Sarasota, Florida is a mecca for golf aficionados. With the warm climate and beautiful scenery that this coastal town has to offer, it’s no wonder that so many people flock to Sarasota every year for their golfing vacations. There are countless golf courses in the area, all with unique layouts and designs. This article will discuss 13 of the best golf courses in Sarasota.
The Concession Golf Club
The Concession is an impressive golf club established by Tony Jacklin, a Sarasota resident who persuaded Jack Nicklaus to handle the design of the course. Jacklin offered design suggestions as well, resulting in a rare Nicklaus course that is not a residential development.
The club’s name recognizes the famous final-putt concession by Jack to Tony during the 1969 Ryder Cup, which led to a tie between teams and a moral victory for the underdog Europeans.
Interestingly, Jack was also working on designing another course, No. 43 Sebonack, with Tom Doak at the same time, and later admitted that the small, heavily-contoured greens at The Concession were inspired by those at Sebonack.
The Concession is a superb design, with a varied landscape that includes meadows, wetlands, oak hammocks, and pine forests, all highlighted by remarkable bunkering and green contours that make playing this course an unforgettable experience. While access to the club is limited to members and homeowners, acquiring a property here can provide a first-class golfing experience.
Address: 7700 Lindrick Ln, Bradenton, FL 34202, USA
Ritz Carlton Golf Club
The Members Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton is a world-class facility nestled within more than 300 acres of picturesque and meticulously manicured terrain. Designed by renowned course architect Tom Fazio, the course boasts remarkable elevation changes and sparkling lakes, making it one of the most unique golfing experiences in the Sarasota region. With six sets of tees to choose from, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the challenge of this masterfully designed course.
However, with no fewer than sixteen lakes and the Braden River posing a constant threat, it’s not uncommon for even the most seasoned golfers to find themselves struggling to avoid the hazards. As you make your way through the challenging stretch of holes on the back nine, water becomes a looming and ever-present danger. Despite the challenges, there is something truly special about playing on this course, putting even the most resilient golfers to the test.
The Members Golf Club is an exclusive facility, available only to members of The Ritz-Carlton Members Club and guests of the resort, making it a true gem to be cherished by all those fortunate enough to experience it.
Address: 15150 70th Terrace E, Bradenton, FL 34202, USA
Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club
Stoneybrook Golf Course opened its doors to golf enthusiasts in 1994, and it has since earned a reputation for its superb greens and breathtaking setting. Designed by renowned golf course designer, Arthur Hills, the par 72 layout is challenging and entertaining at the same time. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, Stoneybrook caters to all levels of skill. The Bermuda grass fairways and TifEagle Ultra Dwarf greens remain some of the most pristine in the Sun Coast region.
Hills’ signature designs like contoured fairways and greenside bunkering will test your shot-making skills. You’ll find the course surrounded by mature, wooded wetland preserves, and lakes, which provoke strategic, risk-reward holes. If you’re up for a game at Stoneybrook, choose from any of its six teeing grounds, ranging from 6587 yards from the Championship tee to 4965 yards from the forward tee. Stoneybrook is a semi-private course with a professional tone, and it will undoubtedly deliver your golfing fix.
Address: Palmer Ranch, 8801 Stoneybrook Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238, USA
TPC Prestancia
TPC Prestancia is a golfer’s paradise. This exclusive private golf club boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses, sprawled out over 565 acres of beautifully groomed play space and natural wildlife habitats. The Stadium and Club Courses were designed by Florida’s own Ron Garl and PGA player Mike Souchak, as consultant, to provide golf enthusiasts with an unforgettable experience.
The par 72 Stadium Course rewards shot making more than length, featuring undulating greens that rise and fall as players approach the signature 9th and 18th holes. Playing 6,941 yards from the tips of the back tees, it offers five tee options for women and seven tee options for men.
The Club Course, designed by Robert Von Hagge, is a classical Florida design including Grand Oaks tree lines, doglegs, and carry over water, making it more challenging than the Stadium Course. TPC Prestancia’s family-friendly 12 tee options offer tremendous playability for all levels of golfers. The Club also boasts a 35,000 square foot full-service Members Clubhouse, making it the perfect place to relax after a day spent on the greens.
Address: 4409 Tournament Players Club Dr, Sarasota, Florida 34238, USA
Bent Tree Country Club
Bent Tree Country Club, a once-fully-private facility, has been a semi-private club for the past several years and boasts flexible membership plans. Designed by golf architect Bill Lewis, the course has seen renovations over the years by designers like Ward Northrup who had a hand in renovating the greens in 1994. With five sets of tees, Bent Tree Country Club offers a challenging yet tranquil setting.
Tree-lined fairways, well-manicured greens, and miles of streams and lakes all add to the course’s natural allure. Signature holes like the par-3 third hole with a 185-yard water carry and the par-5 ninth with a triple watery dogleg only add to the challenge. Golfers can also expect to see wildlife as they make their way through the course. The back nine is considered the favorite, and it promises to be just as challenging as the front. For those seeking a challenging and picturesque golf experience, Bent Tree Country Club is the perfect destination.
Address: 4700 Bent Tree Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34241, USA
Serenoa Golf Club
Mark Alden’s vision for the Serenoa Golf Club project was to create a course that stood out from the typical golf courses found in Sarasota, Florida. By taking into consideration the existing wetlands and natural lay-of-the-land, Alden was able to design a true masterpiece in the world of golf courses. This architectural feat has earned Serenoa Golf Club a spot among the top 100 courses in Florida and one of the top three in Sarasota, according to ‘Florida Golf News.’
The par 72, semi-private course was built in 1990 and is known for offering a stiff challenge to even the most experienced golfers, thanks to Alden’s strategic use of water placement on every hole, making it a shot-maker’s dream. Forget the boring “tee shot between two bunkers” game, and welcome the variety and excitement that the Serenoa Golf Club has to offer.
Address: 6773 Serenoa Dr #9276, Sarasota, FL 34241, USA
Laurel Oak Country Club
Surrounded by lush greenery and offering unparalleled amenities, the private Laurel Oak Country Club in Sarasota is a golfer’s paradise. It boasts two challenging 18-hole courses designed by golf legends Gary Player and Rees Jones.
The West course, the older of the two, was updated and redesigned by Rees Jones, who is known as the “U.S. Open Doctor.” It spans 6,934 yards, with a par of 72, and provides golfers with breathtaking views and challenging holes.
Similarly, the East course, which opened in 1995, stretches across 7,010 yards, with a course rating of 73.6 and a slope rating of 136. Founded on a commitment to excellence, the Laurel Oak Country Club is dedicated to providing an unforgettable golfing experience.
Address: 2700 Gary Player Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240, USA
Misty Creek Country Club
Situated on the sprawling 350-acre preserve, Misty Creek Country Club is a true gem of a championship course. The verdant and rich wilderness setting is teeming with an abundance of wildlife, spanning from deer and bobcat, to alligators and over seventy species of birds. Designed by Ted McAnlis, the course opened in 1985 and features not one, but seven sets of tees, catering to golfers of all levels. With the back tees measuring at nearly 6,900 yards and five other sets that start at 4,678 yards, there’s always a challenge waiting for even the most experienced golfers.
Over half of the holes require shots over or around water, and there’s no shortage of tree-lined fairways adorned with Spanish-moss. The number one handicap hole, the 452-yard par-4 fifth, is especially daunting, featuring water on both sides of the fairway and leading all the way down to the green. And the finishing hole, with plenty of water too, ensures your game ends on a strong note. Misty Creek Country Club offers a championship golfing experience like no other, surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful vistas in a natural wilderness haven.
Address: 8954 Misty Creek Dr, Sarasota, FL 34241, USA
The Meadows Country Club
The Meadows community stands out from the rest with its impressive array of golf courses. With three courses to choose from, golf enthusiasts have a range of options to suit their skill and style. The Groves and The Highlands courses are accessible to the public, and offer unique challenges and scenery for players of all levels. Meanwhile, The Meadows Golf Course offers exclusivity and privacy to its members.
Highlands Course
Highlands course presents golfers with a unique blend of old-Florida charms and modern technology. Designed by Francis J. Duane, ASGCA, the course opened in 1984 and features 6,656 yards of golf from the longest tees with a par of 72. The course rating is 71.8 and it has a slope rating of 128 on Bermuda grass. Golfers can enjoy the tree-lined fairways and generous greens that reward well-played shots while navigating the mature oaks and massive pines that line the course. With the addition of GPS Mobile equipped golf carts, golfers can now take their game to the next level with onboard yard information and a 3D image of each hole. Come experience The Highlands golf course for yourself and see why it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Groves Course
The Groves Golf Course – a meticulously designed public course that is anything but ordinary. With 18 holes expertly crafted by renowned golf course architect Arthur Hills, the Groves offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for golf enthusiasts of all levels. Unlike traditional short courses, the Groves boast an impressive nine par 4s, eight par 3s, and one par 5, demanding accuracy and precision from every shot. The fairways are tight, and the greens are sloping, ensuring that only those with a strategic approach will succeed. So, grab your clubs and prepare for unforgettable golf at the Groves.
Meadow Course
Renowned golf architect Ron Garl brought his team in for a redesign in 2004, and the result is nothing short of stunning. With six sets of tees ranging from just over 4,500 yards to more than 6,700 yards, there’s something here for every level of player. But just because the course is accessible to all skill levels doesn’t mean it’s easy. The quick and undulating TifEagle™ greens are sure to provide a challenge for even the most seasoned players. And as a private course, members can enjoy their time on the course with their fellow golf enthusiasts, making the experience all the more enjoyable.
Address: 6999, 3101 Longmeadow, Sarasota, FL 34235, USA
Tatum Ridge Golf Links
Tucked away in a serene location is a magnificent golf course designed by Ted McAnlis that has captured the hearts of many. Players come here to enjoy not only a game of golf, but also the splendid natural surroundings. The Tatum Ridge Golf Links course has 18 holes with a signature 504-yard, par-5 13th hole – a dogleg right with a daunting tee shot that must traverse water to reach the fairway.
This Scottish-style links course with preserved wetlands and 11 lakes covers a vast area of 6745 yards and has impressed better golfers and senior players alike. The course is a semi-private one, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings and offering a delightful experience with plenty of wildlife and nature at its finest. Golf Digest has rated it 4-stars, and it has been one of the best places to play since its opening in 1994.
Address: 421 Tatum Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240, USA
Village Green Golf Course
Village Green Golf Club is more than just a course; it’s an unparalleled golfing experience that every player deserves to enjoy. Architect William B. Lewis designed this beautifully manicured course back in 1970, with 18 challenging holes that are perfect for golfers of any skill level. The course is semi-private, and its executive style guarantees to test your accuracy with water hazards, sand traps, and fairways that will put your skills to the ultimate test.
With a Par 58 and a length of 2810 yards, this course is truly a gem. As a golfer, you want to be proud of your skills, and Village Green Golf Club is the perfect place to improve them. Not only will you be challenged, but you also get to enjoy the picturesque backdrop and exceptional service that make our club stand out from the rest. Prepare yourself for a quality golfing experience with us.
Address: 3500 Pembrook Dr, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA
University Park Country Club
University Park stands as the premier master-planned community in the Sarasota area, with its picturesque landscape and sprawling natural beauty. Upon entering the secured and staffed gates, residents are greeted with an award-winning community, resident-owned and featuring 27 holes of four-star rated golf. Designed to engage all levels of players, the course boasts six tees ranging from less than 2,500 yards on the first two nines to more than 3,700 yards on the longest nine.
Water comes into play on the majority of holes, with greens and fairways both generously dotted with bunkers. Well maintained and thoughtfully designed, this course is both challenging and fair. Highlights include the ninth and 18th holes, both featuring greens protected by water, and the par-4 27th hole, which has water both in front of the tee and behind the green. Located just 4 miles from downtown Sarasota, University Park is an ideal community for golf enthusiasts looking for a challenging, scenic course to call home.
Address: 7671 The Park Blvd, University Park, FL 34201, USA
Palm Aire Country Club
The Palm Aire Country Club, positioned just a short distance from Sarasota, boasts two exceptional 18-hole golf courses that are sure to provide a memorable experience for both novice and seasoned golfers.
The Champions Course, which has been in operation for over six decades, has undergone several updates and improvements to ensure that it remains a fun and challenging choice for golf lovers. Its signature 18th hole with an island green is a popular feature known throughout the south-western area of Florida.
Designed by Dick Wilson, the designer of several other renowned courses like Bay Hill, Cog Hill, Doral’s Blue Monster, and Laurel Valley, the Champions Course was home to the first nationally televised golf competition called “All-Star Golf.”
The Lakes Course, on the other hand, is a shot-maker’s delight with its natural and un-disturbed wildlife habitat. Architect Joe Lee designed the course, carefully preserving the wetlands, that allow golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of the land. The tree-lined fairways and quick, undulating greens offer a thrilling challenge for golf enthusiasts of all abilities.
Address: 5601 Country Club Way, Sarasota, FL 34243, USA
Conclusion
Sarasota, Florida is a paradise for golfers. With some of the best courses in the region, including Groves Golf, Tatum Ridge Golf Links, Village Green Golf Course, University Park Country Club and Palm Aire Country Club, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. From breathtaking natural beauty to undulating greens and exciting features like island holes, there’s something here for everyone. So come on down to Sarasota and enjoy a round of golf with friends or family today!
