Saddlebrook Resort - Palmer Course

Saddlebrook Resort formally opened in 1981 in Wesley Chapel, north of Tampa, developed by Thomas L. Dempsey with a vision of creating a unique car-free walking village resort amid Florida's natural landscape. The original Saddlebrook Course was designed by Ed Seay and Dean Refram and opened in 1976. Arnold Palmer was later hired to remodel that original course and subsequently designed the second layout, now known as the Palmer Course, which opened in 1986.

The Palmer Course became home to the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy, one of the premier golf instruction programs in the country. The resort's 480-acre property encompasses two championship courses, world-class tennis facilities, and a spa, making it a comprehensive sports resort.

Saddlebrook has undergone a massive $92 million transformation in recent years, revitalizing both golf courses and the resort facilities. The renovation aims to modernize the playing experience while honoring the Palmer design legacy that has defined Saddlebrook golf for decades.

The Palmer Course is a classic Florida resort layout winding through cypress stands and around numerous lakes on the 480-acre Saddlebrook property. At 6,469 yards from the tips with a par of 71, it is not overly long but demands accuracy around Palmer's trademark aggressive bunkering and water hazards.

The resort setting offers a relaxed, car-free walking village atmosphere. The course is walkable and provides a pleasant experience for golfers of all skill levels. Recent renovations have modernized the playing surfaces and facilities.

Accuracy trumps distance on the Palmer Course. Many holes feature water hazards that come into play on approach shots, so knowing your carry distances is essential. When in doubt, favor the side away from water.

The Bermuda greens can be grainy, affecting both speed and break. Putts into the grain will be slower than expected, while downhill putts with the grain can be lightning fast. Read the grain by looking for the sheen on the putting surface.