Sarasota’s Bobby Jones municipal golf course on schedule to re-open

SARASOTA, Florida — Residents and visitors to this haven will soon be able to play golf at the upgraded Bobby Jones Golf Club.

Richard Mandell, the architect for the renovation of the golf complex, said the 18-hole course and driving range are expected to open in early November. The Bobby Jones Nature Park will also open then, while a 9-hole short course will open later.

The re-opening marks the start of a new era for the municipal golf course. City leaders wrestled for years over the fate of the course, originally constructed by legendary course designer Donald Ross in the 1920s.

They ultimately decided to reduce the number of holes in the golf complex from 45 to 27 and turn some of the property into a park. They also voted to permanently conserve the property, ensuring that it will never be subdivided or developed.

The nature park will be open to members of the public and will include trails that can be walked or biked.

Mandell, the project’s architect, and the construction crew are restoring the 18-hole course designed by Donald Ross. They’re also building a nine-hole, adjustable, par 3 course.

Mandell said they’re in “the grow-in stage.” The grass for the course has been planted, and now it’s growing. It needs to be mature enough for people to play golf on it.

Mandell said the construction team will also rake the sand in the bunkers and remove weeds from the course.

“We’re pretty much done,” he said, “and as long as the weather cooperates, I know it’ll be grown in in early November, and it’ll look great and it’ll play great.”

A triple-wide modular building will serve as a temporary clubhouse while the new, permanent clubhouse is built. A private management company, Indigo Sports, will handle the daily operations of the golf complex.

Mandell said the course has exceeded his expectations.

“I hope that the locals love it and feel back at home,” he said. He also hopes that it’ll be a regular destination for people on winter vacations and that it gets national recognition.