Story & images by Jason Bruno
The most recent entry into the Florida golf scene is Soleta, an exclusive club designed by Nick Price 30 miles east of Sarasota (in Miakka City). Soleta is the indigenous Native American name for the Sandhill Crane.
On December 10th, 2024 the club held a media day with wo-time major champion now architect – Nick Price. The World Golf Hall of Famer was on hand to discuss his role in the project, where he was on the grounds regularly throughout the process to direct and oversee the design, while super talented project manager and Shaper Dean Bedwell brought Price’s vision to life.
“It was an honor to design the golf course at Soleta,” said architect 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.” Price’s other notable designs in the Sunshine State include McArthur Golf Club in Hobe Sound, and Quail Valley in Vero Beach, Florida).
According to Managing Partner and developer, David Turner, “The Soleta course project was completed in a remarkable 11 months and the final product came out outstanding. 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 will offer a golf experience unmatched by any club in the state or perhaps elsewhere.” The indoor performance facility will include a state-of-the-art bio mechanics studio, club fitting, a putting studio, simulators and other advanced training technologies.
As the master plan shows (above), the course is routed separate from the parcel of property slated for 93 residences and other amenities. The routing utilizes the undisturbed native land, emphasizing the commitment to the preservation of all wetlands with absolutely no impacts to these sensitive areas. Water conservation also was a critical issue, as was the enhancement of wildlife habitat and sound environmental stewardship.
The golf course has a natural and open feel that allows the Gulf Coast winds to move through the property, incorporating the abundance of sandscapes and native areas in play on every hole, but don’t let the lack of traditional rough affect your prudence. Slightly mishit shots will feed into these playable areas, but similar to many of the finest links overseas, the key to playing well here is to stay out of these “hazards”. The firm and fast playing conditions provide golfers with a variety of shot-making choices with very few forced carries in play. At Soleta, nearly every hole is an invitation for creativity, where ground game elements and green side contours influence running the ball on the 7400 yard par 72 routing.
Price revealed to me that his love of places like Kingston Heath, St.Andrews and Muirfield inspire his course designs. Soleta’s ethos falls in line with the recent minimalist movement in course architecture – especially in Florida, where many of the finest architects in the game right now have projects in some stage of development. Look for our Q&A with Price coming soon . . .
After our round, Soleta left little doubt that it belongs in the conversation to be mentioned among the elite in the state alongside Seminole, Streamsong, John’s Island, McArthur, Concession, Jupiter Hills, and Calusa Pines just to name a few. In addition, the club has plans to build 14 cottages for members and guests.
A walking only 9-hole short course called The Colt will open in the Spring of 2025.
For more information: https://soletagolf.com
