There are many excellent Golf Courses in Sarasota, and serious golfers will want to play a few rounds on these layouts.
Tatum Ridge Golf Links
For more fun, try Tatum Ridge Golf Links. Golf Courses in Sarasota Open to the public, just a few miles east of I-75 on Fruitville Rd is this delightful 18-hole layout. It has the feel of a Scottish lynx, along with a Ted McCanlis-designed Florida wetland. Challenge them to their signature, his 13th hole – a tough par-5 dogleg over a huge lake. Cut the corner and aim for a birdie, but if you bite too much, the ball will get wet. Tatum Ridge also has an excellent practice course with grass and chipping areas to improve your play.
Country Club in University Park
You may have seen some of the holes at University Park Country Club as you drove down North Sarasota University Parkway. Membership is required to operate this stunning 27-hole, but the public is also welcome to play here. The Three Nine (all designed by Ron Garl) are all just as fun as they meander through natural terrain. There is also a wide variety of tees, so you can feel like you are playing on a different course each time you visit. The greens are top notch for speed and real roll and the course is known for excellent conditions overall. Chief His Golf Pro Ashley Hayden hosts a great golf academy on a fantastic driving range at University Park. There is also an excellent short game area with sand he bunkers and putting green.
Meadows Country Club
Meadows Country Club has two 18-hole championship courses (‘The Meadows’ and ‘The Highlands’) and a shorter 18-hole par 63 course called ‘The Groves’. Architect Ron Garr redesigned the Meadows Course in 2004 to make it members-only. The Highland Course travels through Old Florida with its huge mature oaks, pines and ponds. The Groves is an 18-hole athletic course that allows him to spend the day walking the course for outdoor training if desired. With generous fairways and a challenging putting surface, this short course offers plenty to test. Outdoor play is available at both Highland and Grove by contacting the golf shop. With 54 golf holes, you’ll always find the right hole for your game. Located on Main Street between University Parkway and Fruitville Rd, Meadows CC is easy to locate on 17th Street or Honore Ave.
South of Sarasota in the Venice area are three beautiful golf courses, all open to the public. With undulating greens and a sparkling lake, the Capri Isles Golf Club is his one of Venice’s oldest golf courses. Enjoy your day with convenience and affordability. Sister clubs are Waterford GC and Calsa Lakes GC. Waterford GC winds its way through Waterford’s development, but it’s like being on a beautiful 27-hole golf course in the countryside. Just off Nokomis, Calusa Lakes GC has a bit of a Carolina vibe with its tall pines, but still has enough palms and lakes to remind you that you’re in Florida. It’s also a fun track to check out. You can also purchase memberships for these clubs. If you belong to one, you belong to all three. Recent updates and renovations to the course and clubhouse keep the facility fresh. For more information, please visit GolfInVenice.
TPC Prestancia
TPC Prestancia offers 36 holes of championship golf at his private club in Palmer Ranch, Southwest Golf Courses in Sarasota (not far from Siesta Key). The Ron Gar designed stadium course has hosted many PGA Champions Tour (Senior) events. Robert Von Hagge’s club course was built first and is perhaps a little more challenging. The practice facility at TPC Prestancia is he one of the best in the area. You must be a TPC member to play here. There are various categories and membership levels. Some allow you to play other of his TPC courses on the TPC network or stay with his TPC locally. For more information, please contact TPC Prestancia.
Sarah Bay Country Club
A little north of Sarasota off the Tamiami Trail (Highway 41) is Sara Bay Country Club. Designed by golfing legend Bobby Jones, this classic club opened in 1926 and has the feel and look of an authentic, traditionally styled club. As a private club, Sala Bay offers its members authentic services and club facilities. Known for its beautiful greens, the course is never crowded, even in ‘season’.
Founders Golf Club
Continue east on Fruitville Rd. There is a dedicated Founders Golf Club. Because it is a private, members-only facility, you won’t see many golfers on even the best of days. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course cuts through woodland and rolling terrain to offer world-class championship golf. This is his one of the best golf his layouts in the Sarasota area. Their beautiful Southern-style clubhouse is fully equipped to meet all of their members’ needs.