Course renovation to begin in February
Earlier this month, the Sarasota City Commission unanimously approved restoring the historic Bobby Jones Golf Club, constructing an 18-hole course, a 9-hole short course, a clubhouse, and a nature park.
Central to the plan is using 108 acres of the 261-acre facility to restore the golf course and create a public nature park, set aside “in perpetuity” as a preserve with various green space uses. Wetlands on the property will serve to naturally filter storm runoff from sources miles away as it drains ultimately into Sarasota Bay.
The Bobby Jones Golf Course was designed nearly a century ago by renowned Donald Ross. He created some of the United States’ most iconic courses. A new Clubhouse proposal calls for two connected buildings, one for cart storage and one for the pro shop, locker rooms, dining facilities, and other uses. The golf course will likely open more than a year before the clubhouse is complete.
When complete, the public Nature Park will include nature and recreational trails and wetlands boardwalks; concessions; playgrounds; canoe/kayak launch and storage; outdoor sports facilities (disc golf course, tennis courts, pickleball courts, lawn bowling, etc.); outdoor public gathering places. It eventually will connect to the Legacy Trail. The Nature Trails are now open for walking, running, bicycling, photography, and wildlife observation. The property opens at 7 am and closes at 5:00 pm
In 1925, Sarasota acquired 290 acres for the park and a municipal golf course. The Donald Ross course, known as Sarasota Municipal Golf Course, opened in 1926. In 1927, Sarasota renamed it the Bobby Jones Golf Club in honor of the superstar amateur golfer of the day. More than 1,000 people gathered to watch Jones play an exhibition round to dedicate the course. He shot 73.
While play could resume for both new courses’ 2021-22 winter season, the new clubhouse likely won’t be ready until 2024. The Bobby Jones Nature Trail is now open.
