Bobby Jones Golf Club Nature Trails In Sarasota To Close Feb. 1 For Renovation

SARASOTA, FL — The Bobby City Golf Club Nature Trails will close to the public starting Tuesday to accommodate renovation of Sarasota’s historic municipal golf course, the city said in a news release.

The 18-hole Donald Ross golf course will be restored, and a new 9-hole adjustable course will be constructed.

A player development center, large driving range, short-game practice area and clubhouse featuring a restaurant will also be built, the city said.

Under the current construction timeline, the Donald Ross course restoration is expected to be completed and open to the public for play as early as this November and the 9-hole adjustable course finished in January 2023.

It is anticipated the nature trails will reopen when the golf course construction is complete, the city said.

The City Commission unanimously approved the renovation plans earlier this month following extensive discussion and public input over the past five years. The reconstructed golf course will be downsized from 45 holes to 27 and will include the framework for a 150-acre nature park designed to greatly improve regional water quality, the city said.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District approved a $1.5 million grant for a wetlands and water quality improvement project on the site. City commissioners approved up to $20 million for the golf course renovation.

Commissioners also unanimously approved a conservation easement for the 261-acre Bobby Jones property in partnership with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. The agreement means the City-owned property will remain a protected, preserved green space in perpetuity.