Sarasota National approves Fry/Straka course renovation master plan

Members of the Sarasota National golf community in Venice, Florida, approved a golf course master plan design by golf architectural firm Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design. The multi-million-dollar renovation project will focus on enhancing the course’s playability for all skill levels and improving sustainability while seamlessly tying in the natural beauty of the Audubon International Certified Signature Sanctuary. Renovation work will begin in spring 2026.

Fry/Straka’s master plan calls for redesigning Sarasota National’s entire 18-hole golf course — designed by Gordon Lewis and opened in 2008 — including rebuilding all greens to USGA specifications, re-grassing all fairways, roughs and tee boxes, and installing a new irrigation system. All bunkers will also be modified, reshaped and rebuilt. The new course will measure 7,406 yards from the tips and play to a par of 72. Dana Fry and Jason Straka will also oversee the expansion and improvement of the club’s practice facility to include a 47,000-sqare-foot putting complex and a 1.75-acre short game area.

“This renovation represents an exciting new chapter for Sarasota National and our golf community,” Sarasota National GM Darrell Wilde said. “With the expertise of Fry/Straka, we are committed to elevating the course’s playability, sustainability and overall golf experience while preserving the natural beauty that makes Sarasota National so special.”

Sarasota National is managed by Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon.