Staff WriterThe Dunedin Golf Club Restoration is finally complete, bringing a legendary Donald Ross-designed course back to its Golden Age glory.
Located in charming Dunedin, just north of Tampa, this historic gem recently unveiled a meticulous $6 million facelift overseen by acclaimed Ross expert Kris Spence.
Originally built in 1926 and opened as Dunedin Isles Golf Club on January 1, 1927, Ross proudly dubbed this course his “masterpiece.”
With rolling hills, natural waterways, and strategically placed hazards, Ross envisioned an idyllic golf experience—and this restoration effort brings that vision vividly back to life.
Over the decades, various modifications drifted the course away from Ross’s original blueprint.
Greens shrank, bunkers shifted, and the purity of Ross’s design philosophy gradually faded. But thanks to Spence’s careful and respectful approach, the Dunedin Golf Club Restoration has unearthed Ross’s untouched originals beneath years of layered renovations.
“At Dunedin, the most pleasant surprise was seeing the original greens hidden beneath later renovations,” Spence explained.
“The greens hadn’t been destroyed; they were simply buried. It felt like an archaeological dig, peeling away material layer by layer to reveal Ross’s true design.”
Golfers can now experience these restored greens exactly as Ross intended, complete with their original contours and subtle elevations.
“They’re as good as any out there,” Spence continued. “Some longer holes feature subtle greens, while shorter ones reveal dynamic, complex shapes—a hallmark of Ross at his absolute best.”
Indeed, golfers stepping onto Dunedin’s revitalised fairways will encounter challenges reminiscent of the authentic Scottish links-style Ross admired so deeply.
“Players will experience greens and bunkers precisely as Ross envisioned,” said Spence.
“Low approach shots, bump-and-run plays, and challenging bunkers—it’s pure Ross, channelling golf’s roots in Scotland.”
The impact of the restoration has been immediate and powerful. General Manager of Golf Operations Blair Kline notes the buzz among golfers drawn to the authenticity of the course.
“If Ross crawled out of his grave today and saw today’s distances and green speeds, I doubt he’d design exactly the same course he did in 1926,” Kline commented.
“We’ve created the course he would likely design today. The routing is original, but bunkers have shifted slightly for modern driving distances, and we’ve reclaimed every pin placement.”
Kline further emphasised the enthusiastic reception: “It’s been an overwhelming success.
“People are making special trips just to play here, discovering not only the course but also the charm of Dunedin itself.”
“Our rates ($85 to $130 depending on the season, with local discounts) are highly competitive, and golfers from around the region and beyond are recognising Dunedin Golf Club as a must-play destination.”
With this restoration, Dunedin Golf Club now proudly ranks among Florida’s premier municipal courses, alongside renowned venues like Winter Park Golf Course in Orlando and The Park in West Palm Beach.
For tee times and more information about the Dunedin Golf Club Restoration, visit https://dunedingolfclub.com.
