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Innisbrook Resort, Golf Club wraps up $26 million renovation

Tribune file photo by MICHAEL SPOONEYBARGER

The Innisbrook Resort hosts the PGA tour's Transitions Championship.

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By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 7, 2009

The Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in northern Pinellas County has completed a $26 million renovation project, and for the first time is opening two of its restaurants and a new spa to the public by reservation.

The four golf courses that have brought national attention to Tampa Bay with televised PGA tournaments remain closed to the public.

But the new owner of the 900-acre resort, with 608 rooms and 65,000 square feet of meeting space in addition to its outdoor amenities, has put a new face on the local icon.

Although the golf courses retained their national image, the resort had fallen into difficult financial times before Sheila Johnson, who co-founded the entertainment network BET, bought Innisbrook for about $35 million in 2007.

Previous owners blamed the post 9/11 travel slump for red ink, although travel writers commented on amenities falling behind the times, while conflicts between Innisbrook condominium owners and prior management were not uncommon.

Johnson said when she bought the resort it would take some millions in investment for Innisbrook to regain its international status.

The resort on Friday opened two of its restaurants - Packard's Steakhouse and Market Salamander Grillé - and the New Indaba Spa to the public, following a positive response from visitors to the recent Transitions Championship tournament.

The renovation included a new 20,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, refurbishment of the conference space, a new clubhouse and restaurants and upgrades to the resort's four golf courses, including the Island Course and Copperhead, which hosts the Transitions Championship.

The resort's Tennis Center, with 11 clay courts, was upgraded, along with Innisbrook's six swimming pools.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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