Salette Cambra
| Staff Writer
Seminole Legacy Golf Club debuted its $8 million renovation in March 2023, unveiling a modernized course designed by the Nicklaus Design Company and cementing its status as one of the nation’s premier collegiate golf facilities. The project, led by five-time PGA Champion Jack Nicklaus, overcame pandemic-related delays to deliver a championship-level venue that elevates the experience for Florida State University’s golf teams and the Tallahassee community.
The redesign introduced a 7,800-yard, par-72 layout that replaces its previous 7,147-yard, par-73 predecessor. Florida State women’s golf head coach Amy Bond emphasized how these changes transformed the program.
“This course is a game changer for us,” Bond said. “It’s kind of one-stop shopping. We have a great practice facility and a great golf course where our players can get better and achieve their dreams.”
Chris Cochran, senior designer with Nicklaus Design, detailed the vision behind the redesign.
“Golf courses are organic and always evolving,” Cochran said. “This project allowed us to refine the original design and improve the experience for everyone. It’s truly a remarkable course and one of my favorite designs.”
The intricate green complexes and varied layouts give the Seminole golf teams a competitive edge. Bond explained how they demand precision and strategic thinking, attributes essential for success at the collegiate and professional levels.
The facility also serves as a powerful recruitment tool, drawing elite talent to Florida State by showcasing world-class amenities. With multiple tee boxes that can be adjusted daily, players experience a course that fosters versatility and skill growth.
Upgraded fairways, greens, bunkers and roughs have transformed the course, enhancing both its playability and visual appeal. Greens were refined by reestablishing their original edges, and all bunker sand was replaced with higher-quality material for improved performance.
A state-of-the-art clubhouse now stands at its heart, complete with The Burr Family Renegade Grill and a fully stocked pro shop. Managed by PGA-certified staff, the clubhouse caters to golfers of all levels, further integrating the community into the club’s vibrant culture. Tallahassee-based Childers Construction Company executed the renovations.
The Don Veller Seminole Golf Course carries a history as rich as the university itself. Originally designed by Bill Amick in 1962, the course had undergone updates in 2001 and 2004, but none as extensive as this overhaul.
The redesign, initiated in 2018, was a long time coming but proved worth the wait.
“A lot of our players, once they graduate, have stayed,” Bond said. “They feel like they can do their prep and play their best golf by being here week in and week out.” This enduring connection underscores the club’s role as a nexus for past, present and future Seminoles.
Cochran, who has worked on numerous high-profile projects, shared a personal connection to the Seminole Legacy Golf Club.
“I grew up on a university golf course, so it was exciting to help elevate FSU’s profile with this project,” Cochran said. “This course is easily in my top 10 favorite designs. It’s truly a remarkable place.”
The journey to this point was not without its challenges. Pandemic-related disruptions extended the project’s timeline, but the result reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence. Every detail, from refined greens to the dynamic practice facility, was designed with long-term success in mind.
The Seminole Legacy Golf Club stands as a testament to resilience and vision, a course reimagined to meet the demands of modern golf while honoring its storied past. With its elite design, robust facilities and deep ties to the university’s heritage, it promises to remain a cornerstone of FSU athletics and a source of pride for years to come.
“It’s not just a golf course; it’s a place where dreams come true,” Bond said.
