A Course Unrecognizable
Regulars say returning after the 2023 transformation is like playing a brand-new course—no hole remains as it was. Only the spirit of creative, environmental golf persists, with the rest entirely re-envisioned.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Saltleaf Golf Preserve
Bonita Springs, Florida
Established
2023
Architect
Raymond Floyd, Harry Bowers (2023 renovation/rebuild)
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
5,032 – 7,075 yds
Green Fees
$$$
The verdict
A Complete Florida Reimagining
Completely overhauled for 2024, Saltleaf Golf Preserve replaces the old Raptor Bay with a deeply strategic, fully modern shotmaker’s layout. With seven sets of tees and a clever, environmental routing, it’s both playable and challenging—one of the region’s most intriguing public tests.
Course DNA
Difficulty
76
Scenery82
Conditioning79
Shot Variety80
Walkability73
Green Complexity77
Wow Factor75
Design Quality77
At a glance
Quick facts
2023 Full-Course Rebuild
Opened January 2024 as Saltleaf Golf Preserve after a ~$25 million transformation
Seven Sets of Tees
Playable for all skill levels, stretching up to 7,075 yards
Environmental Certification
Audubon International certified for habitat preservation
Sod-Stacked Bunker Features
Unique look for Southwest Florida and rare for the region
Creative Routing
Front and back nine locations reimagined; some holes on reclaimed terrain
Native Wildlife
Course winds through preserved Estero Bay habitat, with regular osprey and heron sightings
Resort and Public Access
Open to all golfers; not private
The design
The architecture
Saltleaf Golf Preserve carries the DNA of Raymond Floyd’s original vision but has been thoroughly reinvented as an eco-centric, shotmaker’s playground. The new design offers seven tee boxes that stretch out challenges for advanced golfers while welcoming resort-level playability. Routing traces through open native areas and alongside water, with a reduced reliance on sand bunkers and a focus on native grasses, water carries, and strategic sod-stacked bunkers—an unusual flourish in Florida. The green complexes are bolder post-renovation, rewarding precise approaches and offering subtle run-offs, while the overall feel is harmonious with both the natural landscape and the region’s coastal identity.
Raymond Floyd, working with Harry Bowers, led the bold transformation of Saltleaf, refocusing on environmental preservation and strategic shot values.
Defining features
- Sod-stacked bunkers add unique Florida drama
- Numerous water hazards and native wetland corridors
- Expansive tee complexes create variety and flexibility
- Audubon-certified natural habitats define much of the course’s perimeter
- Subtle, contoured green complexes demanding precise approaches
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 1
The Opener’s Decision
PAR
5
YARDAGE
615
This long, gentle-opening par 5 is all about choosing the right position off the tee to set up your second. Ample landing space entices aggressive play, but native grasses and water flanking both sides punish a wild miss.
Play it smart
Smart players favor a left-center tee shot, leaving a manageable layup or a bold play toward the green in two.
Where it bites
Water and natural area lurk right throughout; aggressive players risk a big number if they miss the safe corridor.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approaching par 3s with water in play
Club up and take dead aim—misses left or right risk disaster.
Tee shot club choice on dogleg par 5s
Position beats power; leave a clear angle rather than squeezing yards between hazards.
Windy days on open stretches
Flight it down—lower, controlled shots stay under the Florida breeze and use the ground.
Second shot on closing holes
Don’t force hero carries unless needed—safe layup gives best chance at par or birdie.
Out of native rough or marshy areas
Take your medicine—advance to fairway rather than risking double with a greedy play.
Pitching to subtly contoured greens
Land short and let it release—green edges can repel spinny or aggressive approaches.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Native grass roughs and fairways, creative bunker style, good overall Florida resort conditioning—sometimes a bit wild by design.
Pace
Expect moderate pace, typically 4:10–4:30 per round; can slow in high season or after rain.
Vibe
Relaxed, nature-centric, welcoming resort atmosphere—golfers of all skill levels blend with occasional local wildlife.
Dress code
Standard resort casual: collared shirts, appropriate shorts/pants; spike-less or soft-spike shoes required.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Mind the Wind
Light breezes from Estero Bay can unexpectedly influence club choice, especially on open par 3s and longer carries.
02
Bring Extra Balls
Native areas and water hazards lurk—an errant swing is often unrecoverable.
03
Hydrate Early and Often
Florida sun and humidity can sap energy, especially on back-to-back rounds or in summer heat.
The lore
How it came to be
- 2001
Original Raptor Bay Golf Club opens, designed by Raymond Floyd
- 2020
Property purchased; plans for redevelopment initiated
- 2021
Major renovation begins, led by Floyd and Harry Bowers
- 2023
Seven-tee, 18-hole Saltleaf Golf Preserve rebuild completed
- 2024
Grand reopening under the Saltleaf name as a reimagined public preserve
Stories & legends
What makes it special
From Wildlife Sanctuary to Strategic Sanctuary
Saltleaf’s routing isn’t just about challenging golf—it’s about preserving the delicate coastal habitat along Estero Bay. You’re here for the course, but you remember the wildlife, breeze, and natural setting.
A Trip’s Perfect Opener
GolfPass editors recommend Saltleaf as the trip-starter for Naples adventures—accessible, fun, but demanding enough to warrant your A-game. It sets the tone, especially for those who will tackle the area’s toughest tracks later.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The back nine footprint was largely rebuilt on a site previously reserved for a separate nine-hole course.
2
Saltleaf is one of only a handful of Florida courses using sod-stacked bunkers as a signature hazard.
3
Wildlife sightings include osprey, herons, and the occasional alligator sunning on course edges.
4
Saltleaf is Audubon-certified, maintaining natural preserves and water corridors throughout.
Build the trip
If you’re crafting a Bonita Springs golf getaway
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Old Corkscrew Golf Club
Public
Tough, respected Jack Nicklaus design—Naples' gold standard for challenge.
Panther Run Golf Club
Public
Playable, modern challenge—great pairing for a two-round day.
Naples Grande Golf Club
Resort
Known for its water risk-reward stretches and prestige vibe.
Tiburón Golf Club
Resort
Host of the PGA Tour's QBE Shootout—beautiful and high-end.
Shell Point Golf Club
Public
Accessible Fort Myers public option with good value.
North Naples or Bonita Springs—convenient to the Saltleaf campus and other top public/resort rounds in the region.
Course DNA
If You Like Saltleaf Golf Preserve
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.8
The Kittansett Club
Marion, MassachusettsWhy it matches: The Kittansett Club is a natural next stop after Saltleaf Golf Preserve: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.6
Secession Golf Club
Beaufort, South CarolinaWhy it matches: Secession Golf Club is a natural next stop after Saltleaf Golf Preserve: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match7.5
The Landings Golf & Athletic Club
Savannah, GeorgiaWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in The Landings Golf & Athletic Club's own setting.
The architect's other work
More from Raymond Floyd
The Ocean Course at The Breakers
Palm Beach, FLHistoric Florida resort project by Floyd
The Villages Golf & Country Club
San Jose, CAWest coast resort/private blend
The National at Reynolds Lake Oconee
Greensboro, GAFloyd-designed with multiple nines
Community Sentiment
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