From stunning beaches and quaint local communities to the year-round sunshine, there are so many reasons to love calling the Florida Gulf Coast “home.” When you live in Sarasota County, you have direct access to the quintessential Florida lifestyle for work, play and everything in between.
A superior level of recreation, entertainment and society are at your fingertips. Take, for instance, the wealth of private clubs and top-notch golf courses spread throughout the Sarasota and Bradenton area. You can go from a busy workday to hitting the greens with your friends or colleagues without missing a beat.
Sarasota County has developed a reputation as a golf mecca, which is good news whether you are a newcomer to the Gulf Coast of Florida, a longtime resident or a regular snowbird. With so many options to choose from, however, it can be difficult to pick a club that can serve as your opulent home away from home.
To help you explore and enjoy what sets this region apart, here is a look at some of the top private golf courses in Sarasota, Bradenton and beyond:
Located on 315 acres of lush, tropical landscape, the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club is an immensely playable, 18-hole championship course that has been expertly sculpted to reflect the natural beauty of its environment. This course, designed by Tom Fazio, features abundant elevation changes and picturesque lakes, which are so unusual for a Sarasota golf course. Members also enjoy an all-encompassing beachside experience and unbridled access to the luxurious Spa and Salon at The Ritz-Carlton for a much-needed bit of pampering and self-care.
For two years running, Laurel Oak Country Club has been voted Sarasota’s Best Private Country Club for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Readers’ Choice awards, and it lives up to this reputation. In this refined and welcoming atmosphere, you will find two championship golf courses, a swim center, a dozen well-maintained tennis courts, and year-round activities for the whole family. Laurel Oaks is also a popular destination for weddings and exclusive private events. Plus, you don't have to be a resident of Laurel Oak Estates to join the club and take advantage of top-notch social and recreational benefits.
Tatum Ridge Golf Links, an upscale course in Sarasota that was designed by Ted McAnlis, not only attracts experienced golfers from around the country but also has a loyal following of senior players from nearby Florida retirement communities. Tatum Ridge features a Scottish-style links course, which means you’ll be playing over a wide-open area influenced by the natural surroundings that include preserved wetlands and numerous lakes. When you’re finished with your game, grab a bite to eat or a cold beverage at the snack bar.
Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club on Palmer Ranch combines a vibrant golf community with upscale estate living surrounded by 165 acres of natural habitat. Golf privileges are included with every villa, condo or single-family home purchase, whether you use your residence as a vacation home, a seasonal getaway, an investment property or for year-round living. Stoneybrook offers a unique lifestyle, from the beautifully renovated clubhouse, Arthur Hills-designed golf courses, and a well-equipped fitness center to bocce ball courts, theme parties, pub nights and other planned events. You are also a short drive away from Siesta Key, one of the top-rated beaches in Florida.
At The Resort at Longboat Key Club, built upon a barrier island in the Gulf Coast of Mexico, features 410 acres of pristine beaches, verdant lawns, historic boardwalks and upscale guest rooms and suites that accommodate both business and leisure travel. The resort, which also encompasses five unique restaurants and lounges, has been recognized by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the 500 best properties in the world for 2021. The resort offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, from 45 holes of championship golf and nearly two dozen tennis courts to kayaking and beach yoga. There’s also a full-service spa, wellness workshops and events, and an array of water sport equipment for the perfect all-inclusive Florida coast experience.
Another one of the top private golf clubs is the Sarasota National Golf Club in Venice. Within this upscale master-planned community, you will find everything you need for relaxation and pleasure, from boutique shopping and dining to pristine beaches and an 18-hole championship golf course that offers a challenge for players of all skill levels. The course is also surrounded by a peaceful nature preserve. If golf isn’t your game, you can hit the fitness center, take a swim or play tennis with your friends and family. The recently added Palm Club at Sarasota National offers even more amenities to love, including a resort pool and tiki bar, a lush verdant lawn that’s perfect for hosting social events, and top-notch wellness and spa services.
The Founders Golf Club is touted as “a timeless experience of sport, family and camaraderie,” all of which are cultivated through an exclusive offering of only 275 golf memberships and a limited number of social memberships. In fact, the Founders Club is often regarded as one of the most exclusive private golf courses in Sarasota. On the grounds of this well-manicured gated community sits the 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. signature course, which pays homage to the native Florida landscape, as well as a high-tech indoor training facility. In terms of social life and entertainment, the Founders Club has plenty of unique offerings, such as monthly mixers, luxury auto and boating showcases, wine tastings, a cabernet night and cocktail parties for members and guests.
Indulge in the ultimate country club lifestyle at University Park Country Club, one of the best golf courses in Southwest Florida. With a consistent four-star rating from Golf Digest since 1996, University Park is the premier semi-private club in Sarasota. Club members enjoy 27 scenic holes of championship golf, 11 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts, a fully equipped fitness center, exclusive member events and creative contemporary cuisine at The Park Grille & Café. You don't have to be a member to take a turn on the green, however. This award-winning golf course in Manatee County welcomes daily fee players with three-day advance tee times.
Built along a stunning and tranquil portion of the Manatee River in Bradenton, Waterlefe Golf & River Club blends the finer things in life with the surreal natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast. The golf course is environmentally friendly, having been designed with a great deal of time, effort and expense going toward protecting and restoring the natural surroundings that give the entire establishment its unique character. Don’t be surprised if on the 15th tee you spot a family of manatees poking up their noses for a breath of air. Even while dining at Waterlefe, you will be graced by panoramic views of the river and marina.
Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club is an award-winning club that has been recognized for its world-class sporting facilities, fine dining and captivating natural surroundings. As a member of Lakewood Ranch, you have access to three 18-hole championship golf courses, two of which were designed by Arnold Palmer, and two top-notch practice facilities, each with a 400-yard driving range. You can also spend the day playing tennis or pickleball, while children can enjoy after-school tennis clinics and summer programs. Dining and socialization are also key aspects of the Lakewood lifestyle, with The Main Clubhouse and The Lodge serving as the central hubs. There are year-round activities and programs that enrich your life as a Lakewood member.
Lush golf courses, pristine beaches, exclusive social clubs, temperate weather and an abundance of natural beauty. If those are the elements you crave in your daily life, you will find the Florida Gulf Coast delivers. Whether you want to design and build a custom home or transform an older house into your new digs, Gilbert Design Build can help you settle down and start enjoying what it means to reside in the Sarasota and Bradenton area. We are committed to designing beautiful places that are tailored to your vision for both your home and your entire way of life.