The course was designed in 1925 by the “dean of golf course architects”, Donald Ross, on a choice piece of land near Sarasota Bay that included undulating terrain, native trees, and a meandering creek. Ross is credited with approximately 400 designs throughout the world, and upon completion of this layout, Ross stated that he had accomplished as much in this design as any of his master works in America and Europe.

The greens at Sara Bay CC, more than any other of his courses, mirror his famous design at Pinehurst No. 2. Brian Silva, a leading expert on Ross designs, confirmed this similarity when he undertook the restoration of the course in 1991. In the fall of 2006, Silva completed an extensive renovation, the scope of which included all new tee complexes, rebuilding of all bunkers, improved drainage, re-grassing of fairways, and conversion of putting surfaces to TifEagle Bermuda. Throughout every facet of this project, extraordinary care was taken to preserve the integrity of the original Ross design.

Forty years after Tommy Armour left as head professional of Sara Bay CC, he reminisced about his time at the club in an interview with Golf Magazine…”it was glorious, for I played golf everyday with Bobby Jones, and we picked up pointers from one another…it helped both our games.” Now, eighty years after these legendary golfers walked the tree-lined fairways of this venerable club, Sara Bay CC remains one of the most distinguished and well manicured in the state.