Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Florida, has introduced a new 13-acre driving range, marking the first step in its extensive $92 million overhaul. The facility, designed by acclaimed golf course architect Rees Jones and his associate Bryce Swanson, features a double-sided range, two TifEagle bermudagrass putting greens, and three short game areas.
The range has been relocated closer to the resort’s main lobby for easier access. This is the first project by Jones at Saddlebrook, with plans to remodel the resort’s two 18-hole golf courses into three nine-hole courses by 2025.
Saddlebrook’s Managing Director, Raj Mohan, regards the opening of the driving range as a step forward in revitalizing the resort. He emphasized the resort’s commitment to enhancing guest experiences while preserving the resort’s core values.
The new facility will provide ideal conditions for guests, members, and Saddlebrook Golf Academy students to improve their golf skills, said Jones. He expressed his team’s honor at being part of the resort’s significant transformation.
The driving range adds to Saddlebrook’s existing sports and training facilities, which include the Saddlebrook Golf Academy, the Harry Hopman Tennis Academy, and Saddlebrook Prep. The Professional Tennis Registry and Professional Pickleball Registry moved their national headquarters to Saddlebrook earlier this year.
The renovation of Saddlebrook’s indoor meeting and event spaces is in progress. Upon completion, the resort will have over 30 adaptable ballrooms and boardrooms able to accommodate up to 1,400 guests.
In spring 2022, Mast Capital and Amzak Capital Management acquired the 480-acre Saddlebrook Resort. The new ownership plans to develop a new town center with a mix of uses, including 465 rental apartments, 25 townhomes, 75,000 square feet of retail and office space, and a pedestrian promenade. A 120-unit townhome community and 25,000 square feet of commercial space will also be built within the property grounds.
Saddlebrook Resort, a part of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, is located 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport and the area’s top attractions.
