People in Golf - Mark Rummings

The ascendancy of golf following the global golf pandemic is seeing a clear resurgence in golf course development in certain sections of the United States.

No individual State captures that better than Florida. The Sunshine State has over 1,400 courses - the most in the country.

The latest developments have seized the momentum in bringing forward a series of distinct elements encapsulating the fullest array of golf inclusions.

The Sarasota / Bradenton area has become one of the leading hot spots in Florida. Global attention was on display with the playing of last year’s World Champions Cup played at Concession Golf Club.

The development of golf spans the spectrum with the recent updating of the publicly-owned Bobby Jones Golf Club in Sarasota.

The private club scene is also accelerating with the likes of Miakka Golf Club being created by the pairing of former USA Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger and architects Dana Fry and Jason Straka.

The star power has also brought together former world-ranked number one player Nick Price and the highly acclaimed instructor David Leadbetter. The 650-acre golf club community will be called Soleta Golf Club. Ninety-three luxury home sites are planned with locations positioned so that the golf experience is central and free of on-course clutter.

One of the key components of Soleta will be a state-of-the-art practice facility that will provide the quintessential component for instruction and player development. The 18-hole par-72 course is projected to have championship tees stretching to 7,400 yards. A late 2024 opening is planned.

To better understand the changing dynamics of the broader Florida golf market and what Soleta Golf Club will mean for the immediate area an interview with General Manager Mark Rummings was put in motion.

The Rummings Story

I started playing golf when I was 8 years old in Oxford, England.

My first 15 years in the golf industry were working with David Leadbetter, initially serving as a Senior Certified Instructor. Subsequently, he transitioned me into the role of Business Manager at the IMG Leadbetter Golf Academy while continuing to teach.

I am very excited in reuniting with David Leadbetter, as well as working with Nick Price, to bring their golf course and practice facility visions together in creating such a fine property like no other in the Sarasota/ Bradenton area.

As well as teaching, I played competitively and was North Florida PGA Champion, played in five PGA of America National Championships and several PGA Tour events. My last 10 years were at The Ritz Members Club as Director of Golf, where I developed a passion for the service industry, including creating memorable member events, mentoring staff, and serving the membership.

Interestingly, my personal journey in golf management had its roots with The Leadbetter Academy and its association with the IMG Academy, which had over 200 golf students a day visiting – the largest of its kind.

One day the then Director of the Academy out of the blue sat me down and said the business manager was moving and he needed a replacement. There were over 20+ instructors there and it was believed I was the only one that could command the attention of everyone because of my background of teaching at a high level, tournament play and relationships amongst the staff.

I had one day to think about it and was encouraged to take the job as no one knew the business side of the Academy given its size and complexity except someone who had lived it. I said “yes” and started my journey into management.

I quickly found out I had a lot to learn – and I am still learning even now.

You wake up in the morning – what’s the driving passion?

I am really lucky to love the industry that I work in. Working at a club is a bit like a round of golf - no two rounds or days are the same.

I enjoy the variety and the people this wonderful sport and industry bring together and it’s what makes me get up and go every day.

What are the needed attributes one has to have to be successful in the role of general manager?

There are a lot of moving parts at a golf club, so a GM’s ability to communicate effectively with members and the staff is very important.

To create the right atmosphere and deliver the vision of the club’s service levels and work with a team, these interpersonal and communication skills are essential.

What was the genesis for Soleta Golf Club?

The developers, who will remain as long-term owners of the club, felt there was a void in the area for a private club with limited membership with a world-class golf course and practice facilities, while also providing resort-style amenities attractive for the entire family.

There are bundled communities with resort-style amenities and great golf courses, but can end up being overcrowded to the point where homeowners become frustrated.

There are exclusive private clubs with wonderful golf courses, though lack the amenities to attract the multi-generational families that the area is becoming known for.

There are also private clubs with solid golf courses and family-friendly amenities but have focused on membership growth beyond what we feel a private club can sustain.

How will Soleta differentiate itself from other nearby clubs in the greater Sarasota / Bradenton area?

The Soleta golf course by design will stand alone as different from the other courses in the area. Visually it looks different from a “typical” Florida golf course with the rolling terrain, white sand dunes lining fairways and planned firm and fast conditions, with no rough.

The native plants and wetlands have been preserved through the routing of the course and moving over 7000 trees and plants giving the course the native Florida landscape feel.

Additionally, the amenities being built along with the David Leadbetter designed range and short game area are unique to the area and will set the club apart from others.

How was Nick Price reached out to in regards to securing his involvement with the project?

David Leadbetter makes his home in the area and has been involved in the Soleta project since inception. David wanted to use all his years of teaching the best players in the world to design the ultimate practice range and short game area.

For the golf course design, he would not want to do this project with anyone other than his good friend and long-time student, former top-ranked world number one, Nick Price.

To see David and Nick working together on Soleta with the years of experience they have in golf at an elite level makes for a very exciting future for Soleta.

Florida golf is now experiencing a wave of new properties coming forward. What makes the Sarasota / Bradenton area one that resonates with visitors and long-term resident?

The Sarasota and Bradenton area has long been touted as one of the best small cities in America to live in. With its top-rated beaches and great weather, the area has grown significantly.

The development of Lakewood Ranch has only enhanced the area as one of the most desirable places to live. We are very lucky to live and work in such a beautiful place.

The Florida market is the USA’s largest. What specific challenges emerge in being located in such a highly competitive environment?

Fortunately, the Sarasota / Bradenton area has seen tremendous growth in recent years and there is demand for golf. Soleta will be able to fill some of that demand for golfers looking for an exceptional golf and club experience.

So much of any golf club is in the area of member / guest service. Define the term and the approach followed at Soleta?

Soleta is based around a relaxed family atmosphere without sacrificing any levels of service or amenities. When you’re on the property we want you to feel the charm of the farms and ranch area the course is located on and the peacefulness it provides.

Whether you going to play a round of golf, use the practice facility, play pickle ball or go to the pool, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

How important a role is feedback and in what ways will you solicit it?

Constant feedback is important to make sure we are providing the service and amenities the membership is looking for.

Forming strong relationships with the membership is essential to creating communication channels and making members feel they can reach out. I like to be present, visible and out from behind the desk.

If you could change one thing in golf unilaterally - what would it be and why?

I feel there’s great momentum in the amateur game with more people starting golf journeys. This is great for golf and the respective golf club’s future.

I think the professional game, however, is very divided and the last few years have been turbulent which could end up turning the public’s eyes off the sport and on to others.

To keep golf’s forward momentum, I wish the professional game could come together and have an exciting product that can continue to attract potential golfers and build excitement around the game.