Saddlebrook Resort Elevates Golf Experience with New 13-Acre Driving Range

Published on December 11, 2024

Saddlebrook Resort is excited to introduce its expansive new 13-acre driving range, marking the first step in a bold transformation plan for the property. Designed by acclaimed golf architect Rees Jones, in collaboration with his associate Bryce Swanson, this cutting-edge facility includes a double-sided range, two TifEagle bermudagrass putting greens, and three short game areas complete with greenside bunkers. To enhance convenience for players, the range has been relocated closer to the resort’s main lobby.

This new addition also signals the beginning of Rees Jones’ involvement at Saddlebrook, with plans to reimagine the resort’s two current 18-hole golf courses into three versatile nine-hole layouts, set to launch in 2025.

“The opening of our driving range signals another step forward in reviving our iconic Saddlebrook Resort,” said Raj Mohan, Saddlebrook’s managing director. “Each milestone we achieve in this journey will demonstrate our commitment to elevating the Saddlebrook experience for our guests, members and the local community, while also preserving the core of this legendary destination where friends, families and athletes have come to stay, play and train for more than four decades.”

“Saddlebrook’s new comprehensive practice facility provides guests, members and Saddlebrook Golf Academy students with an ideal environment to improve every aspect of their game,” Jones said. “Our team is honored to be part of this storied golf destination’s remarkable transformation as they elevate the experience both on and off the course.”

Saddlebrook Resort continues to elevate its reputation as a premier sports and training destination with the addition of its cutting-edge new driving range. This latest enhancement complements the resort’s renowned sports facilities, including the world-class Saddlebrook Golf Academy, featuring a digital learning studio, indoor hitting bay, BalanceLab, and PuttLab for expert play analysis. Tennis enthusiasts benefit from the prestigious Harry Hopman Academy, whose alumni include legends like Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, Martina Hingis, Andy Roddick, Alex Zverev, and John Isner. Additionally, Saddlebrook Prep offers aspiring athletes a unique blend of academic and athletic programs designed to nurture future professionals. Earlier this year, both the Professional Tennis Registry and the Professional Pickleball Registry relocated their national headquarters to Saddlebrook, further reinforcing its standing as a top-tier sports hub.

Guests at the resort also enjoy access to premium amenities such as state-of-the-art tennis and pickleball courts, a 500,000-gallon Super Pool, a fully equipped fitness center, a luxurious 7,000-square-foot spa, and a wide array of family-friendly events and activities.

Renovations are also underway for the resort’s expansive indoor meeting and event spaces. Once completed, more than 30 versatile ballrooms and boardrooms—able to host up to 1,400 guests—will serve as an ideal venue for sports teams, corporate events, and social gatherings in the Tampa Bay area.

In spring 2022, Mast Capital, in partnership with Amzak Capital Management, acquired the 480-acre Saddlebrook Resort. With a commitment to long-term investment and expansion, the new ownership is overseeing a comprehensive renovation and development plan. Future additions include a vibrant town center with 465 rental apartments, 25 townhomes, 75,000 square feet of retail and office space, and a pedestrian promenade. A new 120-unit townhome community and 25,000 square feet of commercial space are also planned within the property grounds.

“We are delighted to announce the opening of Saddlebrook’s Rees Jones-designed driving range, offering residents and guests the opportunity to experience one of the resort’s most coveted amenities,” said Jordan Kornberg, Chief Investment Officer at Mast Capital. “This extensive renovation reflects our unwavering financial investment and steadfast commitment to reestablishing Saddlebrook as a premier world-class destination. We are excited to continue advancing our comprehensive renovation and development plans, which align with the increasing demand for exceptional housing and commercial services in Tampa’s dynamic Wesley Chapel community.”