- The Alachua County BOCC voted to submit UF's 580-acre golf course land use change to the state for review prior to a June vote.
- UF plans a 36-hole championship golf course with a 65,000-square-foot clubhouse and cottages to improve athletic recruitment and research.
- 2,600 acres across Parker Road will be used as a living laboratory, with part of the golf course land conserved to protect sensitive species.
The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted on Tuesday to submit the University of Florida’s 580-acre golf course to the state of Florida for review.
UF asked the county to change the land use for the property, requiring changes to the comprehensive plan, review by FloridaCommerce and another BOCC vote in June. From there, UF will continue to amend its plans for the site before returning with a zoning change and additional design plans before construction.
UF men’s golf coach J.C. Deacon told the commissioners that the university’s current facilities have held the Gators back in recruitment and performance. He said the student-athlete experience is probably not on par with other schools as well. The planned 36-hole, championship course could elevate Gator potential.
“It’d be a game changer for the athletic department and certainly our golf program, and I think it would put us in position to be the best golf program in the entire country if we were able to do this,” Deacon said.
Work on the land started in 2020, and the Florida Legislature approved $38 million for UF to purchase the property in 2024. UF then finished a Special Area Study started under the prior owners.
The sale officially closed last year and includes the 580-acre golf course plus 2,600 acres across Parker Road. That portion will be used as a living laboratory by UF/IFAS and students.
Tyler Matthews, CEO of development consulting firm England-Thims & Miller, said UF has its own internationally recognized experts working on the project, including Gator alum and golf course architect Steve Smyers.
The BOCC approval, once finalized, would change the property to UF Golf Institutional with a specialized set of planning criteria. The change would also finalize the maps for the 580-acre site, which sits on a sensitive ecosystem.
Part of the property will be a conservation management area and will be excluded from development. These acres are extremely karst and contain protected species like gopher tortoises and woodland poppymallow.
The “championship” level course will also have overnight cottages, a 65,000-square-foot clubhouse, a UF golf team facility, maintenance facilities and space for a golf partnership like with First Tee.
“The proposed golf course will provide a modern facility supporting recreational use, collegiate athletic competition, and academic research,” UF’s special area plan says. “The project is anticipated to enhance opportunities in turfgrass research, environmental science, land management, and sports performance, while providing broader community benefits through a destination-quality facility.”
The state will have 30 days to review and provide comments before the next BOCC vote scheduled for June 23.