Troon Golf adds Saltleaf Golf Preserve in South Florida to management portfolio

(Photo by Jensen Larson)

Saltleaf Golf Preserve in Bonita Springs, Fla., is now managed by Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee division of Troon, moving from Troon’s Icon Management division. Troon Golf now oversees the golf operations, retail and sales, food and beverage, agronomy and marketing for the newly renovated 27-hole facility located adjacent to Estero Bay.

(Photo by Jensen Larson)

Saltleaf Golf Preserve reopened in November 2023 following an extensive 17-month renovation led by four-time major champion Raymond Floyd and property owner London Bay Development Group. Working again with architect Harry Bowers, Floyd reimagined a completely new golf course built on the site of the former Raptor Bay golf course, which Floyd and Bowers designed 24 years ago. The new course, named The Preserve, is longer and more challenging, expanding from a 6,400-yard, par-71 layout to a robust 7,075-yard, par 72 championship course. The Preserve embraces Florida’s natural habitat with 22 acres of lakes and no formal bunkers — only large sandy waste areas. Additional golf offerings include a nine-hole, par-3 course known as The Leaf and a 40,000-square-foot practice facility.

“We are excited to have the Troon Golf brand and team on board as our management company and look forward to them taking Saltleaf to the next level,” said Craig Klingensmith, vice president of London Bay Development Group.

Saltleaf Golf Preserve’s makeover is a key part of the London Bay Development Group’s redevelopment of the area. The team is building twin 22-story condominium buildings as well as The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay and Saltleaf Marina, which will open in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

“I am thrilled to welcome Saltleaf to our Troon Golf brand,” said Joe Langford, senior vice president of operations, Troon. “Saltleaf is a remarkable golf course set amongst the state’s first aquatic reserve. We are excited to partner with London Bay and look forward to further elevating this already outstanding property.”

Jesse Metcalf has served as golf course superintendent at Saltleaf since the club reopened in 2023.