With multiple world-class pro-designed courses, scenic views and warm inviting weather, people travel from all over to experience golf in Sarasota.

There’s quite a lot of it here, and if you are exploring local Sarasota real estate you might be searching for a home located near one of the top courses.

Sarasota and the surrounding area has least 20 major golf courses and clubs. You’re sure to find a specific course and club that fits your interests based on the challenge, accessibility, amenities, terrain, and more.

Below is a quick golfer’s guide to Sarasota. What are some of the best courses and what do they offer?

Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club

The Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club is private and features 3 scenic 18-hole challenging courses for a variety of skill levels.

You don’t have to be a resident of Lakewood Ranch for membership, and it comes with access to practice Golf Academy groups, tennis, pickleball, fitness classes, social clubs, and more.

The courses and club are located at 7650 Legacy Blvd, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 in the Lakewood Ranch master-planned community – one of the top destinations for luxury homebuyers.

The Esplanade Golf and Country Club is also located in Lakewood Ranch for private members and features 18 holes of championship-level golf with breathtaking scenery.

This is a newer course with state of the art facilities such as a lagoon-style pool, pro shop, fitness center, resistance pool, BBQ space, and more. It can be found at 12825 Malachite Drive Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211.

University Park Country Club

University Park Country Club is periodically ranked as one of the finest country clubs in Florida and is open to the public. Its popularity and size are big draws making it quite busy throughout the year.

Many also visit for the impressive lunch dining at the Park Grille Café, and the public can access the Sunday Mimosa Brunch Buffet from 10:00 to 2:00 pm before their afternoon on the course.

This course spans 27 holes and was highly acclaimed by Golf Digest. You won’t have to worry about getting a membership to play there, so it’s well worth a visit if you want to experience one of the best courses in the area. It is located at 7671 The Park Blvd., Sarasota, FL.

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Heritage Oaks

The huge waterside entrance at the Heritage Oaks championship golf course is just a beautiful draw to the eyes. But you also have tennis, fitness facilities, and plentiful clubhouse amenities for socializing. This is another private course that is well worth the cost and features a location near sunny Siesta Key.

Heritage Oaks emphasizes the camaraderie that golf can provide. Social get-togethers, dine and play tournaments, and other events create an atmosphere of friendliness. Heritage Oaks is located at 4800 Chase Oaks Dr, Sarasota, FL 34241.

Longboat Key Club

This course is the only one located on Longboat Key, but well worth the drive. Head to the south end of Longboat Key, right by the very edge of the gulf, to see a high-end golf course and club with an attached four-diamond resort.

Longboat Key Club is 45 holes of championship-grade golf. It is the challenger’s dream course with acres of stunning and luscious greens.

It is available to members or guests of the resort only, and the membership cost can be well worth it for a course that’s a bit quieter and located right on the ocean. See it for yourself at 220 Sands Point Rd, Longboat Key, FL 34228.

More Local Courses

These are only a handful of the courses you can find in Sarasota. The Serenoa Golf Club is renowned for its wildlife, such as deer, turkey, and boar.

The Sarasota National Golf Club has been perfected over the years with its 2,200 acres of natural terrain and the 350 acres of gorgeous trees and lakes to add the beautiful horizon views.

The courses here invite many golf enthusiasts to stay for a season or even relocate. Sarasota has the weather and strong interest to support an unending community of golf tournaments, activities, and events.

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How to Learn More

You can call any of the clubs directly for specific information about what differentiates their club from others. Fees vary. Some clubs offer one-game runs while others require yearly membership.

There’s so much golf in Sarasota that it would be hard to pack into a book, let alone a single blog. The local community adores golf and the mix of relaxation and competition that it brings.

If you have any particular questions about the top Sarasota homes for sale near some of these golf courses or anything else about golfing in Sarasota, I can answer them. Call me today at 941.266.0529 or email stacyhanan@michaelsaunders.com