A Florida Golf Destination Since 1927
Club History
Bobby Jones Golf Club is a 45 hole municipal facility named for the legendary Robert Tyre Jones, Jr., who personally dedicated the facility on Sunday, February 13, 1927.
The original 18 holes were designed in 1925 by the famed course architect Donald Ross. Nine additional holes were constructed in 1952 and another nine were added in 1967. The John H. Gillespie Executive Course was completed in 1977.
During its 80+ years, Bobby Jones courses have challenged such immortals as Walter Hagen, Tommy Armour, Gene Sarazen and even the “Babe”, George Herman Ruth. In 1940 the longest playoff for a PGA event was held at both the Bobby Jones Course and nearby Sarabay C.C. when the PGA Seniors Championship tournament needed 36 playoff holes before Otto Hackbarth bested Jack Hutchinson 294 to 295. Past LPGA greats including Patty Berg, Babe Didrikson Zaharias and Louise Suggs made Bobby Jones a regular tour stop in the mid-1950’s.
Visitors from around the globe have come to tee it up and walk these fairways steeped in golfing history. The current British Course record is 62, shared by PGA Pro Paul Azinger (1980) and Professional Golfer Domenico Geminiani (2017). Domenico Geminiani holds the Tournament course record of 62 set in February 2017 during the annual “Bobby Jones Open” .The current American Course record is 63 set in 2009 by Michigan native, Jim Cleaves, who set the mark at the age of 70. Maybe your next round will be the new record. Enjoy and good golfing.
The Courses
Bobby Jones Golf Club is the only golf facility located within the city limits of beautiful Sarasota – a golfing mecca nestled on the Gulf of Mexico coast just one hour south of Tampa, Florida. The facility sits on 325 contiguous acres of virgin meadowland adjacent to State Road 780, Fruitville Road, the gateway to downtown Sarasota and its world famous beaches.
This historic gem, initially designed by Donald Ross in 1926, has grown to include two 18-hole championship courses and a 9-hole executive course. A particularly unique feature of this complex is the absence of any building development on all but one golf hole.
American Course
American Course holes: 1-9, 10-18
This 18-hole, par 71 course of 6,032 yards from the back tees is most popular with seniors, women and golfers who prefer varied terrain. The combination of gently rolling hills, sparkling lakes, meandering streams and majestic live oaks make this course a shot makers dream. There are four tee stations at each hole to accommodate varied skill levels and large gently contoured Bermuda greens with strategically placed sand bunkers to challenge every golfer’s short game. On-course amenities include continuous concrete cart paths, fairway and cart path yardage markers. Men’s and women’s restrooms on both front and back nines, drinking water stations, ball washers and benches at each tee for the convenience of the many walking golfers.British Course
British Course holes: 1-9, 10-18
This 18-hole, par 72 course of 6,710 yards from the back tees is the layout preferred by the long hitting low handicappers. The original Donald Ross design has been maintained with moderately sized elevated greens, manicured approaches, open fairways and multiple bunkers. Many large live oaks, pine stands, and palms give definition to the long straight fairways. Several ponds and streams come into play and require prudent caution by the long hitters. Four tee stations offer a challenge to all types of golfers and the dome shaped greens, a Ross signature characteristic, requires a deft touch and precise execution to be successful. On-course amenities include continuous concrete cart paths, fairway and cart path yardage markers, on course restrooms and drinking water stations, ball washers and tee benches at each tee and several walking bridges to accommodate the walking golfer.