Golf architecture firm Fry/Straka has partnered with former PGA Tour player and Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger on the design of an 18-hole course for the new Miakka Golf Club in Myakka City, Florida.
This story was originally reported by Golf Course Architecture magazine.
Construction has started at the private club, which is being built along the banks of the Myakka River, less than 30 miles southeast of Sarasota.
The club shares ownership with, and is adjacent to, TerraNova Equestrian Center and The Estates at TerraNova community, with the development led by Florida entrepreneur Steve Herrig.
“This is one of the best natural sites for golf and one of the best teams we’ve ever been affiliated with,” said architect Jason Straka. “The property has an incredible two miles of frontage along the Myakka River with hundreds of mature oak hammocks. Just the golf club and its facilities are being built on more than 1,100 acres. Miakka is going to be pure golf with no encroachments or distractions of any kind.
“The course will resemble the celebrated courses of the Australian Sandbelt, with wide turf corridors, no rough, and distinctive bunkers and natural-area hazards jutting into the line of play.”
Azinger said: “I’m from here. This is my home, and it’s incredibly important to me. Steve and his team are absolutely committed to making Miakka Golf Club one of the very best private clubs in the world. He’s assembled an all-star team and will do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.”
Architect Dana Fry added: “The entire 7,700-yard golf course will be sandcapped with a proprietary blend of sand and Profile soil conditioner. Everything but the greens will be sodded. In addition, the entire course will have substantial underdrains to ensure fast and firm playing conditions year-round.
“Recently, Miakka secured 1,600 acres of adjacent land and will be the first course in Florida with its own sod farm. This is where they’ll grow the Stadium and Lazer Zoysia grass that will be used on the fairways, tees, and green surrounds.”
Miakka Golf Club will also include a 12-hole par-three golf layout, a seven-acre short-game facility, a lighted putting course, and a performance centre with TrackMan technology, a putting lab as well as indoor and outdoor hitting stations.
The short course is expected to open in 2024 with the main layout in early 2025.