BRADENTON, Florida – The historic Donald Ross-designed Bradenton Country Club has engaged renowned golf course architect Brandon Johnson to lead the restoration of its course, bringing it back to Ross’s original vision while thoughtfully enhancing it for today’s game.
Johnson is currently in the early stages of planning and is expected to present his recommendations to the club later this year.
Originally designed by Donald Ross in 1924, Bradenton Country Club reflects the timeless character of classic American golf architecture.
“It is a core golf experience within a historic Florida community, with a true ‘Old Florida’ feel highlighted by oaks, pines, and native landscape,” says Johnson. “With the original routing still intact, we have a unique opportunity to carefully reintroduce design elements that reflect Ross’s intent while elevating playability and overall course experience.”
The project will focus on restoring strategic design features, improving playability, and enhancing course conditions through thoughtful planning and modern engineering solutions. Johnson and the club are aligned in their vision to respect the course’s heritage while ensuring its long-term sustainability and enjoyment for future generations.
“We are incredibly excited about this opportunity,” says club president Jason Chambers. “Having the original 1924 routing in place allows us to pursue a true restoration. Brandon’s experience and approach align perfectly with our goal of honoring Donald Ross’s legacy while adapting the course for today’s membership. This is a long-term investment in the future of Bradenton Country Club, and we are committed to doing it the right way.”
The club is currently advancing plans for practice facility improvements, with the broader course restoration anticipated to follow in a phased and thoughtful manner.. This initiative represents a significant step forward in preserving and enhancing one of Florida’s classic golf experiences.