The Club At Gateway, Fort Myers, FL

Jimmy Lynn – President of Lifestyle Management Group of Florida – has come a long way since we first met in 2011. After spending 10 years in the golf industry, running sales and marketing for the largest publisher of golf travel information in the world, I had taken a position outside of golf but was still doing a little writing about golf courses and equipment. On the occasions I was sent some equipment, I would head over to the driving range at Gateway Golf and Country Club. I had worked out a deal with then General Manager, Jimmy Lynn, mentioning his club’s facilities in those earlier articles. Our friendship grew and we played a fair amount of golf together. Life happened; Jimmy moved to a club in Naples and I relocated to Lakeland to be closer to family.

Fast forward 12 years and we both have new, successful career paths. Jimmy found an investor and they created Lifestyle Management Group of Florida which owns and/or manages four clubs in Southwest Florida: The Club at Westminster, Quail Creek Village, Bonita Fairways, and The Club at Gateway. As a management company, LMGOF’s goal is to elevate each private club and make them relevant in every aspect of services, facilities, and finances, thus creating sustainability for the long term with elating membership.

Of the four properties The Club at Gateway has seen the biggest changes; it is a lot nicer and more family-oriented than it was when I lived there. As a resident of Fort Myers, Florida you could always find a way to get out and play at Gateway. But not anymore! The Club at Gateway is now a private country club that offers not only an 18-hole Tom Fazio Signature golf course but also an incredible Ron Garl-designed 20-acre practice facility with two practice holes. The Club at Gateway is widely regarded as one of the best golf courses and layouts in Southwest Florida. The Club has been voted the Best of Fort Myers for the last 4 years!

Lifestyle Management Group of Florida manages the property and recently completed a multi-million-dollar renovation project that included a completely renovated 300-seat banquet and meeting space, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an open exhibition kitchen complete with pizza oven, private wine room and “Cellar 55” a glass-enclosed wine cellar, and a resort-style pool with a Tiki bar. Pickleball and bocce courts have been added as well. A major renovation to the golf course will begin April 1, 2024, and will include new USGA greens, cart paths, an irrigation system, bunker renovations, and a new Par 3 golf course!

Lifestyle Management Group of Florida has proven to be a top-notch golf management company in SW Florida. Lynn adds “We don’t want to be a big company but only want to be truly hands-on in all things we do and partner with the clubs we manage. If you need help or just want to talk shop please call Jimmy Lynn at 813-767-3855. I’ve known Jimmy for a long time and one thing is certain, he always delivers! Good things will come from Jimmy Lynn and his staff at LMGOF.

An immaculately maintained course with significant challenges, plays a little long with several significant carries and deep crater bunkers (lots). A fair amount of water as well. Very nice practice facilities including a long driving range, nice chipping area and putting greens. Cart staff was extremely friendly and accommodating, but food and beverage staff were stuffy and pretentious.