Richard Mandell Golf Architecture
Richard Mandell Golf Architecture
Richard Mandell Golf Architecture
Bobby Jones Golf Club: Main Course
Bobby Jones Golf Club: Main Course
1000 Circus Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34232-1228
United States
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Overview
The original 18 holes at this affordable public facility in Sarasota were designed by Donald Ross in 1926 and first called Sarasota Municipal Golf Course. The following year the course was renamed Bobby Jones Golf Course. New nines were later added in the 1950s and 1960s, and these were each coupled with one nine from the Ross course to create what were known as the American and British courses. In the late 2010s, the city of Sarasota embarked on a major re-imagining of the public property and hired architect Richard Mandell to restore the original core Ross 18, in large part based on old photos and Ross’s blueprints. The newer nines were converted into one of the largest practice facilities in the region compete with a wild Himalayas putting course, and the rest of the space reestablished as a nature area with walking and biking paths around a newly created chain of ponds. Mandell also revamped the 9-hole Gillespie short course, punching up the fun factor. The course is a great model for public golf, a walkable, spacious design with interesting green complexes and everything a player could want for game improvement.
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Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
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Reviews
Review
“While not terribly exciting this is a course that is playable for golfers of any skill level which I'm sure is the intent of a municipal course. Not often will public players get a chance to see a Donald Ross course with greens this good at a $50 green fee. A true park system gem for the Sarasota community. Richard Mandell did a great job bringing this course back to life. As an aside - the staff was tremendous and has one of the best practice areas you'll find at a muni facility"
Read More2025
Review
“A lot of work went into restoring this almost 100 year old Donald Ross course to it's original design. A lot of it is not visible because it was underground. But with new irrigation and better drainage the course is in really good shape, and will get better still as the greens grow in and get a little softer. A really fun course for any level of golfer. The course has 6 sets of tees from just over 6,700 yards down to just under 4,600 yards. One of the cool things they did was give an option to play the original tees (marked on the scorecard) the way the course was designed. Aptly named The Ross Tees, they play just over 6,200 yards."
Read More2024
Review
“Fun course that would be very different each day depending on wind and pins. LOTS of work done to make the course drain better and super friendly staff. Outstanding practice area. Take a minute to notice the mounds in several fairways that were added to match Donald Ross' original design. Greens were in particularly good shape with obvious and subtle slope. Enjoy your round!"
Read More2024
Review
“Affordable with incredible bones. The green complexes of this Ross reno really come alive. Super fun golf course - angles matter. Some fun shots - great firm conditions. A nice muni!"
Read More2024
