Featured Golf Course
In this section learn more about the history of the course and its hometown, see a selection of historic and current images of the course, learn about what the course is like today, and discover nearby historic sites.
Bobby Jones Golf Club
History
Recently Renovated - Update Coming Soon!
The Bobby Jones Golf Club is located in the City of Sarasota in Sarasota County.
Sarasota is known as “The cradle of American Golf” thanks to the contributions of Scottish-born Colonel John Hamilton Gillespie. In 1886, Gillespie arrived in Sarasota and is reported to have built a practice course consisting of two greens and one long fairway not long after his arrival.
In 1925, the Sarasota City Commission adopted an ordinance for the issuance of City bonds to acquire 290 acres of land for park purposes, and improvements to that land for a municipal golf course. Renowned golf course architect Donald Ross was hired to design the 18-hole layout. The new 6,240 yard, par 71 course municipal golf course was formally opened on June 5, 1926, as Mayor Everett Bacon cut the ribbons.
Eight months later, in February 1927, the Sarasota Municipal Golf Course was officially dedicated and renamed the Bobby Jones Golf Course. A crowd of several thousand gathered to watch Jones personally dedicate the course and play in a 36-hole exhibition match where he went on to shoot a 73 which was the lowest score of the group.
Over time, the Bobby Jones Golf Club expanded to a 45-hole golf complex consisting of two 18-hole golf courses and a 9-hole, par-30 executive course. In 2022, The City of Sarasota decided to renovate the entire nearly 300 acres golf complex. The renovation would bring the course back to its original 18-hole Donald Ross design, and create a public park.
Golf course architect, Richard Mandell was hired to design and complete the renovations. On Saturday, December 16, 2023, the new golf course opened to the public and was ranked #2 on the Golf Digest Magazine’s Best New or Remodeled Affordable Courses for 2024.
Colonel Gillespie in Sarasota c1905
Donald Ross plan of Sarasota Municipal Golf Course 1925
Bobby Jones Cutting Ribbon at Dedication 1927
Bobby Jones at Golf Course Dedication 1927
Bobby Jones Golf Course Newspaper Ad 1929
Babe Ruth playing the Bobby Jones Golf Course
Historic Aerial of the Bobby Jones Golf Course
Today
The Bobby Jones Golf Club includes an 18-hole, par-71 golf course featuring six sets of tees playing from 4,500 to 6,200 yards. You can also play the “Ross” tees which is a combination of tees that play to total length of 6,240 yards, which the exact distance Donald Ross originally planned.
The club also features a nine-hole par-three course – named the ‘Gillespie’, after Sarasota’s first mayor. To help improve your game. a 25-acre practice facility, that includes a driving range, 3 practice putting greens and chipping/pitching areas is perfect for beginners and advanced players alike.
Rainbow over the Bobby Jones Golf ClubRainbow
Creek Running Through the British Course at the Bobby Jones Golf Club
18th Green of the British Course at the Bobby Jones Golf Club
Golfers at the Bobby Jones Golf Club
Colonel Gillespie Display at the Bobby Jones Golf Club
Bobby Jones Display at the Bobby Jones Golf Club
Local Knowledge
The short street leading into the Bobby Jones Golf Club was named Paul Azinger Way by the City of Sarasota in honor of local golf legend Paul Azinger.
Azinger picked up his first of twelve professional wins at the 1987 Phoenix Open. His wins included the 1993 PGA Championship. Azinger played on four United States Ryder Cup teams and captained the 2008 winning team at Valhalla Golf club in Louisville, Kentucky.
Azinger Way at the Entrance to the Bobby Jones Golf Club
1981 FSU Golf Team (Paul Azinger is on back row, 6 in from right)
1993 PGA Champion Paul Azinger
2001 (2002) Ryder Cup - Teammates Paul Azinger and Tiger Woods
2008 Ryder Cup Captain Paul Azinger
Inside the Leather
Circus Sarasota –In 1927 John Ringling made Sarasota the Winter Quarters of the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Offering year-round performances, Circus Sarasota shares the entertainment and enrichment that circus arts provide. Their professional performances have been acclaimed around the globe for world-class artistry and entertainment, whether showcased in one-ring European-style big tops, the unique arena facility or an intimate historic theater. Visit Circus Arts for more details.
Historic Postcard of the Ringling Bros. Baraum & Baily Winter Quarters in Sarasota
Circus Sarasota
Circus Sarasota
Circus Sarasota
Visit - Contact
Bobby Jones Golf Club
1000 Circus Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34232
1000 Circus Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34232
View the Website
Phone:
941.365.4653