving all aspects of maintenance, operations, and management.

Olde Florida has had only one golf course superintendent, Darren J. Davis, CGCS, who was hired in 1992. During his tenure, Davis has helped advance the careers of dozens of turfgrass professionals who have gone on to leadership positions throughout the industry. Among other accomplishments, Davis served as the 82nd President of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and remains actively involved at the local, state, and national levels.

More information about Davis and Olde Florida can be found at:
DarrenJDavisGCS.com

The individual we seek will possess a strong personality and skillset, but more importantly, a consistently positive attitude and a commitment to team culture. While there is never room for complacency within the organization, a healthy work-life balance is both encouraged and expected.

Personal character, leadership ability, and the willingness to put the team first will have a greater impact on success in this role than technical ability alone. Efficiency, attention to detail, strong time management, and a passion for the profession are qualities we value highly in the newest member of the Olde Florida agronomy team.

Under the direction of the Golf Course Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent will help manage and supervise a dedicated staff of golf course maintenance professionals and assist in both daily course preparation and long-term improvement projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Play a lead role in the daily preparation of the golf course for members and guests, including the maintenance of greens, tees, fairways, and roughs.
• Assist in planning and executing daily maintenance activities and long-term agronomic programs
• Train and mentor staff in all aspects of golf course maintenance, including proper operation, care, and storage of equipment
• Foster a positive working environment through leadership, communication, and attention to detail
• Assist in implementing and managing a comprehensive water management program, including irrigation setup, run time adjustments, hand watering, and syringing
• Maintain a strong commitment to safety in all maintenance areas, including the equipment shop, course operations, roadways, and chemical handling and storage
• Work closely with the Equipment Manager to ensure all equipment is properly cleaned, maintained, and stored
• Supervise and participate in fertilizer and pesticide applications, ensuring proper handling of materials, inventory control, and record keeping
• Maintain high standards of professionalism in staff appearance, course presentation, equipment care, and shop organization
• Assist in preparing and conducting morning staff meetings to communicate daily objectives and safety expectations
• Recommend purchases and assist with maintaining appropriate inventory levels
• Participate in continuing education opportunities to remain current with industry practices and innovations
• Communicate and collaborate with the golf professional staff regarding course conditions and daily operations

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Assistant Superintendent maintains a supervisory role in accordance with club policies and applicable laws and regulations. Responsibilities include assisting with recruiting, interviewing, and training staff, planning daily work schedules, and assigning duties.

Qualifications

• Strong communication, leadership, and coaching skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
• Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Commercial Applicator License required (or ability to obtain after employment)
• Working knowledge of golf course conditioning, team leadership, equipment operation, water management, course construction, and professional development

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: $85,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield health care plan covered at 60%
• Safe Harbor 401(k) plan
• 100% match up to 3% contribution
• 50% match between 3% – 5% contribution
• Clothing allowance
• Association dues (regional, state, and national)
• Continuing education opportunities
• Meals
• Paid vacation
• AFLAC policies available
• Christmas bonus
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Golf privileges and employee discount on golf shop purchases

Education and Experience

• Degree in Turfgrass Science/Management or related field from an accredited college or university preferred, but not required. 
• Minimum three years of golf course maintenance experience preferred, but not required.  

Contact

Please send resume, cover letter, and any questions regarding the position to:

Darren J. Davis, CGCS
DarrenJDavis@aol.com
(239) 353-4441

Olde Florida Golf Club
9393 Vanderbilt Beach Road Ext.
Naples, Florida 34120

Why Work at Olde Florida

Olde Florida Golf Club offers a unique professional environment where individuals are

encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. The club has a long-standing

commitment to excellence, stability, and mentorship within the agronomy department.

The agronomy team operates in a culture built on respect, teamwork, professionalism, and

pride in daily preparation. Team members are encouraged to develop leadership skills, pursue

continuing education, and take ownership of projects that contribute to the long-term success of the golf course.

Olde Florida is committed to developing future leaders in the golf course management

profession, and provides an environment where motivated individuals can learn, grow, and take on meaningful responsibility.

The club also values the importance of work-life balance, recognizing that maintaining passion for the profession requires time to recharge outside of it.

For an individual who is motivated, eager to learn, and passionate about the golf course

management profession, Olde Florida provides an exceptional opportunity to build a career while working at one of Southwest Florida’s premier private clubs.

Why the Course Turned Brown — and Why It Won’t Stay That Way

Over the past several weeks, Southwest Florida experienced some of the coldest and most prolonged winter weather we have seen in more than fifteen years. Unlike a typical cold front that passes through in a day or two, this stretch included multiple consecutive mornings of frost and slower daytime warming.

In northern climates, frost usually results in a delay in play to protect actively growing cool-season turf. In our region, where we grow warm-season bermudagrass, extended cold causes the plant to enter a dormant or semi-dormant state. This is a natural protective response. The turf remains healthy, but its color fades and growth slows until consistent warmth returns.

February 9, 2026

Olde Florida entered this period with excellent turfgrass coverage and overall plant health, and the golf course remains in very good condition. As temperatures rise, the turf in frost-affected areas will steadily grow out of the discoloration and return to normal appearance.

February 9, 2026

To help speed the transition, we lowered the height of cut in the rough by ¼ inch and applied both granular and liquid nutrients so the plant has what it needs to actively grow as conditions become favorable. Color is already returning to the rough, and continued improvement will occur with the forecasted warmer temperatures.

2025 Year in Review Through Photographs : A visual reflection of the year, one image at a time.

As many people do, I use the holiday season as a time to slow down and reflect on life and the experiences that shaped the past year. It’s a natural pause point and a moment to look back before stepping forward again.

As an avid amateur photographer, and someone deeply passionate about both Olde Florida Golf Club and the profession I’ve devoted my career to, I find myself constantly behind the lens capturing the things I am fortunate to witness. Much of my photography is work-related, and caught during early mornings and long days on the golf course. Within the moments are stories, scenes, and details that resonate far beyond the task at hand.

Since 2022, I’ve made it a tradition at the end of each year to review every photograph I’ve taken, this year, more than 3,000 images. From that collection of memories, I select the photographs that carry extra meaning: images that capture not just what I saw, but how it felt to be there in that moment.

What follows is my 2025 Year in Review Through Photographs, a visual reflection of the year as I experienced it, one image at a time.

Each year, I select one photograph to feature on my Christmas card. This image, taken on March 20 on the third green at Olde Florida Golf Club, was the photo I chose for my 2025 card.

Sunrise is truly my favorite time of day, and there are few places I enjoy it more than standing behind the first tee at Olde Florida Golf Club. Photo taken on January 10.

An early morning view of the practice green at Olde Florida Golf Club. Quiet, calm, and full of promise. Taken on February 1.

Few things beat the smell of freshly cut grass. The TifTuf on the 12th fairway at Olde Florida Golf Club looked especially beautiful on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Since the 2021 renovation, the combination of TifEagle, TifGrand, and TifTuf has delivered exceptional results at Olde Florida Golf Club—and on February 18, it was truly on display.

One of our favorite annual traditions for the Member/Guest Invitational is painting the Olde Florida logo behind the championship tee on the first hole at Olde Florida Golf Club. February 19.

There is something exceptionally peaceful about watching irrigation at sunrise on the 10th hole at Olde Florida Golf Club. Photo taken on February 22.

The bunkering designed by Rees Jones at Olde Florida Golf Club is exceptional. On the morning of February 22, the fairway bunker on the 15th hole absolutely popped.

While golfers at Olde Florida Golf Club make plenty of birdies, the Screech Owls are a special kind of “birdie,” reminding us that the course is home to much more than the game itself. March 20.

Foggy mornings make life difficult for the dew sweepers and the agronomy team at Olde Florida Golf Club. The heavy fog on April 1 was no April Fool’s joke.

Two piercing eyes, two eggs in the nest, but THREE images of our resident Screech Owls made the cut, quiet reminders of life beyond the game in this edition of The Year in Photographs at Olde Florida Golf Club. April 5.

Another example of the phenomenal bunkering by Rees Jones, Inc. at Olde Florida Golf Club. Spring had definitely sprung on April 11.

Meet Julia Roberts—our famed Screech Owl, named after the actress who starred in Runaway Bride. Much like her namesake, glimpses of Julia are rare, as she is excellent at running away. April 14.

Aerification is a necessary evil in the pursuit of high-quality greens. Constructed in 1992, the original greens at Olde Florida Golf Club have stood the test of time only because of consistent summer cultural practices. Summer has arrived. May 28.

Sunrise is my favorite time of day. Summer cultural practices, such as vertical mowing, may not be a golfer’s favorite, but they are a necessary part of caring for the golf course. June 24.

September 15, summer cultural practices are complete and the TifEagle, TifGrand, and TifTuf at Olde Florida Golf Clubare ready for the upcoming busy winter golf season.

The blooming of Muhlygrass is a sure sign that season has arrived at Olde Florida Golf Club. The Muhly was especially vibrant on October 9.

Looking back on the fourth hole at Olde Florida Golf Club, and this photograph of it can be enlightening. October 18.

Among the many great moments throughout the day, one of my favorite late-afternoon views is on the 16th hole at Olde Florida Golf Club.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, November 24 was a day to be thankful for great weather and TifTuf that was truly showing off at Olde Florida Golf Club.

As is probably evident to anyone who knows me, or follows me, sunrise is truly my favorite time of day. If I’m not watching it at Olde Florida Golf Club, I’m most likely watching it as I leave the Goodland Boat Ramp and head into the Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades National Park. It is my happy place on this August 30, and on any day I’m fortunate enough to head that way.