The whispers have become roars, the speculation a concrete reality. Streamsong, that wild Florida eden sculpted from phosphate mines, has unveiled its fourth jewel, and the name alone is enough to send shivers down the spine of any golf course architecture enthusiast: Bone Valley. Forget your predictable color-coded extensions; this is something far more primal, a deep dive into the very geological soul of the land. Having traversed these lunar landscapes myself, I can attest to the raw, untamed beauty that already defines Red, Blue, and Black. Now, with David McLay Kidd’s latest creation, it seems we’re about to journey even deeper into Florida’s ancient past.
For nearly two years, the golf world has played a delightful parlor game, guessing the moniker for Streamsong’s newest 18-hole addition. Would it be Streamsong Yellow? Streamsong Green? The logical bets, given the resort’s established chromatic branding. But Streamsong, much like a well-designed golf hole, rarely takes the obvious path. And that, my friends, is why we love it.
The name, Bone Valley, isn’t merely a clever marketing ploy, though it certainly lends itself to some fantastic merchandise possibilities (more on that later). It’s a direct homage to the very earth upon which this course has been carved. Millions of years ago, this very terrain was submerged beneath a vast, ancient ocean, a primordial soup teeming with life – and death. To truly understand Bone Valley, you need to brush up on your paleontology. As the source article beautifully explains:
“Millions of years ago, the swath of Central Florida where Streamsong sits was underwater, a roiling ocean filled with all manner of marine life. High up on the aquatic food chain was the megalodon, a shark so outsized it made a Great White look like a minnow. The quantity of fossilized remains gave rise to the name for the region: Bone Valley.”
The story of how McLay Kidd, an architect whose work I’ve followed keenly from Bandon Dunes to Gamble Sands, became a reluctant paleontologist is particularly amusing. He began unearthing fossilized remains, most notably megalodon teeth, with surprising regularity. The initial awe, he told GOLF.com, quickly gave way to a workmanlike acceptance:
“I was like, ah, that one’s broken,” he said. A few months in, unearthing the saw-sharp remains of an ancient fish seemed no more remarkable than stumbling across a cactus in a desert.”
This firsthand connection to the land’s history, the very bones beneath the sand, is what makes Streamsong so special. Here, the landscape isn’t merely a canvas for golf; it’s a co-creator. McLay Kidd, much like Tom Doak or Alister MacKenzie, understands that the most profound golf experiences emerge when the architect allows the land to dictate the design, rather than imposing a will upon it. We can anticipate fairways that undulate with the ancient seabed, bunkers that mirror the sharp, broken edges of unearthed fossils, and green complexes that demand a keen understanding of the earth’s natural contours. This is not about manufactured drama; it’s about revealing what has always been there, hidden beneath the surface.
While specific design elements and strategic nuances of Bone Valley will reveal themselves with preview play commencing November 30th, we can infer much from Streamsong’s existing courses and McLay Kidd’s broader philosophy. Expect wide, playable fairways that invite strategic decision-making off the tee, encouraging golfers to flirt with danger to gain an advantage. His green complexes are often bold, featuring dramatic contours and subtle breaks that reward a thoughtful approach shot and a delicate touch with the putter. The Red and Black courses, with their sweeping vistas and rugged beauty, have set a high bar, and I have no doubt McLay Kidd has risen to the challenge, crafting a course that feels both wild and refined.
The commercial logic behind the name also cannot be ignored. Steve Skinner, CEO of KemperSports, which owns and operates Streamsong, succinctly put it:
“The name was a natural fit for land and a course that was literally millions of years in the making.”
Indeed. “Streamsong Yellow” might conjure images of sunshine, but “Bone Valley” evokes wonder, mystery, and a sense of timelessness that is irresistible. And, let’s be honest, a megalodon tooth logo on a golf shirt is infinitely cooler than a yellow golf ball. The resort has already leaned into this prehistoric theme, with a fossilized megalodon jaw prominently displayed in the main lodge. The new logo, depicting a skeletal, crocodilian creature, promises some truly distinctive gear. For a traveling golfer, a piece of merchandise isn’t just a souvenir; it’s a tangible link to an unforgettable experience, and Bone Valley delivers on that front with prehistoric flair.
;)
Streamsong Resort
Streamsong is located in Bowling Green, Florida, a relatively remote location that ensures a true golf escape – no urban distractions, just golf and the vast, beautiful wilderness. For those planning a trip, Bone Valley’s preview play begins on November 30th, offering the first opportunity to walk these ancient grounds. It’s always exciting to play a course in its nascent stages, to witness the architect’s vision taking its first steps. I’ll certainly be looking to secure a tee time, eager to see how McLay Kidd has once again captured the spirit of a unique site. Streamsong has consistently delivered world-class golf experiences, and with Bone Valley, they’ve once again underscored that the best golf architecture isn’t just about moving dirt, but about unearthing a story.
