Soleta is the Native American word for sandhill crane. The facility will be a family-oriented private club with 275 local members and 100 national members. When Soleta officially opened last month, they had already accepted 170 memberships with an initiation fee of $115,000. What makes the course special are its meandering tee areas, that can be as long as 120 yards with eight sets of color-coded markers on each tee. Soleta’s tees are ‘freeflowing’ and some even have doglegs. “I want the members to understand the versatility of the course and enjoy its variety. I’ve played in all four corners of the world and have gotten to see a lot of different types of golf. This one is more links-style, but I want players to keep in mind that they don’t have to play from a certain spot.’’ Water comes into play on only two holes and can be played as short as 5,145 yards, or as long at 7,411 yards. Most noteworthy is the liberal use of sugar sand, a white variety indigenous to the area which creates even more challenges for golfers. The course is a par-72 and the par-3 seventh is the most picturesque. The eighth green is 85 yards long and the 17th is a drivable par-4, measuring between 236 and 333 yards. The Fish Camp behind the fifth green and sixth tee box, near the Myakka River, can be used for special events. Soleta will also have a new clubhouse, 93 homesites, plus racquet sports facilities. Famed golf instructor, David Leadbetter designed the 30-acre practice facility at Soleto. It has the latest in TopTracer technology, with four cameras covering all 16 hitting bays. A chipping green and putting course are also included. The short par-3 course, the Colt has six greens with nine tee boxes.
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