News Summary
Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Florida, is undergoing a $92 million revitalization aimed at enhancing its facilities and solidifying its position as a premier destination for leisure travelers, golf, and tennis enthusiasts. The project includes a complete overhaul of the resort, upgrades to its golf courses, and improvements to guest accommodations and event spaces. The initiative is designed to respond to the increasing demand for high-quality leisure facilities within the tourism market.
Wesley Chapel, Florida – Saddlebrook Resort has embarked on an extensive $92 million revitalization project, aiming to enhance its offerings and solidify its status as a premier destination for leisure travelers, golf and tennis enthusiasts, and group events. The resort, which spans 480 acres and has a rich history of over 40 years, is located near Tampa, Florida. The redevelopment responds to the growing demand for high-quality leisure facilities and seeks to re-establish Saddlebrook at the forefront of the tourism market.
The revitalization initiative commenced following the acquisition of the property in 2022 by Mast Capital in partnership with Amzak Capital Management. The project encompasses a comprehensive overhaul of the resort’s facilities as well as significant upgrades to its golf course. To ensure excellence in design and functionality, world-renowned golf course architect Rees Jones is leading the redesign efforts.
Notably, the resort’s current two 18-hole golf courses, originally designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, will be transformed into three distinct 9-hole championship courses. This innovative layout will offer a versatile 27-hole experience, with the ability to rotate the new nine-hole courses to create three unique 18-hole configurations for players. This transformation includes the incorporation of six holes from the former Palmer Course, with renovations commencing in late 2024.
Enhancements to the resort’s golf facilities include the relocation of the driving range closer to the main lobby for better accessibility, with the range extending over 360 yards. The new practice facilities will span 13 acres and feature a double-sided driving range, two TifEagle bermudagrass putting greens, and three short-game areas complete with precision-designed greenside bunkers. Furthermore, the renovations will adhere to USGA specifications, focusing on rebuilding green complexes and reshaping bunkers, while a new irrigation and drainage system will be installed to optimize turf conditions and enhance sustainability.
The new course layouts will accommodate distances ranging from 6,600 to 7,005 yards, with pars set at 71 or 72. Among these, one of the new nine-hole courses is projected to debut in late 2025, followed by another in early 2026. The third course is currently open for limited play, with full renovation planned for spring or summer 2026.
Saddlebrook’s ambitious revitalization does not end with the golf course. The broader master plan, facilitated by EoA Group, features a full suite of upgrades, including refurbished guest rooms and residential-style suites, fresh dining concepts, modernized event spaces, enhanced outdoor areas, and multiple pool options, as well as over 40,000 square feet of meeting space, catering to a variety of group events.
The resort remains a world-class sports training facility, boasting 43 tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a spa, and a planned multi-court padel complex. It hosts the Saddlebrook Golf Academy and the prominent Hopman Tennis Program, attracting talented athletes, including renowned tennis legends such as Pete Sampras and Jim Courier as well as ATP World No. 3 Alexander Zverev.
Troon Golf is managing the golf operations and membership sales at Saddlebrook Resort, ensuring that the facility maintains an exceptional standard in service and experience. Accessibility for visitors is simplified, with a location only 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport.
Looking towards the future, a new town center is planned within the resort property, which will include 465 rental apartments, 25 townhomes, and 75,000 square feet of dedicated retail and office space, enhancing the community and visitor experience at Saddlebrook Resort.
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Additional Resources
- Hotel News Resource: Saddlebrook Resort Revitalization
- Wikipedia: Saddlebrook Resort
- PRWeb: Saddlebrook Resort Milestone
- Google Search: Saddlebrook Resort news
- First Call Golf: Rees Jones at Saddlebrook
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Saddlebrook Resort
- Golf Course Industry: Saddlebrook Renovation
- Google News: Saddlebrook Resort renovation
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