Saltleaf Golf Preserve presents an 18-hole championship course alongside a nine-hole short course, introducing an all-new public golfing destination to Southwest Florida.
NAPLES, Fla. ─ The first piece of the emerging Saltleaf on Estero Bay coastal village has been delivered with the recent opening of Saltleaf Golf Preserve. Formally known as Raptor Bay, the multi-year, $25 million transformation brings a destination element to the quiet shores of Estero Bay. Open to the public with a daily fee, this course has been designed to be shared across the community, welcoming locals, seasonal travelers, and tourists alike.
Known as ‘The Preserve,’ the all-new 18-hole championship course was designed by four-time champion Raymond Floyd, spanning 150 acres, measuring 7,075 yards sporting a challenging, yet fun Par 72. Players can expect an increase in water obstacles, no formal bunkers, and total immersion into the natural landscape without a home in sight. Avid golfers will especially enjoy the course’s signature second hole, with a drivable par 4, and an experience that will test every club in their bag.
“This renovation is a tremendous improvement to the area and the landscaping team has done an incredible job of using the environment to create the course rather than working against it using artificial challenges,” said Mark Lye, former professional golfer and future resident at the neighboring Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay. “It’s pretty darn good. The perfect balance of playability and difficulty.”
All rounds booked for the championship course include complimentary warm-up balls to be used at the players’ starter area complete with a driving range and putting green. At 200 feet wide and 200 feet long, the state-of-the-art range is fully enclosed and lined with premium-grade AstroTurf, fitting up to sixteen players comfortably.
‘The Leaf,’ one of Southwest Florida’s only public short courses, offers nine fast-paced holes ranging from 50-150 yards. This Par 3 adventure is designed to be walked and can be completed in an hour or less, so throw on a pair comfortable kicks, or keep things ultra-casual in flip-flops, to enjoy a casual afternoon on the links: the perfect setting for a corporate outing, birthday party, or training sessions for the little ones.
“One of the course’s best features is the inclusion of the 9-hole short course,” notes Lye. “The Leaf fills a much-needed gap giving a shorter option for play if you don’t have an entire afternoon to spare.”
Upon arrival, be greeted by the clubhouse, a fully reimagined space that is reminiscent of home with comfortable seating areas, welcoming design, and friendly faces at every corner. Also open to the public, the onsite restaurant, Saltleaf Bar + Grill, features a lunch menu from 11AM – 4PM, a light bites menu from 4 – 6PM, live music on select afternoons, plus a comfortable lounge with a full bar boasting spectacular views of the green.
At Saltleaf Golf Shop, peruse a wide variety of essentials to enhance your game, elevate your wardrobe, or commemorate a round. Browse a curated selection of premium golf equipment, clothing, and accessories from top brands like Titleist®, Peter Millar, TaylorMade, TravisMathew, Adidas, Puma, and more.
Immersed in nature without any homes in sight, Saltleaf Golf Preserve coexists with 144 acres of Florida uplands preserve, surrounded by native flora and a range of ecosystems. Its location within the master-planned community of Saltleaf on Estero Bay will also be home to The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay, offering a one-of-a-kind ownership opportunity for buyers seeking luxury living. Upon completion, additional destination amenities will include a new 72-slip Saltleaf Marina (currently under construction), five-star waterfront restaurant, chef-driven dining locales, new future residential offerings, nature, biking trails, and more.
Saltleaf is situated just north of Naples and only 20 minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport. Its priceless location near the friendly town of Bonita Springs also provides easy access to the area’s sugar-white sand beaches, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.