Soleta Golf Club, designed by Nick Price Design near Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, FL, has officially opened. Price, the development team and instructor David Leadbetter headlined a ribbon-cutting ceremony that featured an opening tee shot hit by the Hall of Fame golfer.
Managing partner and developer David Turner said, “The private Soleta course project was completed in a remarkable 11 months and the final product is outstanding. We knew that in selecting Nick as our designer we’d get a stunning championship course that would be enjoyable to play for all members. Together with the 30-acre David Leadbetter signature practice facility and indoor performance center, we offer a golf experience unmatched by any club in the state or perhaps elsewhere.”
The 7,400-yard, par-72 Soleta Golf Club course is routed separately from the location of a planned 93 luxury residences and other amenities. Holes wind through the undisturbed sanctuary-like landscape with a commitment to preserve all the wetlands without impacting these sensitive areas.
Water conservation was also a critical consideration in the course’s design, as was the enhancement of wildlife habitat and sound environmental stewardship, a testament to the significant investment in time and attention to detail that Price brought to the project.
“It was an honor to design the golf course at Soleta,” said Price. “We were part of a great team and created a special place for golfers to play, spend time with friends and have fun. The property has wetlands, uplands, open grassland, and some great trees. We laid out the golf course to take advantage and incorporate those natural features into the design of holes. Importantly, no wetlands were impacted or eliminated anywhere on the property. These natural elements all are part of what gives the golf course its natural look and feel.”
Leadbetter, who has coached touring professionals to major championship titles and worldwide tournament victories, discussed his design of the practice and indoor performance facility. The grounds will contain different grasses, a variety of greens and elevation changes to help players fine-tune their game to be “tournament-ready.” In addition to the expansive outdoor practice areas, the indoor center will include a biomechanics studio, club fitting, a putting studio, simulators, and other advanced training technologies. A walking-only 9-hole short course called The Colt opens in Spring 2025.
Images courtesy Soleta Golf Club/Patrick J. Koenig
