A proposed $11.5 million expansion signals how one coastal club is reshaping golf into a family-friendly, experience-driven destination.
Catalina Club is preparing for its most ambitious chapter yet. The landmark has unveiled plans for an $11.5 million staged expansion that would significantly reshape both its facilities and its role within the broader region.
The proposal, recently submitted to council for review, outlines a multi-phase redevelopment aimed at modernizing the club while broadening its appeal well beyond traditional golfers. At the heart of the plan is a covered driving range featuring 20 hitting bays equipped with Toptracer technology, paired with an adjacent outdoor food and beverage area designed to function as a social hub from morning through evening.
For Club General Manager Guy Chapman, the expansion represents years of planning and a deliberate shift in how Catalina positions itself within the community. “We’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished here over the years and the clubhouse,” Chapman said. “Now it’s time to really get into the driving range, the golf wing and the golf course, to get everything to a standard we’re proud of.”
That emphasis on families and flexibility reflects a broader evolution in the golf industry. While the club initially explored adding a mini-golf facility, Chapman revealed a different opportunity. Driving ranges and off-course golf experiences were drawing larger, more diverse crowds, often outperforming mini-golf in both attendance and engagement.
“All of the data coming back showed that participation in off-course golf was outpacing traditional golf,” Chapman told AboutRegional.com. “That’s why we pivoted. It fits who we are as a club and who we want to welcome.”
Under the proposal, the driving range would operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with seating areas closing after 10. A nearly 122-foot safety fence would surround the range, and some tree removal would be required to accommodate the structure. While the changes are significant, Chapman believes the trade-off is worthwhile, especially given the range’s location near the first tee and its ability to activate previously underused space.
The second stage of development focuses on golfers themselves, with plans for a new pro shop and a dedicated golfers’ lounge that connects seamlessly to both the driving range and the existing course. The vision is to create a space where players can relax before or after a round, reinforcing Catalina’s identity as both a sporting and social destination.
“We’re still keeping all 27 holes,” Chapman said. “But this also sets us up for a potential full redesign of the course down the line. Upgrading the golf wing now allows everything to flow better in the future.”
Additional improvements outlined in the development include upgraded locker rooms, improved accessibility, landscaping enhancements, roof replacements, new solar panels and the installation of a lift within the clubhouse. Together, the upgrades reflect a long-term investment strategy rather than a cosmetic refresh.
Chapman said most club members have been supportive of the proposal, describing Catalina as a progressive organization focused on sustainability and growth. A decision on the development application is expected by late 2026, with behind-the-scenes work already underway on detailed construction planning and contractor selection.
If approved, the expansion would not only modernize Catalina Club, but also reflect a wider shift in how golf clubs are redefining themselves. Less exclusive, more experiential, and increasingly family-oriented, Catalina’s plan underscores how the future of golf may be just as much about gathering, dining and shared experiences as it is about the scorecard.
