MISSION VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB
1851 Mission Valley Blvd.
Laurel, FL 34272
www.missionvalleycc.com
The 18-hole golf course is set in a manicured, peaceful country setting with several lakes tastefully positioned to provide a scenic view, with little potential as major water-hazard threats. Accordingly, the challenging tree-lined championship course was designed to be “walker friendly” without roads to cross and with the tee boxes located close to previous green. In 2006, Mission Valley completed a $2 million modernization/renovation to the clubhouse that you must see to believe. For information, call (941) 488-9683.
Course: Mission Valley Country Club
Yards/Par: Five tees, 5,330–6,438/72
No. of Holes: 18
Course designer: David Wallace (Ted McAnlis redesign)
Days to Reserve Tee Times: 3
Greens fees: Guest, in-season, $45; summer, $30; cart fee, $22
Public/Private: Private

OAK FORD GOLF CLUB
1552 Palm View Road
Sarasota, FL 34240
www.oakfordgolfclub.com
This Ron Garl-designed championship course sits within an 850-acre wildlife preserve. Golf Digest awarded Oak Ford a 4.5-star rating, the highest-ranked course in Sarasota. Three nine-hole courses with a mix of doglegs, tight woodland borders and wetlands carries wind through live oaks and myrtle palm forests, skirting swamps and marshes. Water frequently comes into play, with carries required on seven occasions. The sixth hole on the Myrtle course is one of the most famous in Florida, and on the Palms course golfers may encounter deer, bobcats and alligators on the third through seventh holes. For tee times, call (941) 371-3680.
Course: Myrtle/Oaks/Palms
Yards/Par: 5051–6753/72
No. of Holes: 27
Course Designer: Ron Garl
Days to Reserve Tee Times: Up to 10 days
Greens Fees: Call for rates
Public/Private: Semi-Private

THE OAKS CLUB
301 MacEwen Drive
Osprey, FL 34229
www.theoaksclub.com
Two championship-conditioned golf courses—including the newly renovated Eagle course—take center stage at this private, member-owned country club. Bordered by Little Sarasota Bay, the community places players in front of some of Sarasota’s most magnificent homes. Additionally, 12 Har-Tru tennis courts, a junior Olympic-size swimming pool, croquet court and three dining rooms in the 34,000-square-foot, fully renovated Georgian-style clubhouse are all available to members. There are also men’s and women’s locker rooms and a fully appointed golf shop. Golf shop: (941) 966-2161.
Course: Eagle Course
Yards/Par: 7,005/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Arthur Hall
Days to Reserve Tee Time: 3 days
Greens Fees: Guest, $70; member, $18.50
Public/Private: Private
Course: Heron Course
Yards/Par: 6,695/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Willard Byrd
Days to Reserve Tee Time: 3 days
Greens Fees: Guest, $70; member, $18.50
Public/Private: Private

PALM-AIRE COUNTRY CLUB
5601 Country Club Way
Sarasota, FL 34243
www.palmaire.net
Providing world-class golf experiences for more than 50 years, this unique, member-owned private club stands out as a legend in the rich history of Florida golf. Two 18-hole championship courses, one of which hosted the first nationally televised golf program, are situated on 1,400 acres of scenic Florida woodlands. Luxurious renovations to the clubhouse were completed less than one year ago. Palm-Aire also offers tennis for all levels of play at the exclusive racquet club, with eight Har-Tru courts and two all-weather courts. Members also enjoy superb dining, a well-equipped fitness center and heated junior Olympic-size pool. For membership information, call (941) 355-9733.
Course: Champions Course
Yards/Par: 7,005/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Dick Wilson
Days to Reserve Tee Time: 30
Greens Fees: N/A Members only
Public/Private: Private
Course: Lakes Course
Yards/Par: 6,698/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Joe Lee
Days to Reserve Tee Time: 30
Greens Fees: N/A Members only
Public/Private: Private
THE RITZ-CARLTON MEMBERS GOLF CLUB
15140 70th Terrace E.
Bradenton, Fl 34202
www.rcmcsarasota.com
These 18 ritzy holes represent the only course in Sarasota designed by the world-renowned Tom Fazio. Located on 315 tropical acres in Lakewood Ranch, the course’s meticulously sculpted layout boasts 16 lakes and elevation changes exceeding 65 feet—unheard of in Florida golf. The surrounding environs act as an arboretum and nature preserve and were recently recognized with Audubon Certification for environmental excellence. The Members Golf Club has six sets of tees, ranging from 5,175 to 7,414 yards, and the beautifully appointed clubhouse opened in March 2007. Of course, golfers enjoy Ritz-level service, which includes the trademarked Caddie Concierge program: A professional attendant accompanies each group, providing course strategy, design information and food and beverage services in addition to traditional caddie services. For membership information call (941) 309-2600.
Course: Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club
Yards/Par: Six tees, 5,175–7,414/72
Course Designer: Tom Fazio
No. of Holes: 18
Days to Reserve Tee Time: N/A
Greens Fees: N/A Members only
Public/Private: Private