Heritage Golf Group Completes Multi-Million Dollar Phase 1 Renovation

November 11, 2024 | Sarasota

Heritage Golf Group, a leading owner and operator of private country clubs and high-end daily-fee courses, proudly announces the completion of Phase 1 renovations at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, acquired in March 2024. In less than eight months, the club is set to unveil two fully renovated golf courses, including the addition of its newest private course, The Legacy, which will open for Member play on November 16, along with major updates to the club’s racquet sport and wellness amenities.

Phase 1 renovations focused on two of the four private golf courses at LWRG&CC: Cypress Links and The Legacy courses. These courses have been enhanced with celebration bermudagrass fairways, newly constructed tifeagle greens, refurbished cart paths, and renovated bunkers for improved playability and aesthetics. The Legacy course now features multiple new sets of tees, making it accessible to golfers of all skill levels.

The Legacy Golf Course, an Arnold Palmer signature course known for its distinct design and challenging play, was previously a daily-fee course adjacent to the club. Heritage Golf Group made the strategic decision to merge The Legacy into Lakewood Ranch as its fourth private course. With renovations now complete, the course has been restored to its original glory, showcasing pristine conditions, paying homage to Palmer’s vision. Cypress Links, also designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in 2001, has similarly undergone significant improvements.

Two of the club’s three practice facilities have also undergone major renovations, featuring upgraded amenities, new premier practice balls, laser tee boxes, and new target greens to elevate the Member practice experience.

Luke Beardmore, Heritage Golf Group’s Senior Vice President of Agronomy, spearheaded the course renovations. “We are thrilled with the transformations at Cypress Links and The Legacy. Both courses, each unique in design, now feature upgraded irrigation systems, enhanced playability, and improved aesthetics. We’re very excited to open them back up to the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club membership,” he stated.

Heritage Golf Group begun renovations within a week of acquisition, meeting an ambitious Fall 2024 opening despite challenges posed by three named weather events. With the opening of Cypress and The Legacy, Lakewood Ranch G&CC is now the only club in the Sarasota area offering Members access to four private golf courses. The addition of The Legacy as the club’s fourth private golf course has allowed Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club to accommodate new golf members from a previously existing waitlist. The club is currently accepting memberships in all categories.

“We’re thrilled to mark a new era at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club with the opening of all four golf courses,” says Jim Oliver, Chief Operating Officer at Heritage Golf Group “This milestone reflects our dedication to enhancing the experience for our Members and guests, and we’re eager to bring even more planned improvements to life in the future.”

Beyond the golf courses, Phase 1 improvements include enhancements to the club’s racquet sports and wellness amenities. The future addition of three new tennis courts brings the total to 23, while new LED lighting upgrades and court resurfacing improve playability and drainage. The 24-hour fitness center will also be equipped with new cardio and strength machines, along with additional group fitness equipment.

Plans are already underway for Phase 2 renovations, which include a multi-million-dollar transformation of The Legacy Clubhouse. Once completed, this will become the club’s third full-service clubhouse, featuring a member restaurant, patio, pro shop, and more. Renovations will continue into 2025 and 2026 with scheduled upgrades to the remaining two golf courses, Royal Lakes, and King’s Dunes, each receiving full renovations on a rotating basis.