Golf Course News From Florida

[Steve_ Shaffer]

!. Construction Begins At Bobby Jones GC in Sarasota


The ceremony took place near the #1 tee of the former American Course, which will become a beautiful green space just south of the new #10 tee with the restoration of the Donald Ross course. City leaders, stakeholders and the golf course architect were in attendance.In addition to the Donald Ross course restoration, a new 9-hole adjustable course will be constructed as well as a player development center, large driving range, short-game practice area and a clubhouse featuring a restaurant.The restored Donald Ross course is expected to open to the public for play as soon as November. The new 9-hole adjustable course is projected to be finished in January 2023.“Over a span of years, we as a community gave careful consideration on what is to come of Bobby Jones,” said Mayor Erik Arroyo. “Now, in fewer than two months since approval, we will be poised to bolster this precious asset while ensuring the entire land is conserved as recreational green space forever. This indeed will be a historic day for Sarasota and posterity.”In partnership with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, a conservation easement has been placed on the 261-acre Bobby Jones land, protecting the City-owned property in perpetuity.


https://golfcoastmagazine.com/construction-begins-at-bobby-jones-gc/


https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/news-and-profiles/2022/01/bobby-jones-golf-club-plan


Richard Mandell, the project’s golf architect, said he and his team are restoring the 18-hole course designed by celebrated golf architect Donald Ross in the 1920s, with a few exceptions. The property has large trees that weren’t on the course that Ross designed. The fairways can’t be as wide as they were in Ross’ day because of the trees' location, Mandell said. 
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2022/01/26/sarasota-golfers-look-forward-re-opening-bobby-jones-golf-club/6514495001/


2.Over 520 luxury homes on Florida golf course may be new hot spot for Northerners relocating
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/boca-raton/fl-ne-boca-country-club-golf-20211008-borpjql3trf6jfkjuopxl2sq6m-story.html


https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2493445709163/over-520-luxury-homes-on-florida-golf-course-may-be-new-hot-spot-for-northerners-relocating]

[Richard Hetzel]

I played 2 of the nines on the two courses a few years back. Could be a cool place, and I hope it turned out well. Looking forward to seeing pictures of the renovations. The clubhouse was a throwback in time.

[Jim_Kennedy]

What do the 'Friends of Bobby Jones Golf Club' seem to dislike about Richard's plan?

[Richard Hetzel]

Mr. Mandell,


Why not remove said trees causing obstruction? Especially if they did not exist when Donald created his original routing.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Here is Mandell's contact info:


https://www.golf-architecture.com/contact


https://www.golf-architecture.com/classic-renovation-restoration