An expansive $92 million golf and resort transformation currently underway at Saddlebrook Resort near Tampa, Florida, is revitalizing the 480-acre property into a dynamic destination for golfers and golf groups. With significant capital investments to update and enhance the iconic property, the resort's more than 40-year sports legacy will continue to thrive.
Golf course architect Rees Jones is leading the extensive renovation of the resort’s golf facilities, turning the two existing 18-hole courses into a challenging 27-hole layout made up of three interchangeable nine-hole courses. These can be combined in various ways to create three distinct 18-hole championship courses. The project began in late 2024, when crews utilized six holes of the old Saddlebrook Course and moved the driving range closer to the resort’s main lobby to offer players more convenient access. The new practice amenities include a 13-acre, double-sided driving range, two bermudagrass putting greens and three short-game areas with greenside bunkers.
With the golf course renovation, Jones is utilizing much of the same land where the former Saddlebrook and Palmer Courses (both originally designed by Arnold Palmer) once sat to create the three new nines. Holes have been redesigned or modified, all green complexes are being reconstructed to USGA specifications, bunkers are being relocated, reshaped and will receive new sand, new tee boxes are being added, and existing tee boxes are being rebuilt and laser leveled. Crews are also installing a new state-of-the-art irrigation system and new drainage throughout the property to enhance turf health.
When complete, all three nine-hole courses will open and return near the resort's 500,000-gallon Super Pool area that is also being reimagined, delivering an improved and convenient golf experience. The courses will cycle daily to create multiple 18-hole experiences. The renovation schedule calls for one course to open in late 2025 and another in early 2026. The third nine-hole course is currently open for play, with a full Rees Jones renovation scheduled for spring/summer 2026.
Saddlebrook’s golf enhancements are just part of the newly reimagined 451-room resort. Led by EoA Group architecture and design firm, resort renovations touch upon nearly every facet of the guest experience, from the resort arrival, lobby, accommodations, and restaurants to outdoor areas, multiple swimming pools and Saddlebrook’s more than 95,000 square feet of meeting space.
In addition to golf, other sports facilities at Saddlebrook include 43 tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, a fitness center, a spa, plus a planned multi-court padel area. Saddlebrook is home to the famed Saddlebrook Golf Academy, where professional golfers like K.J. Choi and Karl Vilips have honed their skills. The resort is also home to the renowned Hopman Tennis Program and Saddlebrook Prep, long time training grounds for elite international athletes. Tennis greats Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Martina Hingis, Andy Roddick, John Isner, Mardy Fish and James Blake are counted as alumni. Today’s ATP world #3 Alex Zverev has trained at Saddlebrook since the age of 12.
These strategic golf enhancements will elevate Saddlebrook Resort's overall sports offerings and pave the way for a multitude of opportunity for meeting attendees. Whether an expert, or a novice looking for a fun afternoon, choose Saddlebrook Resort for your next gathering to weave iconic golf access into your program.