Myakka City Gears Up to Be Florida’s Hottest Golf Spot
Myakka City, a charming little community founded in 1915, is stepping into the spotlight, not just for its lovely ranchlands but now as a burgeoning golf destination! That’s right, folks! Soleta Golf Club officially swung its doors open on December 10, and it’s already catching eyes and attention across the state.
Nick Price’s Stellar Design
Situated at 33720 Singletary Road, Soleta Golf Club boasts an impressive par-72, 18-hole course brilliantly designed by none other than World Golf Hall of Famer Nick Price. The course also features a stunning 30-acre practice area curated by golf coach extraordinaire, David Leadbetter, who has put players on the path to a whopping 26 Major Championships!
Alan Pope, the Membership and Sales Director, couldn’t contain his excitement, stating, “I think Nick had the best golf course in Florida at McArthur Golf Club in Hobe Sound, and now I think we have the best golf course in Florida.” Sounds like a challenge to other courses, don’t you think? Pope’s enthusiastic conviction is contagious as he adds, “He’s done as good of a job as I’ve seen. I think people are going to love it.”
Quick Development with Nature’s Challenges
Turning an idea into a reality can be quite the journey, and for the team behind Soleta, it was all about hard work and dedication. Project developers David Turner, John Galt, and Charles Duff, teamed up with Price and Leadbetter about a year ago to kick off this dream project. It was just a barn surrounded by cow pastures then, but Turner recalls, “A year later, we are very pleased to actually have this hard work pay off with what we think is a fantastic course.”
Sure, they faced natural obstacles like hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton that tried to throw a wrench in their plans. However, they pulled it all together, thanks to the relentless spirit of the construction team, who viewed this as a true labor of love.
More Than Just Golf
Soleta Golf Club isn’t just about hitting the links. It’s set to become a full-fledged golf community, complete with facilities like a pool, spa, fitness center, golf performance center, pro shop, and even tennis and pickleball courts. Oh, and let’s not forget about the golf cottages and clubhouses for various activities!
As for the timeline? The first phase of homes and additional facilities is expected to open by fall 2025. The ultimate clubhouse and final facilities should be wrapped up between late 2026 and early 2027. So mark your calendars, folks!
Wildlife and Nature Flourish
What’s in a name? The term “Soleta” actually comes from the indigenous tribes who called sandhill cranes by that name. And true to its roots, the golf course is teeming with wildlife. Picture this: alligators, snakes, deer, bobcats, and even the elusive Florida panther call this area home.
The developers have taken a strong stand on preserving the environment by keeping homes far from the course. Instead, 93 custom homes are planned at the northern end, starting at a whopping $3 million! That’s living in style!
A Unique Play Experience Awaits
This course is designed for golfers of all skill levels. The ‘Nick Price Black’ tees stretch an impressive 7,415 yards, while the front tees range from 5,145 to 5,805 yards. There’s also an innovative aspect of free-form tee complexes, allowing golfers to tee off in various spots, changing their approach to each hole.
Price believes golf is about more than just power; it’s a game of precision and strategy. He shared, “Golf is two games. One is in the air and one on the ground. All of the great links courses allow the player to run the ball onto the green.” Sounds like this course is going to keep everyone on their toes!
Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re looking to sharpen your skills, Soleta has that covered too! The practice facility integrates the latest Top Tracer technology so players can analyze their swings. There are diverse chipping greens and putting greens designed to challenge golfers with various slopes and undulations.
Leadbetter promises a top-notch instructional program to help golfers navigate tricky sandy lies. “People do love to practice, and so we’re going to have a great instructional program,” he reassured.
Memberships Now Open!
Currently, Soleta Golf Club is capping its membership at 275 local and 100 national members. With around 170 already signed up, interested parties may want to act fast! The initiation fees are set at $100,000 for locals and $50,000 for national members.
So whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, Soleta Golf Club is shaping up to be a place where golf dreams become reality. Get ready, Myakka City, because this could be the start of something big!
