About
Island Country Club opened its doors in 1966
as Marco Island's premier amenity for the sale of single-family homes and condominiums by the Deltona Corporation, the original developers of Marco Island.
In September 1986, a group of 400 members purchased the Club from Deltona thereby creating Marco Island's only private country club.
The Club's first Golf Professional was "Champagne" Tony Lema who remained as such through his untimely death in 1966. A tournament was later created and held in his honor for several years. This event featured golfing greats and celebrities of that era including but not limited to Gene Sarazen, Bobby Nichols, Arnold Palmer, Buddy Allin, Evel Knievel, Mickey Mantle, Peter Falk, Perry Como, Mac Davis, Glenn Campbell, Bob Griese, Terry Bradshaw, James Garner and Debbie Linton, Jimmy Dean, Garo Yepremian and Joe Garagiola.
In 1981, Gene “The Squire” Sarazen became the club’s Resident Golf Professional, a title he held until his death in 1999. With the indelible mark Mr. Gene Sarazen made on the golfing world, it was, and still is, a true honor to have him at Island Country Club as both the Resident Golf Professional and official Member. A gallery of rare Gene Sarazen memorabilia, donated to the club by “The Squire” himself, is open to members and guests.
A fire in 1993 led to the construction of a new 40,000 square foot clubhouse. This new clubhouse opened in 1995 and increased in size to 50,000 square feet in 2006. The latest renovation featured a total makeover and redesign plus an expanded Golf Shop, Fitness Center and a freestanding indoor/outdoor restaurant, boasting a spectacular view, named the “Double Eagle” in honor of Gene Sarazen’s “shot heard ‘round the world,” rare double eagle at the 1935 Masters Tournament.
The Island Country Club Charitable Foundation's mission is to provide a vehicle by which Island Country Club members and non-members may financially support local charities in and around Marco Island helping to enhance the quality of life in the community.
The Foundation was established in 2000 as a tax-exempt charitable foundation under section 501(c)3 of the U.S. lnternal Revenue Code. Therefore, all contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Island Country Club Charitable Foundation (ICCCF) has been recognized for its support of many local causes. The City of Marco island recognized the Foundation's participation in "Joy of Giving" by issuing a City Proclamation. The Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island presented the ICCCF with it's prestigious "Spirit of Marco Island" Award.
To annually support the "Joy of Giving" Christmas Program for needy children and their families in and around Marco Island. This program provides toys and clothing with over one half of the total support coming from ICCCF (over $50,000 per year). The Foundation has participated in this program since 2000. Generally, over 1,000 children benefit and their 350 families receive a Christmas turkey compliments of the ICCCF.
To continue the annual charity golf tournament for members and non-members alike. This is our one event during the season that is open to the public. There is a separate tennis tournament for members. These events are designed to raise money for local charities. The beneficiaries must qualify by filling our a grant application showing need and then be approved by the Foundations Board. Each year, eight or more local charities benefit.
To hold fundraising events to meet special needs due to unforeseen or catastrophic occurrences. An example was the Hurricane Katrina Fundraiser held in 2005 to benefit a public school and library in Long Beach, Mississippi.
To provide a means by which members may make memorial gifts to charities.
Click here to view ICCCF supported charities
Click here to see how ICCCF supports Habitat for Humanity
Through these vibrant photos, you will see why Island Country Club should be your choice when selecting the club that is right for you, and your family. With something for everyone, Island Country Club is unique from the rest. While we have recently completed a multi-million dollar golf course renovation, and boast incomparable amenities, it is the friends who become family – the people – that make this club the special place it is.
