GOLFING in Sarasota Florida
Want to know all about golfing in Sarasota?
In addition to ultra-exclusive luxury golf courses, Sarasota has fabulous public options. Because of our gorgeous natural environment and tropical climate, year-round golfing is extremely popular here.
The Ritz-Carlton is, of course, a prestigious course and membership comes with additional benefits like access to the resort amenities. The Concession, The Founders Club, The Oaks, and the Lakewood Ranch Country Club are upscale members-only courses with varying degrees of course challenge. The Longboat Key Club is another renowned course and membership club located on the southern end of Longboat Key. Public courses in Sarasota and the surrounding area include Lakewood National, Legacy, and Bobby Jones (currently under renovation with a planned re-opening in 2022).
This video below shares insight on more than a dozen of Sarasota's golf courses, both public and private. For even more information, scroll to the information below for links to each of the golf sites and to download my comprehensive guide to golfing in and around Sarasota Florida.
PRIVATE COURSES
The Concession Golf Club: The most private course and home to many pro golfers. It’s the hardest course to get on and you will likely need to know someone who is already a member. This course hosted the NCAA 2 years ago and last year, the PGA Tour. High difficulty level.
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The Ritz-Carlton Members Club: You will be able to join as a member independent of the hotel, but are also permitted if you are staying at the hotel. Beautiful 18-hole champion course with rolling hills, wide fairways, and no homes on the premises. Practice facility is the best in the area. They typically have summer deals, but in season there is a wait list. This membership also includes the beach club, gym, and spa.
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Founders Club: An intimate club with only 275 golf memberships and no tee times, you’ll love the low-play, never-crowded course. You would make a capital contribution into the community upon initiation and would get part of that equity investment back if you were to leave the club. Young professional programs (>40 years old) can play all summer and 12 rounds during the season. Young professional program costs $5k down and $300/ month. Club is beautiful and will never host pro events due to the limited memberships and intimate nature of the club.
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The Oaks: Two separate 18-hole courses that are suitable for golfers of all ages, skill levels, and playing preferences thanks to their innovative golf culture led by seasoned professionals. These courses are totally private- you must live in the community to join this club, and you must join the club if you live in the community. The community offers an array of club life events- racquet, golf, wellness, social, culinary and private events.
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Lakewood Ranch Country Club: Immaculate club with 3 courses, a golf academy, golf academy for kids, tennis club, pickleball, aquatics, massage, and fitness. Memberships are occasionally available to non-residents of Lakewood Ranch, pending determination from the club. LWR residents will always have precedence. Not an equity membership. Clubhouse will blow you away!
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Longboat Key Club: Harbourside Course features 3 distinctive 18-hole options. Many of the holes border the Sarasota Bay and their own LBK Club Moorings. The Links on Longboat Course Par 71 layout demands accuracy off the tee. This course has fewer bunkers, expansive natural areas, various waterways, ocean breezes, and big greens.
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Laurel Oaks: Older community with two 18-hole courses that semi-professionals may enjoy The Club hosts tournaments throughout the year. Private club but not very exclusive, offers good deals in the Summer and boasts U.S. Kids Academy.
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Prestancia: Created with attention to balance and details by the PGA Tour in 1985, TPC Prestancia was the 3rd private club in the TPC Network. It features two courses- one private champion style course and one classic Florida style course. They host several tournaments and PGA Senior Tours. This club in Palmer Ranch has a great club house that rivals Lakewood Ranch’s club house.
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PUBLIC COURSES
Lakewood National: Best public club considered most luxurious. Hosts the Korn Ferry Tour every year. Has tons of other amenities included in the club.
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Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch: A public 18-hole course that may be made private as the community grows. Owners have first right to tee time.
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Sarasota National: An 18-hole public course that resides on Audobon International Sanctuary land. Provides gorgeous backdrop scenery. Just South of Sarasota in Venice, FL.
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University Park Country Club: Semi private club, members enjoy preferred tee times, non-residents are more than welcome and this club posts on the Golf Now App frequently, so it’s helpful for those coming from out of state.
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Legacy Golf: Fully public 18-hole course that encourages newcomers to join. The new owners of this course created a $40/month practice, play, and beer deal. This course has lesser manicured pines, native oaks, and wetlands.
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Bobby Jones: Will be re-openings in early 2022 after renovations! Still has nature trails that are currently open.
