Myakka City Gears Up for Golf Glory with Soleta Golf Club Opening
Myakka City, a charming community known for its expansive ranchlands, is about to step into the spotlight as a premier golf destination, thanks to the newly opened Soleta Golf Club. The official opening of this stunning golf course took place on December 10, and it’s already creating quite a buzz among golf enthusiasts.
A Vision Becoming Reality
This par-72, 18-hole course is a masterpiece crafted by World Golf Hall of Famer Nick Price, who happens to have designed some of the best courses in Florida, like McArthur Golf Club in Hobe Sound. With a state-of-the-art practice facility established by renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter, who has played a significant role in guiding players to 26 Major Championships, Soleta is poised to attract golf lovers from near and far.
According to Alan Pope, the Membership and Sales Director, “I think Nick had the best golf course in Florida at McArthur, and now I think we have the best golf course in Florida. He’s done an exceptional job, and I believe people are going to love it.”
Overcoming Challenges
The journey from the drawing board to reality wasn’t without its challenges. Project developers David Turner, John Galt, and Charles Duff joined forces with Price and Leadbetter to kick off the project just a year ago. “We were sitting in a barn amidst a cow pasture, sharing a vision to build a fantastic and unique place,” shared Turner. Well, they certainly delivered! Despite the relentless force of Mother Nature, including hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, the team managed to keep on schedule and ultimately completed the project on time.
“It was a labor of love,” Duff remarked about the course contractor Heritage Links and the involvement of Price and Leadbetter. “Despite the frustrations and setbacks, they were able to grind through it.”
Developing the Community
Soleta Golf Club is only the beginning. Plans are in place for a whole golf community that will include an array of facilities like a swimming pool, wellness spa, fitness center, golf performance center, pro shop, golf cottages, tennis, and pickleball courts, along with clubhouses dedicated to golf and aquatics. The next phase of construction is expected to wrap up by fall 2025, with the full clubhouse and amenities anticipated to be completed by late 2026 to early 2027.
Capturing the essence of the local wildlife, Soleta is named after the term indigenous Native Americans used for sandhill cranes. Golfers will likely encounter a variety of fascinating creatures like alligators, deer, and even Florida panthers while they play. The design of the course has been carefully crafted to sustain the existing environment. Interestingly, no homes will line the course, with plans in place for 93 custom homes starting at about $3 million, located at the northern end of the community.
A Unique Course for All
The design also sheds light on the unique gameplay experience that Soleta aims to offer. The course measures a formidable 7,415 yards from the ‘Nick Price Black’ tees but has shorter options available at 5,145 yards (Green tees) and 5,805 yards (White tees). Price highlighted that the design allows for innovative shot placement with varying tee positions, giving golfers the freedom to strategize according to wind conditions and pin placements. “Golf is two games,” Price explained. “One is in the air and one on the ground. All of the great links courses allow you to run the ball onto the green, and that’s what I tried to accomplish here.”
Top-Class Practice Facilities
For those looking to hone their skills, the practice facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology like Top Tracer to “see” their shots and enhance their gameplay. Chipping areas and putting greens with various undulations provide the perfect setting for golfers to sharpen their skills. “We know that people do love to practice,” Leadbetter mentioned, vowing a fantastic instructional program aimed to assist players in improving their game.
Membership Opportunities
Soleta Golf Club has capped membership at 275 local members and 100 national members. Currently, they are nearing that threshold with around 170 members already signed up. For those interested, initiation fees are set at $100,000 for local members, while national members can join for $50,000 but with more limitations on playtime.
As Myakka City embraces its new identity as a top-notch golf hot spot, Soleta Golf Club is ready to welcome golf lovers and nature enthusiasts alike into its beautiful, wildlife-rich greens!
