Sarasota is a golfer’s heaven: nothing but greens for as far as the eye can see—and we’re not just talking foliage. More than 100 world-class courses grace the shores of Southwest Florida, the idyllic meeting of breathtaking natural reserves, luxuriously appointed communities and some of the best bunkers and doglegs this side of Augusta. And with gourmet dining and impeccable amenities waiting for you back at the clubhouse, once you get out, you’ll look forward to coming right back in again. How do you find the fairway? Searching through our guide is the first step.

THE CONCESSION GOLF CLUB & RESIDENCES
18804 Ganton Ave.
Bradenton, FL 34202
www.theconcession.com
In 2006 Golf Digest named the Concession Golf Club “Best New Private Golf Course in America.” This private, gated luxury community is inspired by the 1969 Ryder Cup match at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, when Jack Nicklaus conceded a two-foot putt to Tony Jacklin, resulting in a tied match between the European and American teams. In fact, the Concession Jack Nicklaus Signature course—520 acres of natural Florida woodlands—was designed in association with Jacklin. The community offers just 236 estate home sites on 1,200 acres. For membership information call (941) 322-1922.
Course: The Concession
Yards/Par: 7,470/72
Designer: Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin
Days to Reserve Tee Time: N/A
Greens Fees: N/A
Public/Private: Private

THE FOUNDERS GOLF CLUB
3800 Golf Hall Drive
Sarasota, FL 34240
www.thefoundersgolfclub.com
Opened in 2005, the Founders Golf Club is an exclusive private course designed by acclaimed architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. Natural contours complement the landscape of majestic oaks, wildlife and more than 100 acres of picturesque lakes. Only 275 equity memberships are offered by the members-owned club, which is located in the new 700-acre, 262-residence community of The Founders Club. Questions regarding membership may be directed to the membership director, Valerie Soroker, at: (941) 371-9720.
Course: The Founders Golf Club
Yards/Par: 7,094/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Days to Reserve Tee Time: No tee times for members
Greens Fees: N/A Members only
Public/Private: Private

IMG ACADEMIES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
4350 El Conquistador Parkway
Bradenton, FL 34210
www.imggcc.com
One of the region’s most technically advanced courses, this facility represents the golf aspect of one of the nation’s premier sports training academies. The grass, a state-of-the-art hybrid developed specifically for Southern courses, is thick and dense, allowing it to be cut short so the ball can “sit up” better. Members enjoy world-class dining, a busy social calendar and a clubhouse with a breathtaking view of Sarasota Bay. Membership information: (941) 758-1466.
Course: IMG Academies at El Conquistador
Yards/Par: 6,855/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Gene Bates Golf Design
Days to Reserve Tee Time: 4 days
Greens Fees: Guests, $65 in winter; $35 in summer, plus carts
Public/Private: Private

LAKEWOOD RANCH GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
7650 Legacy Blvd.
Bradenton, FL 34240
www.lakewoodranchgolf.com
The Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club features two private, Palmer-designed courses, each with unique design features, surrounding a 44,000-square-foot clubhouse with locker rooms, lounges, casual and fine dining and a grand ballroom that can accommodate 300 people. Nearby, the athletic center features 18 lighted clay courts, a deli and an 11,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art fitness center with two heated pools. The newly opened Country Club East features another 18-hole course designed by Rick Robbins, adding still more variety to members’ golf experiences. Future family-friendly amenities at Country Club East will include a main clubhouse, tennis and fitness facilities and a resort-style pool with water park features, and casual poolside dining. Membership information: (941) 907-4700 ext. 1846.
Course: Cypress Links
Yards/Par: 7,141/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Palmer Course Design Company
Days to Reserve Tee Time: 7 days
Greens Fees: N/A
Public/Private: Private
Course: Kings Dunes
Yards/Par: 7,324/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Palmer Course Design Company
Days to Reserve Tee Time: 7 days
Greens Fees: N/A
Public/Private: Private
Course: Country Club East
Yards/Par: 7,339/72
No. of Holes: 18
Designer: Rick Robbins
Days to Reserve Tee Time: 7 days
Greens Fees: N/A
Public/Private: Private

LEGACY GOLF CLUB AT LAKEWOOD RANCH
8255 Legacy Blvd.
Bradenton, FL 34202
www.legacygolfclub.com
Managed by Troon and offering a level of service and conditions found at world-class private facilities, the Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch features an Arnold Palmer signature 18-hole golf course that is open to the public and composed of towering pines, majestic native oaks and wetlands. Legacy was voted among “Best Places to Play” and rated four and a half stars by readers of Golf Digest, and one of America’s top golf courses by Zagat 2007–2008. For tee times call (941) 907-7067.
Course: Legacy Golf Club
Yards/Par: Five tees: 4,886–7,067/72
No. of Holes: 18
Course Designer: Palmer Course Design Co.
Days to Reserve Tee Times: 30 days
Greens Fees: Winter, $79–$119; call for summer rates
Public/Private: Public

LONGBOAT KEY CLUB AND RESORT
442 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Longboat Key, FL 34228
www.longboatkeyclub.com
Centered on 45 holes of golf, two full-service pro shops, two driving ranges and a golf academy, Longboat Key Club and Resort also offers all the luxurious resort and spa amenities you’d expect from Longboat Key. On the south end of the key, the Islandside course, originally opened in 1960, was renovated in 1994. All 18 holes take advantage of water hazards and feature challenging, elevated greens. The 27-hole Harbourside course features the Blue and Red nines, both of which underwent renovation less than four years ago. Each course offers a clubhouse facility with indoor/outdoor dining. Locker rooms feature lounge areas, showers, sauna and television. Golf club rental and complimentary club storage are available. Islandside pro shop: (941) 387-1632; Harbourside pro shop: (941) 387-1631.
Course: Islandside
Yards/Par: 6,792/72
No. of Holes: 18
Course Designer: Bill Mitchell
Days to Reserve Tee Times: 3 days
Greens Fees: $100 with cart
Public/Private: Private
Course: Harbourside
Blue Heron Course
Yards/Par: 3,386/36
No. of Holes: 9
Course Designer: Willard Byrd (Ron Garl redesign in 2005)
Days to Reserve Tee Times: 3 days
Greens Fees: $100 with cart (18 holes)
Public/Private: Private
Red Hawk Course
Yards/Par: 3,323/36
No. of Holes: 9
Course Designer: Willard Byrd (Ron Garl redesign in 2005)
Days to Reserve Tee Times: 3 days
Greens Fees: $100 with cart (18 holes)
Public/Private: Private
White Egret Course
Yards/Par: 3,426/36
No. of Holes: 9
Course Designer: Willard Byrd
Days to Reserve Tee Times: 3 days
Greens Fees: $100 with cart (18 holes)
Public/Private: Private