There’s new golf to be played in Tampa
Saddlebrook Resort
Years ago, I remember my sister going to tennis camp at the popular Saddlebrook Resort near Tampa. She loved it, and after she told me about it, I wanted so badly to go play golf and tennis there. Now may be the time. This iconic destination has been undergoing a massive renovation, and it’s brought a fresh wave of excitement, especially for golfers.
Saddlebrook has always held a special place in the hearts of many, known for its picturesque setting, world-class tennis academies, and two championship golf courses. But like any beloved classic that’s been around for a half-century, it was due for a refresh. The resort closed its doors temporarily, and now much of the work has been completed. It’s welcoming guests again, and the early reviews are favorable.
There have been significant changes to the previous Palmer and Saddlebrook golf courses. For years, these layouts challenged golfers of all skill levels, but time and weather had apparently taken their toll. The renovation wasn’t just a simple facelift; it was part of a comprehensive $92 million resort overhaul designed to bring them back to their former glory, and then some. Under the direction of renowned course architect Rees Jones, the resort transitioned from the two traditional 18-hole courses into a more flexible, modern 27-hole championship layout.
The nines – the Pine, Oak and Cypress – are interchangeable, meaning the resort can rotate them daily, creating three distinct 18-hole combinations. It keeps the experience fresh for multi-day guests and allows for maintenance on one section without closing down the rest of the holes. Several of the Oak and Pine holes are brand new, as are the layouts and routing themselves. Every green complex was reconstructed to USGA specs. The greens are now TifEagle Bermudagrass, which is considered the gold standard for Florida greens because it allows for faster speeds and smoother rolls. All tee boxes were rebuilt and laser-leveled, as well. Jones also cleaned, reshaped and strategically repositioned bunkers to stay in tune with modern equipment. So they will challenge you off the tee and on approaches. While many of the original Arnold Palmer-designed corridors remain, several holes were modified to improve sightlines and risk-reward options. And a state-of-the-art irrigation system was installed to eliminate any soggy spots and dried-up areas, and to keep the turf healthy and firm year-round, even during humid summers. The resort also added a 13-acre, double-sided driving range and short-game area – replete with fresh hitting mats and high-quality range balls. The practice greens also reflect the same quality and speed as the on-course greens, allowing you to fine-tune your short game with confidence.
All the while, the iconic Florida landscape still plays a significant role, with mature trees, water features, and natural wetlands integrated seamlessly into the design. While the courses are a major highlight, it’s worth noting that the resort itself has also seen significant upgrades. The lobbies, guest rooms, and dining areas have all been refreshed, too, creating a more modern and luxurious ambiance that complements the improved golf experience. The aim is to make the resort genuinely feel like a ground-up revitalization. Yet it still has some of that easy, breezy 1970s recognizability.
For golfers planning a getaway to Tampa, Saddlebrook Resort should definitely be back on your radar.
