Two years ago, on December 16th, 2023, the Bobby Jones Golf Club and Nature Park reopened. The entire 323 acres were revised, reimagined, and reengineered after the 2020 closing.
In 2022, the City of Sarasota commissioners approved a $20 million bond to redesign the golf course. A new nature park, complete with hiking trails, was also added. The park serves as a stormwater collection system, benefiting more than 5,000 acres surrounding the property.
Historical Golf Course
The golf course, located on Circus Blvd. near Fruitville and Beneva, has a rich history.
Donald Ross was hired as the course designer in 1926. He designed Pinehurst in North Carolina, nearby Sara Bay CC, and Bradenton CC. Ross is widely considered one of the best golf architects ever.
The legendary amateur golf champion Robert Tyre Jones, Jr., better known as Bobby Jones, actually attended the dedication ceremony in 1927. Jones founded Augusta National Golf Club and The Masters tournament. He also won all of golf’s major championships in 1930, known as The Grand Slam.
The course hosted Florida’s first major golf tournament, the Senior PGA Championship, in 1940. In April 2026, the Senior PGA Championship will return to Sarasota at Concession Golf Club.
Despite a series of expansions that increased the total to 45 holes, the property eventually fell into disrepair and was closed in 2020.
Architect Richard Mandell, known for modernizing Donald Ross-designed golf courses, was tasked to create an enjoyable golf experience while preserving the original design. He removed invasive trees and integrated a stormwater retention system throughout the property.
Mandell successfully delivered an immensely playable and fun experience with reverence for the history of this municipal treasure.
Bobby Jones Golf Club Today
Since reopening, the operation has been managed by Troon Golf, the largest golf management company in the world. Troon oversees the golf course, the pro shop, and food and beverage services.
By the end of the first fiscal year, September 30th, 2024, Troon netted $1.3 million more than expected. Good news after years of the City of Sarasota losing money.
General Manager John Sparrow noted that in the second fiscal year, the number of rounds played increased, the practice range was busier, and more events and tournaments were hosted.
“Considering the course was closed for 3 weeks due to last year’s hurricanes, we once again exceeded expectations. I am especially proud to have restarted the City Championship and the 2-Ball Championship tournaments after a 4-year absence.”
One major attraction at Bobby Jones is the practice facility, which is open to the public. The all-grass driving range accommodates up to 70 players, while the short-game area features three greens with bunkers, and a humongous practice putting green that also includes an 18-hole putting course.
Nature Park and Stormwater Retention
The Nature Park at Bobby Jones features trails of crushed shells that wind along waterways. Walker, runners, bicyclists, and birdwatchers enjoy overlooks and helpful signage that detail the park’s fauna and flora. Many of the trails are smooth enough for wheelchair accessibility.
Nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-digesting aquatic plants have been introduced and continue to thrive in the 20 acres of wetlands and water hazards on the golf course. Sawgrass, Fire Flag, and Pickerel Weed help improve water quality before it flows into a series of weirs that regulate stormwater flow into Sarasota Bay.
This stormwater system collects from 5,600 acres north of the property.
Just 9 months after opening, Tropical Storm Debby in August 2024 dumped more than 16 inches of rain over 48 hours, testing the system. An estimated 500,000,000 gallons of water submerged the property for 72 hours.
As designed, the property held water and released the run-off over time as the nitrogen-capturing plants did their job.
Previously, stormwater runoff flowed immediately downstream, causing floods in neighborhoods and businesses before draining directly into Sarasota Bay.
The entire property is in the process of becoming Audubon-certified, with additional amenities planned to enhance its use. More trees are expected to be added.
“I couldn’t be happier with the Nature Park and what we have in store for the future.” said Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Fogle. “We really want it to be an urban oasis for our residents as well as wildlife. And it will continue to play a critical role in diverting stormwater away from nearby neighborhoods and mitigating residential flooding. Thank you to the City Commission.”
Visit Bobby Jones
If you haven’t yet visited, explore Bobby Jones Golf Club and Nature Park. Everyone can find a way to enjoy this beautiful city space.
You can stroll or hike along the trails, bring binoculars to observe the many birds in a peaceful setting, or bring a putter and some golf balls to have a putting contest with visitors this season.
Or bring your golf clubs and buy a bucket of balls to hit on the expansive range.
Happy Birthday and Well done, Sarasota. Congratulations to all involved in this very complex and wildly successful project.
Here is a link to an article I wrote about Bobby Jones Golf Club’s reopening in 2023.
