Rees Jones has been hired to give Islandside a major renovation. General manager Michael Welly said that the “Open Doctor” surveyed and played the course last week. Since it’s inception in 1961, the course has never undergone anything close to what is planned. The grass on the entire course will be changed to Platinum Paspalum, a fresh water turfgrass tolerant to salty water. “We are going to make every hole different” Jones explained. Furthermore, the architect will also take into account the constant winds as it sits adjacent to the Gulf. “It will be in the old classic style. You will have to play more of a ground game” he said.
Islandside is part of the $400 million plan for the redevelopment of The Longboat Key Resort. There are presently 45 holes associated with the complex…18 at Islandside and 27 at Harbourside ( on the Bay ). Golfers can play the Resort courses by staying at the resort, being a member or a guest of members or through the country club reciprocal program. Longboat has 15 area clubs on its reciprocal list, in effect from May to the end of October.
Within a half mile radius, one can find every type of residential style. From condominiums with direct gulf views, to canal homes in the half million dollar range, to mansions directly on the beach. Drop me an e-mail if you would like some listing samples e-mailed to you.
