New course planned for western Florida

Soleta Golf Club announced its entry into the Sarasota/Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch markets with a recently approved private residential club community that will include a Nick Price-designed golf course, David Leadbetter practice and performance facility, and family-focused sporting and social activities.

The 500-acre site features two scenic miles of the Myakka River, freshwater marshes, stands of mossy oaks, towering pines and native vegetation. Construction of the course begins this fall and will be ready for play in late 2024. The 7,400-yard, par-72 Soleta Golf Club course is routed separately from the residences and amenity locations. Holes will wind through the sanctuary-like land and are designed to preserve wetlands. Water conservation also is a critical issue, as is the enhancement of wildlife habitat and sound environmental stewardship.

“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to design the golf course at Soleta,” Price said. “We’re part of a great team assembled to create 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’ve laid out the golf course to take advantage and incorporate those natural features into the design of holes. I am also really happy that no wetlands have been impacted or eliminated anywhere on the property. These natural elements will be 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, is designing the 30-acre signature practice and performance facility. In addition to the expansive outdoor practice areas, an indoor center will include a biomechanics studio, clubfitting, a putting studio, simulators and other advanced training technologies.

“I am very excited to be involved with the Soleta Golf Club project,” Leadbetter said. “I really feel it has tremendous potential to be one of the country’s leading new private clubs. The thing I am most pleased about is that we are designing a world-class practice facility which is something I always have wanted to do. This state-of-the-art practice facility or ‘field of dreams,’ as I like to call it, will be comprised of extensive long game, short game and on course situations with all the latest technology to improve performance. We want Soleta to be known not only for its great golf course but also for its phenomenal practice complex.”

Amenities situated at the heart of the residences will include a spa, fitness center, clubhouse, lagoon pool and children’s splash pad, tennis and pickleball courts, indoor and outdoor play areas for kids, plus an event open space. Multiple fine and casual dining options also are planned.

Three exclusive enclaves (The Sanctuary, The Ranch and Village Bungalows) will accommodate 93 custom built luxury residences designed by John Cannon Homes and Anchor Builders. One-acre plus estates will be available. All home sites are situated within one mile of the clubhouse. Additionally, 14 club cottages will be available for members and guests.

 “We are excited to introduce Soleta Golf Club and to start construction on this exceptional lifestyle community that places a premium on preserving an intimate environment and relaxed culture that members and residents will enjoy for generations,” managing partner David Turner said. “We’ve made a commitment to build something very special, with an emphasis on a wide range of recreational amenities for family engagement and social camaraderie. The golf experience, with a must-play course in a pristine setting and unparalleled practice facilities, will be unmatched.”

Soleta is the name used by indigenous native Americans from the area for sandhill cranes.