Three-time Major champion and World Golf Hall of Famer Nick Price admits he doesn’t want to be as prolific a golf course architect as perhaps other former players.
“I can’t build 20 a year because I can’t give them each the attention,’’ Price said. “But if I can build 30 in my career, then I’m happy.’’
We all should be happy with Price’s newest course – Soleta Golf Club in Myakka City, FL., near Sarasota. Routed within 530 acres of Southwest Florida pasture and scrublands, Soleta Golf Club – the 27th course with his name attached – takes its place among Price’s best work, including his collaboration with Tom Fazio at famed McArthur Golf Club in Hobe Sound, FL.
“This was cow pasture,’’ Price told me as we stood near the 18th green at Soleta Golf Club. “The land to the west and southwest was dead flat. There were some scrub oaks and live oaks, along with other Florida fauna, which was nice.’’
When construction began 11 months ago, the property basically was split in two – one half sand and the other half muck.
“When we took all of the cap out of the ponds, we got down three feet and got sand. So, we built everything up and got the drainage right.’’
The 7,415 yard (back tees), par 72 layout features large greens, fast, firm fairways as wide as 55 yards, no rough, and tee boxes as long as 40 yards long to ensure a variety of teeing locations. On the scorecard, Soleta has a total of eight tees, ranging from the back tees to 5,145 yards. But with those long tee boxes, those numbers are simply guides.
“I think people will like the versatility in playing this course,’’ Price said. “With these ‘free form’ tees, I don’t want members playing from the spots every day. A lot of the tees, we can go back 20 yards or go forward 20 yards One day you might hit an 8 iron into a green; the next day it might be a 6 iron.’’
The seventh hole at Soleta Golf Club
One constant on Soleta is the softer sand surrounding the fairways – a definite “plus’’ for handicap players.
“When you hit it in the sand, it’s only going to be a half-shot penalty – not a full shot penalty,’’ Price said. “And water only comes into play on three or four holes. So, I think players, from high-handicap players and good players will enjoy playing it.’’
In addition to the Price-designed course, Soleta Golf Club eventually will feature a 30-acre David Leadbetter signature practice facility and indoor performance center and a walking, nine-hole short course, called “The Colt,’’ which is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2025.
“We knew that in selecting Nick as our designer, we’d get a stunning championship course that would be enjoyable to play for all members,’’ said Soleta Golf Club Managing Partner and Developer David Turner. “Together with the Leadbetter practice facility and indoor performance center, we offer a golf experience unmatched by any club in the state or perhaps elsewhere.”
The golf courses, practice facility and learning center each are the centerpieces of three exclusive enclaves (The Sanctuary, The Ranch and Village Bungalows) that will accommodate 93 custom built luxury residences. Each of the home sites are conveniently situated within one mile of the clubhouse. Also, 14 planned club cottages will be reserved for members and guests.
The 16th hole at Soleta Golf Club
Photos: Patrick J. Koenig