Sarasota is a golfer’s heaven: nothing but greens for as far as the eye can see—and we’re not just talking foliage. More than 100 world-class courses grace the shores of Southwest Florida, the idyllic meeting of breathtaking natural reserves, luxuriously appointed communities and some of the best bunkers and doglegs this side of Augusta. And with gourmet dining and impeccable amenities waiting for you back at the clubhouse, once you get out, you’ll look forward to coming right back in again. How do you find the fairway? Searching through our guide is the first step.
THE CONCESSION GOLF CLUB & RESIDENCES
18804 Ganton Ave.
Bradenton, FL 34202
www.theconcession.com
In 2006 Golf Digest named the Concession Golf Club “Best New Private Golf Course in America.” This private, gated luxury community is inspired by the 1969 Ryder Cup match at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, when Jack Nicklaus conceded a two-foot putt to Tony Jacklin, resulting in a tied match between the European and American teams. In fact, the Concession Jack Nicklaus Signature course—520 acres of natural Florida woodlands—was designed in association with Jacklin. The community offers just 236 estate home sites on 1,200 acres. For membership information call (941) 322-1922.
Course: The Concession
Yards/Par: 7,470/72
Designer: Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin
Days to Reserve Tee Time: N/A
Greens Fees: N/A
Public/Private: Private
THE FOUNDERS GOLF CLUB
3800 Golf Hall Drive
Sarasota, FL 34240
www.thefoundersgolfclub.com
Opened in 2005, the Founders Golf Club is an exclusive private course designed by acclaimed architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. Natural contours complement the landscape of majestic oaks, wildlife and more than 100 acres of picturesque lakes. Only 275 equity memberships are offered by the members-owned club, which is located in the new 700-acre, 262-residence community of The Founders Club. Questions regarding membership may be directed to the membership director, Valerie Soroker, at: (941) 371-9720.
Course: The Founders Golf Club
Yards/Par: 7,094/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Days to Reserve Tee Time: No tee times for members
Greens Fees: N/A Members only
Public/Private: Private
IMG ACADEMIES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
4350 El Conquistador Parkway
Bradenton, FL 34210
www.imggcc.com
One of the region’s most technically advanced courses, this facility represents the golf aspect of one of the nation’s premier sports training academies. The grass, a state-of-the-art hybrid developed specifically for Southern courses, is thick and dense, allowing it to be cut short so the ball can “sit up” better. Members enjoy world-class dining, a busy social calendar and a clubhouse with a breathtaking view of Sarasota Bay. Membership information: (941) 758-1466.
Course: IMG Academies at El Conquistador
Yards/Par: 6,855/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Gene Bates Golf Design
Days to Reserve Tee Time: 4 days
Greens Fees: Guests, $65 in winter; $35 in summer, plus carts
Public/Private: Private
LAKEWOOD RANCH GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
7650 Legacy Blvd.
Bradenton, FL 34240
www.lakewoodranchgolf.com
The Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club features two private, Palmer-designed courses, each with unique design features, surrounding a 44,000-square-foot clubhouse with locker rooms, lounges, casual and fine dining and a grand ballroom that can accommodate 300 people. Nearby, the athletic center features 18 lighted clay courts, a deli and an 11,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art fitness center with two heated pools. The newly opened Country Club East features another 18-hole course designed by Rick Robbins, adding still more variety to members’ golf experiences. Future family-friendly amenities at Country Club East will include a main clubhouse, tennis and fitness facilities and a resort-style pool with water park features, and casual poolside dining. Membership information: (941) 907-4700 ext. 1846.
Course: Cypress Links
Yards/Par: 7,141/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Palmer Course Design Company
Days to Reserve Tee Time: 7 days
Greens Fees: N/A
Public/Private: Private
Course: Kings Dunes
Yards/Par: 7,324/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Palmer Course Design Company
Days to Reserve Tee Time: 7 days
Greens Fees: N/A
Public/Private: Private
Course: Country Club East
Yards/Par: 7,339/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Rick Robbins
Days to Reserve Tee Time: 7 days
Greens Fees: N/A
Public/Private: Private
LEGACY GOLF CLUB AT LAKEWOOD RANCH
8255 Legacy Blvd.
Bradenton, FL 34202
www.legacygolfclub.com
Managed by Troon and offering a level of service and conditions found at world-class private facilities, the Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch features an Arnold Palmer signature 18-hole golf course that is open to the public and composed of towering pines, majestic native oaks and wetlands. Legacy was voted among “Best Places to Play” and rated four and a half stars by readers of Golf Digest, and one of America’s top golf courses by Zagat 2007–2008. For tee times call (941) 907-7067.
Course: Legacy Golf Club
Yards/Par: Five tees: 4,886–7,067/72
No. of Holes: 18
Course Designer: Palmer Course Design Co.
Days to Reserve Tee Times: 30 days
Greens Fees: Winter, $79–$119; call for summer rates
Public/Private: Public
LONGBOAT KEY CLUB AND RESORT
442 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Longboat Key, FL 34228
www.longboatkeyclub.com
Centered on 45 holes of golf, two full-service pro shops, two driving ranges and a golf academy, Longboat Key Club and Resort also offers all the luxurious resort and spa amenities you’d expect from Longboat Key. On the south end of the key, the Islandside course, originally opened in 1960, was renovated in 1994. All 18 holes take advantage of water hazards and feature challenging, elevated greens. The 27-hole Harbourside course features the Blue and Red nines, both of which underwent renovation less than four years ago. Each course offers a clubhouse facility with indoor/outdoor dining. Locker rooms feature lounge areas, showers, sauna and television. Golf club rental and complimentary club storage are available. Islandside pro shop: (941) 387-1632; Harbourside pro shop: (941) 387-1631.
Course: Islandside
Yards/Par: 6,792/72
No. of Holes: 18
Course Designer: Bill Mitchell
Days to Reserve Tee Times: 3 days
Greens Fees: $100 with cart
Public/Private: Private
Course: Harbourside
Blue Heron Course
Yards/Par: 3,386/36
No. of Holes: 9
Course Designer: Willard Byrd (Ron Garl redesign in 2005)
Days to Reserve Tee Times: 3 days
Greens Fees: $100 with cart (18 holes)
Public/Private: Private
Red Hawk Course
Yards/Par: 3,323/36
No. of Holes: 9
Course Designer: Willard Byrd (Ron Garl redesign in 2005)
Days to Reserve Tee Times: 3 days
Greens Fees: $100 with cart (18 holes)
Public/Private: Private
White Egret Course
Yards/Par: 3,426/36
No. of Holes: 9
Course Designer: Willard Byrd
Days to Reserve Tee Times: 3 days
Greens Fees: $100 with cart (18 holes)
Public/Private: Private
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
ROSEDALE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
5100 87th St. E.
Bradenton, FL 34211
www.rosedalegolf.com
With 27 holes winding through sparkling lakes and preserved natural forest, Rosedale’s course includes nine holes added just this year. The club also offers an eight-acre driving range, chipping and putting green, and the outdoor terrace at the 22,000-square-foot clubhouse is perfect for casual gatherings or elegant affairs. Five Har-Tru lighted tennis courts, junior Olympic-size swimming pool and a fitness center with an array of recreational activities complete the experience. Pro shop: 756-0004.
Course: Rosedale Golf & Country Club
Yards/Par: 6,714/72
No. of Holes: 18
Course Designer: Ted McAnlis
Days to Reserve Tee Times: 3 days
Greens Fees: Winter: $85 before 1 p.m.; $65 after. Call for summer rates.
Public/Private: Semi-private
SARA BAY COUNTRY CLUB
7011 Willow St.
Sarasota, FL 34243
www.sarabaycc.org
Sara Bay Country Club, founded in 1926, is a private, member-owned golf club located north of downtown Sarasota. A low membership roster ensures tee time availability and a comfortable pace of play. Members also enjoy exceptional clubhouse facilities, including both casual and fine dining and full-service locker rooms for men and women.
Course: Sara Bay Country Club
Yards/par: Four tees, 5,264–7,021/72
No. of Holes: 18
Course Designer: Donald Ross
Days to Reserve Tee Time: 4 (members only)
Greens fees: Guests: $60, plus cart
Public/Private: Private
TARA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
6602 Drewrys Bluff
Bradenton, FL 34203
www.taragcc.com
This member-owned equity club was established in 1989 and boasts a championship 18-hole Ted McAnlis-designed golf course situated on 600 acres and surrounded by nature preserves. Four sets of tees challenge the avid golfer of all skill levels. Members also enjoy two Har-Tru tennis courts, a full-service restaurant, grill and pro shop. You can reach the administration office at (941) 756-7775.
Course: Tara Golf & Country Club
Yards/Par: 6,820/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Ted McAnlis
Days to Reserve Tee Time: N/A Members only
Greens Fees: Cart fee $18.50 per person for 18 holes
Public/Private: Private
TPC PRESTANCIA
4409 TPC Drive
Sarasota, FL 34238
www.tpcprestancia.com
TPC Prestancia boasts two PGA Tour golf courses that stretch through a calm residential community. The Stadium course has hosted 13 Champions Tour events since 1987, and its large open areas behind the greens frame the holes in true stadium fashion. The classic doglegs of the Club course are reminiscent of Old Florida design. Also, TPC Prestancia’s certification in Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program guarantees an environment rich with wildlife and natural beauty. The Mediterranean-style, 35,000-square-foot clubhouse features à la carte and private meeting and banquet facilities for indoor and outdoor dining.
Course: Stadium Course
Yards/Par: 6,927/72
No. of Holes: 18
Course Designer: Ron Garl & Mike Souchak
Days to Reserve Tee Times: N/A Members & guests only
Greens Fees: Guest, $74
Private/Public: Private
Course: Club Course
Yards/Par: 6,571/72
No. of Holes: 18
Course Designer: Bruce Devlin & Robert Von Hagge
Days to Reserve Tee Times: N/A Members & guests only
Greens Fees: $66
Private/Public: Private
UNIVERSITY PARK COUNTRY CLUB
7671 The Park Blvd.
University Park, FL 34201
www.universitypark-fl.com
Accolades for this championship course include being named the best course in Southwest Florida and 11th statewide by Florida Golf News, and voted Best Place to Play Golf and Best Place to Play Tennis by Sarasota Magazine readers. A pristine natural setting with pine and oak trees buffers holes from residences and each other. Recently renovated, all 27 holes boast six sets of tees and a mix of small, large and two-tiered greens. Golf facilities include a fully stocked pro shop, locker rooms, bag storage, a large practice area with putting and chipping greens, sand bunkers and a well-respected golf school. For information call (941) 359-9999 ext. 2.
Course: University Park
Yards/Par: 7,247/72
No. of Holes: 27
Course Designer: Ron Garl
Days to Reserve Tee Time: 3 days
Greens Fees: Call for rates
Public/Private: Private
VENETIAN GOLF & RIVER CLUB
105 Pesaro Drive
North Venice, FL 34275
www.venetiangolfandriverclub.com
Venetian Golf and River Club’s 18 holes of championship golf and 70-acre nature park are located along the tranquil Myakka River. Also enjoying this serene locale is the River Club, which features dining, a fitness center, aerobics studio, spa treatment rooms, six-court tennis complex, resort pool and lap pool. The course, designed in homage to early masters of golf architecture, was crafted by Chip Powell to challenge the physical as well as mental demands of the game, with generous fairways and strategic bunkers. Hazards make forced carries optional. With five sets of tees, golfers can play from 5,000 yards to just under 7,000 yards. And the new clubhouse offers the perfect spot to raise a toast to a perfect round of golf. Social golf memberships now available; please contact the membership director for more information: (941) 441-2290. To schedule a tee time please call: (941) 441-2294.
Course: Venetian Golf Course
Yards/Par: 6,931/72
No. of Holes: 18
Course designer: Chip Powell
Days to Reserve Tee Times: 7 days
Greens Fees: Jan.–April, $90; May–Oct. $39 ; Nov.–Dec. $72
Public/Private: Semi-private