Saltleaf Golf Preserve, situated in Bonita Springs, Florida, has recently come under the management of Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee division of Troon. This change signifies a shift from Troon’s Icon Management division to Troon Golf, with the latter now overseeing the golf operations, retail and sales, food and beverage, agronomy, and marketing for the revamped 27-hole facility.
Following a comprehensive 17-month renovation spearheaded by four-time major champion Raymond Floyd and the property owner London Bay Development Group, Saltleaf Golf Preserve reopened in November 2023. Notably, architect Harry Bowers collaborated with Floyd to reimagine a completely new golf course on the site of the former Raptor Bay golf course, which they had designed 24 years ago. The newly transformed course, named The Preserve, is now longer and more challenging, expanding from a 6,400-yard, par-71 layout to a robust 7,075-yard, par-72 championship course. Embracing Florida’s natural habitat, The Preserve features 22 acres of lakes and large sandy waste areas in lieu of formal bunkers. Additionally, the facility offers a nine-hole, par-3 course known as The Leaf and a 40,000-square-foot practice facility.
The redevelopment of Saltleaf Golf Preserve is a significant part of London Bay Development Group’s larger project in the area, which includes the construction of twin 22-story condominium buildings and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay and Saltleaf Marina, scheduled to open in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
Eager about the new partnership, Craig Klingensmith, vice president of London Bay Development Group, expressed his optimism for the future of Saltleaf Golf Preserve under Troon Golf’s management. Joe Langford, senior vice president of operations at Troon, shared this sentiment and conveyed his enthusiasm for welcoming Saltleaf to the Troon Golf brand.
Furthermore, Jesse Metcalf has been serving as the golf course superintendent at Saltleaf since its reopening in 2023, contributing to the continued success of the club.
All in all, the addition of Saltleaf Golf Preserve to Troon Golf’s management portfolio represents a significant development for the esteemed golf course, promising an elevated experience for golf enthusiasts in South Florida.