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Bobby Jones Golf Club is Back in Full Swing
Tee time has arrived. Bobby Jones reopens as a fully restored golf complex, event venue and nature park.
After a hiatus of being closed for construction and extensive renovations for almost two years, Bobby Jone Golf Club's highly anticipated reopening sparks excitement for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're an avid golfer or a learner, there will be ample opportunities, upcoming leagues and events to get in on the action at the new Sarasota golf complex. And if you're not one who particularly cares about perfecting their swing or lowering their handicap, perhaps lawn bowling and nature trails might intrigue you...
Bobby Jones History & Grand Reopening
The 199-acre golf course was restored to the original layout, as designed by famed golf architect Donald Ross. The course first opened to the public in 1926 and was named after legendary amateur golfer Robert Tyre Jones, Jr. in 1927. Fast forward through many tee times, master plan improvements broke ground in 2022 to fully restore the 18-hole Donald Ross Course, as well as a renewed 9-hole Adjustable Short Course that can be played five different ways with 30 hole options and a 25-acre practice facility featuring a driving range with 70 hitting stations, chipping greens, teardrop target greens and a putting green.
Celebrating its grand re-opening in December 2023, visitors and players alike are now looking forward to a new clubhouse build, a new 90-acre nature park with walking and bicycle trails and even a regional playground for the kiddos.
Host a Golf Outing
Eager to get out on the green with your buddies or coworkers? The driving range can now accommodate 70 golfers (a big jump from the 12 that could previously be accommodated). Whether an incentive meeting, a friendly outing or a competitive tournament, the newly restored golf complex is an ideal venue and perfect excuse to get a group together in Sarasota.
Bobby Jones' professional golf team and tournament services can work closely with you to help plan your first-time golf event. Customized outing types include Full Field Shotgun (100+); Modified Shotgun (40-80); Single Tee Times (16+); Charity Events; Corporate Outings; Night Golf and more!
Sign Up for Golfing Lessons
If this isn't a sign to improve your golf game, we don't know what else is. With an array of options, ranging from private and group lessons to adult clinics, junior packages, camps and more, the world-class facility is certainly a treat to step and swing on – no matter your experience and ability!
Book Your Tee Time
In addition to the new grounds and facilities, Bobby Jones Golf Club also created an all-new booking engine and free app for public tee times. Golders will find the lowest prices when booking online, and City of Sarasota Residents are even eligible to receive a golf discount and can book up to 14 days in advance. Some great features of the app that are sure to make your life easier on and off the course include: app-only discounts; GPS yardage, an interactive scorecard, track scoring stats, last-minute specials and user-friendly tee-time booking.
Hike the Nature Trails
If you're not much of a golfer, need not worry. You can still reap the benefits of Bobby Jones' beautified grounds – including 90 acres made into a Nature Park! Free and open to the public from dawn to dusk, visitors can now explore 20 acres of newly added wetlands teeming with native plants and wildlife, as well as golf cart paths repurposed into walking/biking trails.
Amenities of the new community Nature Park include a historic park, a leashed dog area, public restrooms, nature trails, cycling/walking paths and a calming water feature to enjoy the nature and outdoors. Even birders will find their footing here, as 45 bird species have been documented at Bobby Jones.
Join the Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club
Lawn bowling lovers will be pleased to find that Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club, one of Sarasota's oldest historic clubs, is relocating to a site on the new Bobby Jones Golf Course this coming summer off of Circus Road. The club is set to host lawn bowling activities, club tournaments, fun bowling events and lessons for all ages on the new home turf.