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Innisbrook's Island Course Reopens After $1.7 Million Renovation

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By DAVE SIMANOFF | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 9, 2007

PALM HARBOR - Salamander Hospitality, the Middleburg, Va.-based hotel development and management firm that purchased the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club here in July, reopened the renovated Island golf course Friday morning and outlined an estimated $20 million to $30 million in upgrades, improvements and new facilities designed to bring in new events, new members, new sponsorships — and renewed national attention.

Salamander Chief Executive Officer Sheila C. Johnson said a new spa, fitness center and renovations to all three clubhouse buildings should be complete by the end of 2008. The other additions and changes should be done within two years.

Johnson also said she's working to bring several high-profile events to Innisbrook, including an exhibition tennis match to commemorate the Billy Jean King-Bobby Riggs "Battle of the Sexes" from 1973, an exhibition game between the Washington Mystics of the Women's National Basketball Association and another WNBA team, and a Ladies Professional Golf Association event.

Innisbrook is already host of the PODS Championship, which is part of the PGA Tour. Johnson is one of the owners of the Mystics.

The Island course is the oldest of Innisbrook's four golf courses. Renovation began July 16, the same day Salamander purchased the resort.

Johnson said she was eager to start work on the Island course as soon as possible because "I wanted to send a message that I really mean business."

The $1.7 million overhaul includes new cart paths, signage, bunkers, irrigation systems, trees and improved landscaping. The 11th hole has been extended to 530 yards — it's billed as one of the longest par-four holes in the country. The entire course is 7,301 yards with a par of 71. The course opened temporarily for a week during renovation to host the Golf Channel Amateur Tour National Finals in October.

Reporter Dave Simanoff can be reached at (813) 259-7762 or dsimanoff@tampatrib.com.

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