A New Golf Haven in Myakka City: Soleta Golf Club Opens Its Doors
Myakka City has long been synonymous with sprawling ranchlands, but hold onto your golf clubs, because this quaint town is about to make a name for itself as a premier golf destination! Yes, you heard that right! Soleta Golf Club officially opened its doors on December 10, bringing with it a stunning par-72, 18-hole golf course designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Nick Price. To add some magical flair, the 30-acre practice facility was crafted by famous golf instructor David Leadbetter, who’s played a pivotal role in 26 Major Championships. Wow, right?
A Dream Come to Life
How did all of this come together so quickly, you wonder? It all started just a year ago when developers David Turner, John Galt, and Charles Duff gathered with Price and Leadbetter to break ground in what can only be described as a dusty barn sitting right in the middle of a cow pasture. “We had a vision to build a fantastic, special and unique place,” Turner reminisced. And here we are, only a year later, celebrating this amazing achievement!
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. Mother Nature decided to add her bit of drama by throwing hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton into the mix. But the dedicated team brushed it off, sticking to their timeline and pushing through the challenges. As Duff put it, “They viewed it as a labor of love.” Talk about commitment!
What’s Next for Soleta?
While the course is now officially open, there’s still a lot more on the horizon. Upcoming features include a pool, spa, fitness center, golf performance center, pro shop, and even places to play tennis and pickleball. The next phase is expected to have the first residential offerings ready by fall 2025, while the permanent clubhouse and other facilities are slated for completion by late 2026 to early 2027. It’s like a golfer’s dream neighborhood!
Respecting Nature
The name, Soleta, pays homage to the indigenous Native Americans’ word for sandhill cranes, which means you’re not just playing a game; you’re surrounded by nature! The course is teeming with wildlife, including alligators, deer, and even Florida panthers. Developers made sure to keep the existing environment intact by designing the course with preserving nature in mind. There won’t be homes flanking the golf course, as 93 custom residences will be built at the northern end, starting at a cool $3 million. Those interested should be ready to shell out some serious cash!
In total, they relocated 2,000 trees and plants to create a seamless transition into the golf landscape, with white sugar sand being a standout feature. It’s so old-school that the sand and most materials were excavated from the original site, with only the golf course grass coming in from Sebring. Talk about sustainable design!
For Golf Lovers of Every Skill Level
Soleta was designed with golfers of every skill level in mind. The longest tees, dubbed the ‘Nick Price Black’ tees, stretch the course to an impressive 7,415 yards, while front tees sit at 5,145 yards (Green) and 5,805 yards (White). Unique to Soleta is how there’s practically *no rough* — instead, golfers will encounter waste bunkers lining many of the fairways. “Golf is two games,” Price mentioned. “One is in the air and one on the ground.”
Practice Makes Perfect
If you want to sharpen those swings, Soleta has got you covered. The practice facility is top-notch, boasting Top Tracer technology that helps players gauge their hits. You also have multiple chipping greens and a putting green with varied undulations to prepare for anything that may come your way. “We know that people love to practice, and we’re going to have a great instructional program,” Leadbetter added. Looks like they mean business!
Membership Opportunities
Soleta Golf Club is currently setting its member cap at 275 local members and 100 national members, with around 170 already signed up. Membership initiation fees are set at a jaw-dropping $100,000 for locals and $50,000 for those from afar. Better act fast if you want in!
With its official opening, Soleta Golf Club is ready to put Myakka City on the map as a go-to golf hub. So pack your clubs and get ready to enjoy a round in this beautiful new setting!
