Here are our favorite options for both the best public golf courses in Sarasota and private golf courses with public options. Get ready to tee off!
Golfing in Sarasota is a must. With more than 50 courses and an abundance of sunshine, it’s the perfect place to take your game to the next level. Plus, the scenery is pretty awesome. There’s nothing more beautiful than a Florida course with lakes and gorgeous landscaping.
If you’re looking to tee off in this Gulf Coast paradise, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a list of the best public golf courses in Sarasota, Florida.
University Park Country Club
This Sarasota gem was voted the number one golf course in southwest Florida and has been given a four star rating by Golf Digest for nearly 30 years.
Daily fee players can register for three day advance tee times. In addition, public players are welcome to grab lunch at The Park Grille & Cafe.
University Park is a “premier master-planned community” with 27 holes. It’s also a hop, skip and a jump away from UTC, making it a great destination for those with a golfer and non-golfer in the family. Sarasota’s best shopping and dining are minutes away.
Tatum Ridge Golf Links
If you’re looking for for fun, Tatum Ridge Golf Links is the place to go. It also has a dedicated senior fanbase.
Designed by Ted McAnlis, you’ll play a Scottish-style links course complete with preserved wetlands and 11 lakes. It should also be noted that its signature hole offers a 504-yard, par-5 experience (wait for it…) over water!
You’ll also enjoy the snackbar, driving range and chipping and putting greens. Book online here.
The Meadows Country Club
The Meadows Country Club is considered “a golfer’s paradise with 54 holes of excellence.” This private club welcomes non-members to two of its courses. This is one of our favorite choices for the best public golf courses in Sarasota because the people are so friendly.
But what are the other great things about The Meadows? To begin, the landscaping in this well-known community is absolutely stunning. Beautiful walking trails weave in between mature trees and tropical plants. And at times, a stroll over the bridges on the trails feels like a walk through a treehouse. This makes for a perfect day trip for those with one member of a family who golfs and another who doesn’t.
The courses are also well worth playing. Both public options, The Groves and The Highlands, provide an incredible golfing experience.
Designed by Arthur Hills, The Groves is a shorter course (but possibly the most difficult option) that poses challenges due to its narrow layout and numerous ponds. This requires strategy and accuracy. The greens are also in excellent condition.
The Highlands offers a challenging par-72 layout with beautiful, tree-lined greens. It’s a little easier than The Groves because it has fewer hazards.
For a finishing touch, consider lunch and a beverage of your choice at Center Court Lounge, where you can dine inside our outside in a friendly atmosphere. Or, grab a bite at nearby University Town Center (UTC).
Bobby Jones Golf Club
The newly renovated 18-hole course at Sarasota’s Bobby Jones Golf Club offers an incredible, community-centered golfing experience. Golfers can choose between The Ross Course and The Gillespie Course. The 18-hole Ross Course is perfect for those looking for a longer course, while The Gillespie Course offers a 9-hole par three adjustable short course that can be played in five different ways.
In addition, Bobby Jones Golf Club offers half and full day summer camps for kids and golf instruction by teaching professional Matt McLean. An instructor for 17 years, he has been named one of Golf Digest’s “Best Young Instructors” for a decade. McLean is known for being able to simplify important golfing techniques and elements of the game into “digestible elements” to make the game more approachable.
And if you’re looking for something to do while a family member is golfing, consider checking out The Nature Park at Bobby Jones. With 90 acres of walking and biking trails, nature enthusiasts will love taking in the Florida landscape.
Enjoy Sarasota’s Public Golf Courses
Sarasota’s golf courses are some of the most beautiful courses in Florida. And Bobby Jones Golf Club reflects the city’s dedication to providing top-notch recreational facilities amidst its beautiful landscapes. From breathtaking courses with lake views to courses designed by legendary architects, Sarasota showcases golfing options for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to take up the game, you’ll love the greens in this Gulf Coast paradise.
And if you’re looking for more sports option in Sarasota, check out this article on Sarasota’s sports scene.