Nick Price-designed Soleta Golf Club opens in southeastern Florida

Soleta Golf Club, a Nick Price Design golf course near Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, Fla., hosted a media event to celebrate the club’s official opening on Dec. 10.

Price, the development team and instructor David Leadbetter headlined a ribbon-cutting ceremony that featured a Hall of Fame golfer hitting an opening tee shot. Clay Baston will serve as director of grounds at the new club.

“The private Soleta course project was completed in a remarkable 11 months, and the final product is outstanding,” said Managing Partner and Developer David Turner. “We knew that, in selecting Nick as our designer, we’d get a stunning championship course that would be enjoyable to play for all members. Together with the 30-acre David Leadbetter signature practice facility and indoor performance center, we offer a golf experience unmatched by any club in the state or perhaps elsewhere.”

The 7,400-yard, par-72 Soleta Golf Club course is routed separately from the location of a planned 93 luxury residences and other amenities. Holes wind through the undisturbed sanctuary-like land. According to Price, preserving all wetlands without impacting these sensitive areas was a priority.

Water conservation, enhancement of wildlife habitat and sound environmental stewardship were also critical issues.

“It was an honor to design the golf course at Soleta,” said Price. “We were part of a great team and created a special place for golfers to play, spend time with friends and have fun. The property has wetlands, uplands, open grassland and some great trees. We laid out the golf course to take advantage and incorporate those natural features into the design of holes. Importantly, no wetlands were impacted or eliminated anywhere on the property. These natural elements all are part of what gives the golf course its natural look and feel.”

According to Price, the golf course has a natural and open feel, incorporating sand and native areas. Course conditions are firm and fast, and golfers are challenged with various shot-making choices.

Leadbetter, who has coached touring professionals to major championship titles and worldwide tournament victories, discussed his design of a world-class practice and indoor performance facility. The grounds will contain different grasses, a variety of greens and elevation changes to help players fine-tune their games to be tournament-ready. In addition to the expansive outdoor practice areas, the indoor center will include a state-of-the-art biomechanics studio, club fitting, a putting studio, simulators and other advanced training technologies.

Additionally, a walking-only 9-hole short course called The Colt will open in Spring 2025.