Tampa-area resort extensively renovated
WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. – Saddlebrook Resort predates head golf professional Kyle Bruce’s arrival by some 20-plus years. That doesn’t mean he isn’t keenly aware of the resorts storied history.
And with a recent $92 million renovation nearly complete, Bruce, who has spent more than 20 years working at the property, can’t be more excited about what the future holds for Saddlebrook Resort, which is just 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport.
Before getting into the post-renovation future, it’s important to remember where Saddlebrook Resort has been. On the sports side, the resort has an impressive history. Since opening in 1981, Saddlebrook Resort has attracted some top names in professional golf and tennis.
On the men’s golf side, PGA Tour players K.J. Choi, Keegan Bradley, Akshay Bhatia and Karl Vilips have trained at and called Saddlebrook Resort home. On the women’s side, Paula Marti (LPGA) and Aline Krauter (U.S. Women’s Amateur champion) have graced Saddlebrook’s links.
On the tennis side, Pete Sampras, Martina Hingis and Alex Zverev – yeah, those icons – honed their games at Saddlebrook Resort.
Transformation began in 2022
History can only take you so far; and after once being touted as one of Florida’s iconic resorts, the Tampa-area property fell into a slow decline. Saddlebrook’s rebirth began in 2022 when Mast Capital and Amzak Capital Managemen, acquired the resort and immediately began planning for a future they hope will return it to its proper spot on must-visit resorts in the Sunshine State.
“This remarkable transformation unveils the Saddlebrook of the future, where legendary sport and modern luxury come together seamlessly,” said Camilo Miguel Jr., founder and CEO of Mast Capital. “We’ve reintroduced Saddlebrook not just as a resort, but as a world-class destination that speaks to today’s global traveler and the next generation of athletes.”
“We completely renovated all the greens—TifEagle 007, fully rebuilt greens—along with all the fairways. We installed brand-new bunkers and entirely new tee box complexes.”
Saddlebrook now features 27 holes
The resort previously offered 36 holes on two distinct courses – Saddlebrook (Ed Seay, Dean Refram designers) and Palmer (Arnold Palmer). Both were built along a mostly flat parcel of land with tree-lined fairways, water and imaginative bunkering. The new owners brought in Rees Jones to oversee the redesign, and the 36 holes were consolidated into 27 holes – Pine, Oak and Cypress. Jones eliminated some holes and built some new ones. The Cypress nine, which was part of the original Palmer course, will eventually be renovated, but that remains in the planning stage.
Playability
Get on the correct tee boxes and all three courses are challenging, but playable. There’s enough water so that you can’t just scrape it around and post a career score. But none of the three courses is overwhelming or intimidating. The hardwood-lined fairways are generous and the rough isn’t so high that you can’t find those errant shots. The rebuilt greens aren’t huge, but they are big enough so that you don’t have to be super precise with approach shots.
In addition to the renovated courses, a new 13-acre practice facility opened in 2024 with dedicated putting and chipping greens, along with practice bunkers.
“Saddlebrook Resort now has a world-class practice facility and a completely re-envisioned 18 holes,” Rees Jones, the designer, said. “When complete, Saddlebrook will have a classic, playable and enjoyable 18-hole complex.”
The Cypress nine will remain the same.
The golf courses cover between 270 to 300 acres of the 480-acre resort.
Tennis, pickleball thrive at Saddlebrook
Saddlebrook Resort isn’t just about golf, though. Tennis has always been an integral part of Saddlebrook, and it remains a centerpiece of the reimagined resort with 41 tennis courts, eight pickleball courts and a planned multi-court complex for Padel, a tennis0squash hybrid. In 2024, the Professional Tennis Registry and Professional Pickleball Registry relocated their international headquarters to Saddlebrook, Former Saddlebrook regular Thomas Blake, the brother of 10-time ATP Tour winner James Blake, was hired as director of tennis performance and is overseeing the Hopman Tennis Program.
To be truly considered upscale, a resort needs a diverse culinary scene and memorable pool experience. Saddlebrook Resort has both. The 500,000-gallon Super Pool, named in honor of the 1984 Super Bowl that was played in Tampa, was reworked and now offers an expansive area to relax and refresh. Palmhaus, the poolside bar, features ceiling artwork that pays tribute to the resort’s “flora, fauna and movement.” It offers bar food along with Florida-inspired small plates.
The upscale RARE 1981 features a variety of beef, poultry ando seafood dishes. The cocktail menu is extensive and the atmosphere is laid-back. BREW is an all-day café and market set in the heart of Saddlebrook’s renovated lobby. Soon-to-open GOAT, a sports-themed tavern, will be the go-to spot at the resort to watch games and unwind after a day of golf, tennis or pickleball.
Redesigned lodging
Lodging options include 451 redesigned rooms ranging from deluxe guest rooms (400-square feet) to one-bedroom suites (800-square feet) to two-bedroom suites (950-square feet. All rooms have private balconies or patios.
Also, there are plans for a town center with 465 luxury apartments, 25 townhomes and retail and office space, including a pedestrian-friendly promenade.
“This expansive renovation reaffirms Saddlebrook’s position at the intersection of elite athletics and sophisticated resort vacations,” Managing Director of Saddlebrook Resort Jeff Mayers said. “We’ve created a destination where families, friends, and loved ones can relax, neighbors can gather, athletes can train and groups can connect.”
For more information, go to saddlebrook.com,
Gregg Dewalt is the editor of Alabama Golf News
Have a story idea or a news item to report to Alabama Golf News? Email gregg@alabamagolfnews.com
Photos courtesy of Saddlebrook Resort
