BONITA SPRINGS, Florida – Saltleaf Golf Preserve in Bonita Springs, Fla. was recently recognized by the editors of GolfPass as one of “The 12 best brand-new golf courses we played in 2024.”
GolfPass is the leading source of golf course ratings and reviews by golfers, for golfers. GolfPass’ editors evaluated dozens of new courses in 2024, ranking their favorites for the year-end list.
GolfPass Senior Writer Tim Gavrich enjoyed Saltleaf Golf Preserve’s “pristine conditioning” and “interesting bunker work – including edges defined by stacked artificial sod…” Gavrich’s Saltleaf review also noted that “The new par-3 course is a nice side-dish to the main course.”
Saltleaf Golf Preserve reopened in November of 2023 following an extensive 17-month renovation led by four-time Major-champion Raymond Floyd and property owner London Bay Development Group.
Working again with architect Harry Bowers, Floyd reimagined a completely new golf course built on the site of the former Raptor Bay golf course, which Floyd and Bowers designed 24 years ago.
The new course, named The Preserve, is longer and more challenging, expanding from a 6,400-yard, par-71 layout to a robust 7,075-yard, par-72 championship course. The Preserve embraces Florida’s natural habitat with 22 acres of lakes and no formal bunkers — only large sandy waste areas.
Additional golf offerings include a nine-hole, par-3 course known as The Leaf, a 40,000-square-foot practice facility and a 12,500-square-foot clubhouse that features the Saltleaf Bar & Grill and a well-appointed golf shop.
Saltleaf Golf Preserve’s makeover is a key part of London Bay’s development of the area, as the team is currently constructing two 22-story towers — The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay — as well as Saltleaf Marina, all of which will open in early 2026.
Saltleaf Golf Preserve is managed by Troon Golf. For tee times and more information on Saltleaf Golf Preserve, visit www.saltleafgolf.com