By Vinnie Manginelli, PGA
Golf in Florida is a competitive business – that’s no big secret. So, clubs have to do what they can to separate themselves from the competition and provide their members with innovative and extraordinary amenities that keep them engaged and happy, while opening the door to an ever-flowing stream of potential new members.
With more than 2,000 members across several categories, Shadow Wood Country Club is an exclusive, private, member-owned country club in Estero, Florida that offers an exceptional lifestyle that blends luxury, recreation and natural beauty. Shadow Wood is a 2025-2026 Platinum Club of America and a Boardroom Magazine Distinguished Club Elite.
Originally developed as part of The Brooks, a master-planned community in Estero, Shadow Wood has grown into one of the most sought-after golf and country club communities in Southwest Florida. The club has undergone various enhancements, including course renovations led by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones, ensuring top-tier playing conditions and modern design features.
In addition to three championship golf courses, an already stellar state-of-the-art practice facility (including a pristine double-sided driving range with Toptracer ball-tracking technology, putting greens and a short-game area that enables golfers to work on chips and pitch shots up to 30 yards), tennis and pickleball, a wellness center and dining and social events, they recently renovated their golf learning center.
Opened for use last fall, this newly-renovated and expanded teaching space has two large, raised-ceiling hitting bays with the best teaching technology in the business – Trackman launch monitor and simulation technology, Swing Catalyst pressure plates and SAM PuttLab. Golfers can hit out onto the range or during inclement weather, close the doors and hit into a screen within the bay. There’s an air-conditioned welcoming lounge with comfortable seating and a flat-screen TV for members to relax, socialize and simply escape the South Florida heat.
Bryan McComb is the PGA of America Director of Golf at Shadow Wood, one of a dozen PGA of America Associate Professionals, Assistant Professionals, Head Professionals, Directors of Instruction, General Managers and Assistant GMs. McComb has been at Shadow Wood for 11 years, serving in his current role for the past 2 1/2 years.
“With the addition of highly qualified teaching professionals, we’ve experienced a significant increase in lesson demand,” McComb says. “Additionally, the cultural shift within our club, driven by members who are increasingly engaged with digital technology, highlighted the need for this upgraded space. This enhanced facility not only meets the current needs of the membership, but also positions us to deliver an elevated experience for our members into the future.”
With the addition of the learning center, McComb explained that SWCC is now able to attract the most talented PGA of America Golf Professional’s from all over the country. In fact, a recent new hire, Director of Instruction Joe Cochran, comes to Shadow Wood from Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, site of the 2025 PGA Championship.
Cochran mentioned, “In order to take our golf instruction program to the next level, the state-of-the-art learning center was essential. The learning process is expedited by the many technology offerings.”
The golf professional team at Shadow Wood will also offer elevated club fitting services in the new learning center that will likely increase hard good sales in the golf shop and expedite member improvement and enjoyment of the game. All of this will prove beneficial to the facility’s bottom line, as members frequent the club more often, shop, play, practice, eat and drink more than before.
With PGA of America Members, Brian Bartolec and Andy Scrivner in the high-level positions of General Manager and Assistant General Manager, respectively, they saw the benefit to Shadow Wood and its members of a learning center renovation. With the technology added, new Director of Instruction hired and endless programming possibilities, their support for the project was instrumental in it coming to fruition.
When considering why to join Shadow Wood Country Club, its prime location, exceptional golf and social experience and commitment to excellence will all be strengthened by this upgraded golf amenity.
McComb highlights, “The new learning center will play a key role in member retention, while enhancing the overall member experience.”
For more information on Shadow Wood Country Club of Estero, Florida, check out its website today!
