10 Best Golf Courses in Sarasota, Florida

There are more than 1,300 golf courses and country clubs in Florida alone, making the state one of the golf capitals of the world. Why are we drawn to the game here? It could be the year-round sunshine, world-famous golf architects that choose to create stunning and challenging courses in the Sunshine State, or the retirees that flock to the coast. No matter the reason, golf is undeniably a Floridian’s favorite.

In Sarasota, we are blessed with some of the best courses in the state. On any given day, catch a tee time at a semi-private or public course, or become a member at an exclusive club. Here’s a roundup of the area’s top courses that make the par on our list of top golf courses in Sarasota!

Laurel Oak Country Club
- Laurel Oak Country Club is Sarasota’s premier private course and club. With an 18-hole course, the club is renowned for a sprawling course with tight fairways. A challenging game, the course has a rating of 73.7 by GolfLink. Designed by Gary Player, the course, named the “East” course, opened in 1990.
- Check out the available Laurel Oak Estates properties for sale.
Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club
- Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club opened in 1994, and was designed by world-famous golf architect Arthur Hills. The 18-hole course recently went through a renovation, with new greens, bunkers and manicured tee boxes. The par 72 offers mature preserved landscapes and stunning native wildlife. Six tees here make Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club perfect for all skill levels.
- Check out the available StoneyBrook Golf and Country Club properties for sale.
The Founders Club
- The Founders Club is perhaps the most prestigious private courses in the area. Mimicking a traditional Scottlish Links course, the par 72 course offers gentle rolling terrain and challenging, tight fairways. Each hole embodies Florida’s natural wildlife and environment with unbuffered wetlands and lakes. There are no roads or homes on the course, making you feel like you’re in your own element. Additionally, The Founders Club is one of the only clubs in Sarasota to offer a traditional caddie program for its members.
- Check out the available Founders Club properties for sale.
Sara Bay Country Club
- Designed by Donald Ross, Sara Bay Country Club is one of the area’s most stunning walkable courses. Fond players will recognize Ross’ signature bunker placement and challenging greens. This golf course is dotted with century-old oaks and tall Florida pines. Sara Bay Country Club is a private, members-only course.
Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club
- Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club serves up well-groomed fairways and fast-moving greens for a challenging but friendly play. The course itself was renovated in 2017 and the 50 acres is proudly manicured to preserve Florida’s native wildlife and natural beauty. The course offers six different tees, welcoming all players.
- Check out the available Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club properties for sale.
Longboat Key Club
- The Resort at Longboat Key Club is consistently listed as Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play,” and is widely recognized as Florida’s premier golf resort. Here, you’ll find 45 holes, and most notably the Harborside Golf Course that sits along Sarasota Bay, and the Links of Longboat Course that rides along the Gulf of Mexico. This AAA Four-Diamond Sarasota golf resort is the ultimate challenge for well-seasoned players.
- Check out the available Longboat Key properties for sale.
Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club
- Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club has three 18-hole championship, two of which were designed by the world-famous master of golf, Arnold Palmer. Each course offers its own challenges, including long tee shots, bunkers and water traps. Additionally, this club features two world-class practice facilities, both including a 400-yard driving range!
- Check out the available Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club properties for sale.
University Park Country Club
- University Park Country Club is a semi-private club in Sarasota, Florida. The 27 hole championship golf course is recognized as one of the best courses in the area, additionally, The National Association of Home Builders calls University Park the “Best Community Design in America.” Members here enjoy preferred tee times, access to tennis courts, instruction and more.
- Check out the available University Park properties for sale.
Palm Aire Country Club
- Palm Aire Country Club is home to two courses, The Champions Course and The Lakes Course. The Champions Course is more than 60 years old, but has been tenderly renovated throughout the decades. The 18th hole is a signature tee shot, with an island green. The course was designed by Dick Wilson, the architect of Bay Hill and Doral’s Blue Monster. The Lakes Course is a newer addition, with unparalleled shots through Florida’s best wildlife and natural preserves. This course is difficult with trees lining the fairways and fast, curvy greens.
- Check out the Palm Aire Country Club properties for sale.
Meadows Country Club
- The Meadows Country Club offers three courses, The Meadows, The Highlands and The Groves courses. The Meadows members course recently underwent a $1.5 million renovation. Members here experience state-of-the-art amenities like brand new golf carts installed with Visage™ GPS systems. Additionally, the club is recognized for their “Kids Play Free” program that fosters a love of the game among younger generations
- Check out the available Meadows Country Club properties for sale.

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