Tampa Unveils Brand New Golf Driving Range at Saddlebrook Resort
Tampa, Florida, is buzzing with excitement as the renowned Saddlebrook Resort has just unveiled its brand new 13-acre driving range. This opening is part of a massive $92 million renovation that’s reshaping the entire resort experience. Aiming to enhance the guest experience, Saddlebrook is taking golf to new heights with this state-of-the-art facility.
The Driving Range: A Hole-in-One Addition
Designed by acclaimed golf course architect Rees Jones and his partner Bryce Swanson, the new driving range is not your average setup. It boasts a double-sided range—perfect for everyone from seasoned pros to weekend warriors. Plus, golfers can look forward to two brand-new TifEagle bermudagrass putting greens and not one but three short game areas that are sure to elevate training sessions.
To make things even more convenient for visitors, the driving range has been relocated closer to the resort’s main lobby, ensuring that guests and members can now seamlessly transition from checking in to hitting some balls. It’s this kind of thoughtful planning that demonstrates Saddlebrook’s commitment to creating a prime golfing experience.
The Vision for the Future
Saddlebrook’s Managing Director, Raj Mohan, shared his excitement during the launch. He sees the opening of the driving range as a significant step in revitalizing the resort while maintaining the core values that have made Saddlebrook a popular destination for golf enthusiasts. “This facility will provide ideal conditions for guests, members, and students of the Saddlebrook Golf Academy to sharpen their skills,” stated Jones. His team feels honored to be part of this big transformation.
And this is just the beginning! The driving range is only the first piece of a larger plan. Looking ahead, Jones is set to remodel the resort’s two existing 18-hole golf courses into three nine-hole courses, with a completion target set for 2025. Talk about an ambitious game plan!
More Than Just Golf
The driving range at Saddlebrook also complements the resort’s current sports and training facilities, which include the esteemed Saddlebrook Golf Academy and the Harry Hopman Tennis Academy. With the Professional Tennis Registry and Professional Pickleball Registry relocating their national headquarters to the resort earlier this year, it’s safe to say that Saddlebrook is becoming a hub for various sports.
In addition to the sports upgrades, the resort is currently sprucing up its indoor meeting and event spaces. Once renovations are complete, Saddlebrook will offer over 30 adaptable ballrooms and boardrooms that can accommodate up to 1,400 guests. This means more opportunities for conferences, weddings, and all sorts of events.
A Bright Future Ahead
Back in spring 2022, the resort was acquired by Mast Capital and Amzak Capital Management, and they have unveiled ambitious plans for further development. This includes a new town center featuring 465 rental apartments, 25 townhomes, and 75,000 square feet of retail and office space—plus a pedestrian promenade! As if that wasn’t enough, a 120-unit townhome community along with 25,000 square feet of commercial space will also be established within the resort grounds.
Located just 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport and the area’s top attractions, Saddlebrook Resort is well on its way to becoming the ultimate destination for golf and luxury. So whether you’re a golf fanatic or just looking for a perfect getaway, the new driving range is sure to make your visit unforgettable!
