Golf on
the Gulf Coast
From The Founders Club's exclusive estates to Palmer Ranch's championship courses — year-round golf just minutes from the beach.
What Are the Top Golf
Communities in Sarasota?
Palmer Ranch is home to some of the finest golf communities on Florida's Gulf Coast. Just minutes away, The Founders Club offers an ultra-exclusive, 700-acre estate community with a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. links-style course limited to just 275 memberships. On Palmer Ranch itself, TPC Prestancia, Stoneybrook, and The Oaks — plus the Country Club of Sarasota and several others — offer championship play and vibrant club lifestyles. There's a course and community for every type of golfer.
Whether you're looking for a bundled golf membership with a tight-knit community feel, or a prestigious private club with championship courses, Palmer Ranch delivers. And the best part? After your round, you're just 20 minutes from Siesta Key's beaches and 15 minutes from downtown Sarasota's dining scene.
Julie's take: I'll be honest — I'm not a golfer myself. I live on a golf course and love cruising around in my golf cart, and I did try the putting range once and had a blast, but you won't find me out on the fairways. Living here has given me a real feel for what these communities are like day-to-day — the social scene, the pace, the atmosphere. My job is to help you cut through the noise, compare what each club actually offers, and find the one that fits your game — or simply the life you're looking for.
Golf Quick Facts
Which Golf Communities Do
Sarasota Golfers Love Most?
About Julie
24 years of real estate experience — a career that started in Michigan before Julie became a proud Palmer Ranch girl, now living on a golf course right in the community. That gives her a front-row seat to the lifestyle these communities offer. She can help you compare membership structures, understand what each club is really like day-to-day, and find the community that fits your game and your life. Every note below comes from her personal knowledge of the area.
The Founders Club
18 holes (Robert Trent Jones, Jr. links-style) · $1.5M – $4M+
- Limited to just 275 golf memberships — with a waiting list
- Initiation fees reportedly ~$100K; monthly dues $1,000–$1,200
- 700-acre gated estate community with 262 custom estate homes
- Estate lots from ⅔ to 1.5 acres — the most spacious on the Gulf Coast
- Caddie program, no required tee times — true private-club experience
- 24,000 sq ft clubhouse with fitness, dining & social events
- Known for attracting celebrity residents and high-profile buyers
Julie's Take
The Founders Club is the gold standard for exclusive golf living in Sarasota. This is a community where privacy, space, and prestige come together at the highest level — and yes, the membership price tag reflects that. With initiation fees around $100K and only 275 memberships available, it attracts a discerning clientele that includes celebrity residents and business leaders. The Robert Trent Jones Jr. links-style course, caddie program, and estate-sized lots make this a truly world-class address. Members also enjoy exclusive clubhouse access for dining and drinks — it's not included in dues, but having that private-club perk is part of what makes the lifestyle so special. What goes on behind those gates and the level of service members receive is truly impeccable — from the caddie program to the clubhouse dining, every detail is designed to match the expectations of a very discerning clientele. It's the kind of place where privacy and personal attention are taken to the highest level, and that attention to detail is something I'm always happy to walk my clients through.
TPC Prestancia
36 holes (Stadium & Player courses) · $800K – $2M+
- Two championship courses
- TPC network privileges
- Clubhouse & dining
- Palmer Ranch's premier golf address
Julie's Take
Prestancia is the crown jewel of Palmer Ranch golf. The Stadium Course was designed by architect Ron Garl and hosts qualifying events. If golf is your lifestyle, this is where you want to be.
Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club
18 holes · $500K – $1.2M+
- Arthur Hills-designed course
- Tennis & fitness center
- Resort-style pool
- Active social calendar
Julie's Take
Stoneybrook offers a more intimate golf experience with a tight-knit community feel. The course is beautifully maintained and the social scene is wonderful.
The Oaks Golf & Country Club
36 holes · $600K – $2M+
- Two championship courses
- Full-service clubhouse
- Tennis, pool & fitness
- Gated with 24/7 security
Julie's Take
The Oaks is one of the most established golf communities on Palmer Ranch. The mature landscaping and well-designed courses make it a golfer's paradise.
Country Club of Sarasota
18 holes · $600K – $1.5M+
- TPC Prestancia course views
- Gated community
- Multiple pool areas
- Active social scene
Julie's Take
This is a fantastic option for golf lovers who want views of the TPC courses without the full membership commitment. Great value for the location.
What Public & Semi-Private Golf
Options Are Near Sarasota?
Not ready for a club membership? These courses offer excellent play without the commitment.
Boca Royale Golf & Country Club
Englewood
Beautiful course with excellent value
Venice Golf & Country Club
Venice
Established club with strong community
Capelli Sports Valley
Venice
Great for casual rounds
The Meadows Golf Club
Sarasota
Challenging Jay Morrish-designed course
Tee It Up at The Resort Longboat Key
Longboat Key
Resort-style golf experience
What Golf Events Are Happening
in Sarasota?
Late October is here, and the next few weeks are shaping up beautifully for golfers of every stripe. The charity stretch leads the way: the 25th Annual CREA Golf Tournament tees up at Sara Bay Country Club on Monday, October 26, the same day Lakewood National celebrates the 25th anniversary PKD Applied Underwriters Invitational, and the Florida State Golf Association adds a new One-Day Senior stop at Lakewood's Piper Course on Thursday, October 29. The Meadows closes out the month with its Candy Corn Classic Halloween Scramble on Saturday, October 31, while Bobby Jones keeps its Friday Ball Bash socials rolling from 4 to 8 PM. November is championship month at Lakewood National: the LPGA's Q-Series Qualifying Stage, postponed by heavy rain, now runs November 1 through 6 at Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice, the Applied Underwriters series returns to Lakewood for a second qualifying stop on Monday, November 2, and PGA Tour Q-School's First Stage plays the Piper Course from November 3 through 6. The Knights of Columbus 45th annual Venice Golf Charity Outing follows at Waterford on Saturday, November 7, Heron Creek hosts both its 16th Annual Community Foundation golf tournament and a Franki Valli tribute night on Friday, November 13, and Cora's Giving Fund tournament rounds out the week at Waterford on Saturday, November 14. TPC Prestancia wraps the window with its Heritage Cares Charity Weekend, November 20 through 22. And there's wonderful news for the next generation of golfers: Bobby Jones hosts the Sarasota Junior Open on the Ross course the weekend of November 7-8, keeps its Ladies and Junior Clinics rolling through the week, and launches a fresh PGA Jr. League session on November 10, while the Manatee Junior Golf Tour brings a junior tournament to Calusa Country Club on November 21-22. Over on Palmer Ranch, the Encore of Sarasota cultural luncheon series takes over Stoneybrook Country Club's clubhouse on Thursday, November 12, with Marie Selby Gardens' John McCarthy sharing Bertha Palmer's Florida legacy. I keep my ear to the ground on all of these, so check back often.
Sarasota Junior Open at Bobby Jones
Here's one for the future of the game: the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour brings its Sarasota Junior Open to Bobby Jones Golf Club on Saturday and Sunday, November 7-8, with junior competitors playing stroke play on the historic Ross course. It's a wonderful chance to cheer on young golfers from across the region as they chase their first wins, and a lovely reminder of how bright the Gulf Coast golf scene is for the next generation. Event details and registration live on the club's events calendar.
See the club events calendarLadies Clinic at Bobby Jones
If you've been meaning to spend more time on your game, Bobby Jones Golf Club keeps its Ladies Clinic going on Wednesday mornings, November 4 and 11, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. It's $40 for a friendly, small-group session with the club's teaching pros, and a wonderfully relaxed way to improve with great company. Whether you're picking up a club for the first time or polishing your swing, everyone is welcome.
See the Ladies Clinic seriesJunior Clinics at Bobby Jones
Little golfers, rejoice: Bobby Jones Golf Club hosts its Junior Clinics on Saturdays, November 7 and 14, from 1:00 to 3:30 PM. At $30 per session, it's an affordable, upbeat introduction to the game where kids build fundamentals, play games, and make friends who share their new passion. It's the kind of program that makes me smile, because it means the next generation of Sarasota golfers is already teeing up.
See the Junior Clinic seriesPGA Jr. League November Session at Bobby Jones
Young golfers in the 4 to 13 age range have a brand-new way to get in the game: Bobby Jones Golf Club is launching a PGA Jr. League November Session starting Tuesday, November 10, open to the public at $420 per player and running through January 5, 2027. It's the same team-based, coach-led format that has been so popular here, a supportive environment where kids learn the game while making friends. What a gift for a young golfer this holiday season.
Learn more on PGA Jr. LeagueEncore of Sarasota Luncheon at Stoneybrook Country Club
Right here on Palmer Ranch, the Encore of Sarasota luncheon series takes over Stoneybrook Country Club's clubhouse on Thursday, November 12, with a social hour at 11:00 AM and the program at 11:45 AM. This month's speaker is John McCarthy, vice president for regional history at Marie Selby Gardens, sharing Bertha Palmer's Florida Legacy, a story that ties our Gulf Coast to one of Florida's most remarkable visionaries. It's a lovely way to enjoy a morning at one of our favorite golf communities while feeding your curiosity, and it's open to the community.
Visit encoreofsarasota.orgManatee Junior Golf Tour at Calusa Country Club
The Manatee Junior Golf Tour brings a Callaway MJGT junior tournament to Calusa Country Club in Lakewood Ranch on Saturday and Sunday, November 21-22, with a $240 entry for a weekend of competitive junior golf on one of the area's most beautiful layouts. Whether your young golfer is chasing a spot on the leaderboard or just building tournament experience, it's a supportive, well-run event that the junior community looks forward to all season.
Visit manateejuniorgolftour.comThe Meadows Golf Club: Groves Course Grand Opening
What a lovely way to kick off October: on Thursday, October 1, The Meadows Golf Club opened its brand-new Groves Course to the public, a par-65, 50-acre layout that gives the newly reopened club a wonderful second course for a relaxed round. It's a beautiful addition to the Sarasota golf scene, and there's something special about being among the first to play a fresh layout. Tee times are available through the club's website, so if you haven't gotten out there yet, go enjoy it.
Book at meadowsgolfclub.netFSGA Winter Series at Lakewood National
Lakewood Ranch golfers, this one's for you. The Florida State Golf Association brings its Winter Series to Lakewood National Golf Club on Wednesday, October 7 (Commander Course) and Thursday, October 8 (Piper Course), with 8:30 AM shotgun starts. The $75 entry fee includes cart, golf, range balls, and prizes, with $10 per entry going into a gift-certificate pot, and players compete in age-based divisions. Both days are already marked full, which tells you how popular this championship-caliber course has become, but it's worth watching the FSGA calendar for cancellations or next month's events.
View details on FSGAFSGA One-Day Senior at Lakewood National
The Florida State Golf Association just added a brand-new date at Lakewood National Golf Club: a One-Day Senior tournament on the Piper Course on Thursday, October 29, with an 8:30 AM shotgun start. It's 18 holes of individual stroke play in Gross and Net within men's 60-69 and 70-and-over age divisions, and the $75 entry fee includes cart, golf, range balls, and prizes, with $10 per entry going into the gift-certificate pot. It filled up quickly after being added, which tells you how much our local seniors love this championship layout, but FSGA spots occasionally reopen, so it's worth watching the event page for a cancellation.
View details on FSGAPGA Tour Q-School First Stage at Lakewood National
How exciting is this for Lakewood Ranch? The PGA Tour Q-School presented by Korn Ferry brings its First Stage to Lakewood National Golf Club's Piper Course from Tuesday, November 3 through Friday, November 6. It's 72 holes of stroke play for a field of aspiring professionals chasing a step closer to the PGA Tour, and there's something special about watching future stars grind it out on a championship course in our own backyard. It's a wonderful chance to catch high-level professional golf up close without leaving the Ranch, and a reminder of just how far Lakewood National has come.
View event detailsPKD Applied Underwriters Invitational at Lakewood National
Mark your calendar for Monday, October 26, when Lakewood National Golf Club hosts the 25th anniversary PKD Applied Underwriters Invitational, a charity tournament benefiting the PKD Foundation in the fight to end polycystic kidney disease. It's a wonderful way to spend a day on a championship Lakewood Ranch course while supporting a cause that touches so many families, and the kind of giving-back spirit I love about our Gulf Coast golf community. And there's more good news: the Applied Underwriters series already lists a second Lakewood National stop for Monday, November 2, so there's another round for a great cause right around the corner.
Learn more at pkdcure.orgPerfect Pairings Mixed Team Shamble at The Meadows
Here was a fun one for couples and mixed groups. This past Saturday, September 12, The Meadows Golf Club hosted its Perfect Pairings Mixed Team Shamble at 8:30 AM, two men and two women per team, everyone teeing off from the best drive and the top male and female scores counting on each hole. It was $60 per player, with registration handled through the golf shop at (941) 371-6000. Don't have a foursome? No worries, the shop is happy to pair you up for the next one. It's a friendly, social format out on the beautifully refreshed public course, and a lovely way to meet neighbors who love the game as much as you do.
Book at meadowsgolfclub.netJessica Costanzo Scholarship Golf Tournament
This one's close to my heart. On Saturday, September 26, the Costanzo family hosts their annual charity golf tournament at Waterford Golf & Country Club in Venice, an annual outing with a shotgun start, generous prizes, and raffles that raises scholarship funds for students at Epiphany Cathedral School. The whole day runs on a warm, community-first spirit, and every dollar helps local kids continue their education. Registration and sponsorship are handled directly through the Jessica Costanzo Scholarship Fund at (941) 468-5673, so reach out there to reserve your spot.
Register via the Jessica Costanzo Scholarship FundThe Plate Project: Swing with a Purpose
The details are in, and this one is confirmed: the 2nd Annual Swing with a Purpose Golf Scramble, better known as The Plate Project, tees off at 7:00 AM on Saturday, October 10 at Waterford Golf Club in Venice. It's a charity scramble with a warm, community-first feel, and the Golf in Venice team keeps registration moving through its events calendar, so hop over to golfinvenice.com to claim your spot. It promises to be a lovely way to spend a fall morning on one of the prettiest courses in the Golf in Venice family.
Check golfinvenice.comRyder Cup Style Tournament at The Meadows
Fresh on the calendar at the newly reopened The Meadows Golf Club: a Ryder Cup Style Tournament on Saturday, October 10, running from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Think friendly team rivalries, bragging rights, and a full morning on a beautifully maintained public course, all in the social spirit The Meadows has become known for since reopening this summer. The club is still rolling out the finer details, so head to the events calendar at meadowsgolfclub.net to grab your spot and confirm the format. If the summer's scrambles were any indication, this one will fill up quickly.
Book at meadowsgolfclub.netCandy Corn Classic Halloween Scramble at The Meadows
Grab your most festive golf attire, because The Meadows Golf Club is hosting its Candy Corn Classic Halloween Scramble on Saturday, October 31, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. It's a fun, social scramble on the beautifully refreshed public course, and a Halloween morning on the fairways is a wonderfully playful way to spend the holiday weekend. The club keeps registration moving through its events calendar at meadowsgolfclub.net, so hop over there to claim your spot before it fills up.
Book at meadowsgolfclub.netPucks For Autism Charity Golf Scramble at Heron Creek
A cause and a course worth your weekend: on Saturday, September 26 at 7:00 AM, Heron Creek Golf & Country Club in North Port (just south of the Venice area) hosts the Pucks For Autism Charity Golf Scramble. It's a friendly scramble format that raises awareness and support for autism programs, and tickets are available through the event's Eventbrite listing. It's a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning outdoors while making a real difference, exactly the kind of giving-back spirit I love about our Gulf Coast golf community.
80th Florida Open Championship
The Florida State Golf Association's 80th Florida Open wrapped up last week at Longboat Key Club's Links and Harbourside courses, with 156 professionals and amateurs competing over 54 holes of stroke play. One of the oldest and most prestigious state open events in the country, this year's edition drew top talent from across Florida vying for a share of the $125,000 purse. The Links course played beautifully in its waterfront setting, and from what I've heard, the conditions were championship-worthy all three days. Congratulations to everyone who made the cut — and to this year's champion.
View Results on FSGABobby Jones Golf Club — Summer Leagues
Bobby Jones just wrapped up the final round of their summer Session 2 league on Tuesday, August 25 — a 9-hole shotgun start at 5:30 PM for just $39 per player including cart. It was Match Play format at $100 per team, $30 per golfer per week, plus $20 for team skins. Competitive enough to be fun but social enough to feel like a Tuesday night out. Bobby Jones has been a Sarasota institution for decades, and fall league details should be posted soon — I'll share them here as soon as I see them.
Check for fall leagues at bobbyjonesgolfclub.comSpark Golf Social League at Bobby Jones
If you're looking for the most relaxed way to get on the course this summer, Spark Golf has a social league running every Wednesday evening at Bobby Jones's Par 3 course. It's 9 holes at just $24 per person including cart — no handicap required, no pressure, just good vibes and a chance to meet fellow golfers. Tee times start at 5:36 PM, which means you're done by sunset with plenty of evening left. It's a great option for newcomers to the area or anyone who wants to try golf without a big commitment.
Join on Spark GolfBall Bash Friday Socials at Bobby Jones
For a relaxed way to ease into the weekend, Bobby Jones Golf Club keeps its Ball Bash Friday socials going all fall, with the next evenings on October 23 and 30, then November 6, 13, and 20 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. It's a friendly, casual gathering at the clubhouse, $25 per person, with a warm neighborhood feel that has made it a favorite with members and newcomers alike. No tee time required, just good company to kick off the weekend. Check the club's events page for the latest details and to confirm your spot.
See the Ball Bash series at bobbyjonesgolfclub.comSpark Golf Social League at Tatum Ridge
Did you know Spark Golf also runs a Thursday evening league at Tatum Ridge Golf Links, just north of downtown Sarasota? It's a relaxed 9-hole shotgun start at 5:00 PM for just $34 per person including cart, with no handicap required. The season's next outings are Thursday, October 8 and 15, so there's plenty of fall left to get out there. Tatum Ridge is a hidden gem out on Fruitville Road, a well-maintained public course with a friendly, relaxed vibe. If your weeknights are wide open, this is a wonderful way to get a midweek round in without the weekend crowds.
Join on Spark GolfThe Meadows Golf Club — Reopened to the Public
Great news for golfers who've been watching this one — The Meadows Golf Club has officially reopened as a public 36-hole facility, now managed by Arnold Palmer Golf Management. The former private Meadows Country Club course on the eastern edge of Sarasota is welcoming tee times through its new website. This is a significant shift for the area, giving public golfers access to a beautifully maintained course that was previously member-only.
Visit meadowsgolfclub.netU.S. Amateur Final Qualifying
Sara Bay Country Club hosted U.S. Amateur Championship Final Qualifying last week — a direct pathway to this year's U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania. Always an exciting day for competitive amateur golfers on the Gulf Coast, and I'm keeping an ear out for how our local players fared.
PGA Jr. League Fall Session at Bobby Jones
If you've got young golfers in the family, this is huge news. Bobby Jones Golf Club is launching its PGA Jr. League Fall Session with programs for ages 4-6 (Cupp Links) and ages 7-13, led by the same coaching team that served over 400 juniors across multiple seasons last year. Registration for the Cupp Links session is open now at $445 per player ($325 coaching fee plus $120 annual membership) for an 8-week season with four Tuesday practices (5:30-6:30 PM on 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, and 10/20) and four Sunday matches (9/27, 10/4, 10/18, and 10/25). The older age group sessions follow a similar format with pricing around $495 per player. It's a fantastic introduction to competitive golf in a supportive, team-based environment — and a great way for kids to make friends who share the same passion for the game. I love seeing programs like this keeping the game's future bright here in Sarasota.
Register at bobbyjonesgolfclub.comDistance Optimization Series at Bobby Jones
The Academy at Bobby Jones wrapped up its three-week Distance Optimization Series this past Saturday, August 8, led by Lead Golf Instructor Tyler Beasley — a PGA Associate and retired long-drive professional who once hit a 460-yard drive. Participants worked on body mechanics to gain distance and speed and got fitted for custom equipment alongside long-drive professional Kevin Shook and TPI-Certified coach Levi Root. Keep an eye on the Bobby Jones Academy calendar — if they bring this series back in the fall, I'll share the details here.
Visit bobbyjonesgolfclub.com51st Annual Sarasota City Championship at Bobby Jones
Local golfers, mark this one down. Bobby Jones has officially opened registration for its 51st Annual Sarasota City Championship, a two-day, stroke-play tradition that's been a Sarasota staple for half a century. The entry fee covers two days of golf, tee gifts, prizes, and lunch on day two, and in recent years the event has landed on the last weekend of September (the 50th ran September 27-28). The club is confirming this year's exact dates right now, so keep an eye on bobbyjonesgolfclub.com/events/ for the official posting. Registration is open now, so if you'd rather not wait, reach out to the club's pro shop to claim your spot. The moment the dates are up, I'll share them here.
Check bobbyjonesgolfclub.comSara Bay Country Club — 100th Anniversary
Sara Bay Country Club is celebrating its centennial in 2026 — 100 years since the Donald Ross-designed course opened in 1926, the same year Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen played their legendary "Match of the Century" on these very fairways. A commemorative book, Sara Bay Country Club: A Century of Golf, was unveiled in January, and the club has a full slate of centennial programs throughout the year. If you appreciate golf history — or just love a classic Ross layout — this is a special year to experience Sara Bay.
Visit sarabaycc.orgBeat the Heat Step-Aside Scramble at The Meadows
The newly reopened The Meadows Golf Club hosted a fun Step-Aside Scramble this past Saturday, August 22, from 8:30 AM to 12:45 PM. The step-aside format kept things social, with each player hitting and the team selecting the best shot before someone stepped aside for the hole. From what I've heard, everyone had a great time on a course that's been beautifully refreshed under new management by Arnold Palmer Golf Management. Keep an eye on The Meadows' calendar for their next event.
Book at meadowsgolfclub.netCommuni-Tee Golf Classic at Calusa Country Club
This year's Communi-Tee Golf Classic, hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities at Calusa Country Club, wrapped up on Wednesday, September 9, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The $125 per golfer entry covered team prizes and contests, raffles, player swag, breakfast and lunch, and two complimentary drinks, with all proceeds benefiting community programs in Lakewood Ranch. Calusa is a beautiful course in the heart of the Lakewood Ranch master plan, and it was a joy to see so many neighbors enjoy it while supporting a good cause. Keep an eye on lakewoodranch.com for next year's date.
Register at lakewoodranch.comFSGA Fall Event at Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club
Right here on Palmer Ranch! The Florida State Golf Association is hosting a Fall Event at Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club on Thursday, September 17. It's a one-day stroke play tournament with an 8:30 AM shotgun start. The $65 entry fee includes cart, golf, range balls, and prizes, with $10 per entry going to a gift certificate pot. Multiple age divisions are available. The entry deadline is September 12, so register early. Heritage Oaks is a beautiful Ron Garl-designed course (Par 71, 6,531 yards) that's been a cornerstone of the Palmer Ranch golf scene since 1997. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a private course in a competitive but friendly FSGA format, and you don't have to be a member to enter.
Register on FSGA"Fore" Homeless Charity Golf Tournament
Here's a cause that's close to my heart. On Saturday, September 19, the Jesus Loves You Ministry is hosting its annual "Fore" Homeless charity golf tournament at Riverwood Golf Club in Port Charlotte, about a 30-minute drive south of Sarasota. Registration starts at 7:15 AM with a shotgun start to follow, and proceeds support local homeless outreach programs in our community. It's a great way to enjoy one of the area's most scenic courses — Riverwood winds through a nature preserve with native oaks, wetlands, and abundant wildlife — while giving back at the same time. I love seeing our golf community rally around causes like this.
Register on EventbriteLEORF Golf Classic at Plantation Golf & Country Club
Here's a great one to mark on your calendar. On Monday, September 28, Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice hosts the LEORF Golf Classic, a four-player event with an 8:00 AM shotgun start benefiting local law enforcement officers and their families. It's a wonderful way to enjoy a beautiful course while giving back to the men and women who keep our community safe. Whether you bring your own foursome or get paired up, it promises to be a friendly, feel-good day out on the fairways.
Learn more at leorfgc.orgLPGA Q-Series Qualifying Stage at Plantation
Here's a date change worth knowing: the LPGA Q-Series Qualifying Stage at Plantation Golf & Country Club was postponed from mid-October after heavy rainfall left the Bobcat and Panther courses unplayable, and it now runs Sunday, November 1 through Friday, November 6. The format is unchanged: a 72-hole women's stroke-play event with no cut, mixing up-and-coming Epson Tour professionals with top-ranked amateurs, all competing for a spot in Final Qualifying and a step closer to LPGA Tour status. It's a wonderful chance to watch world-class golf up close in Venice, and spectator details are arranged through the club and the LPGA, so reach out to Plantation's pro shop to confirm gallery access before you go.
View event detailsRASM 25th Annual CREA Golf Tournament at Sara Bay
Here's one that's close to my heart as a fellow REALTOR. On Monday, October 26, the REALTOR Association of Sarasota and Manatee hosts its 25th Annual CREA Golf Tournament at Sara Bay Country Club, with a 10:30 AM start and a full afternoon on the classic Donald Ross layout. Playing during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the day benefits SPARCC, the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center of Sarasota, along with the RASM REALTORS Charitable Foundation. Whether you bring a foursome or register as an individual, it's a wonderful chance to enjoy championship golf while supporting two fantastic local causes.
Register at myrasm.comKnights of Columbus 45th Annual Venice Golf Charity Outing at Waterford
A Venice tradition with a big anniversary behind it: on Saturday, November 7, the Knights of Columbus hosts its 45th Annual Venice Golf Charity Outing at Waterford Golf Club, with a 7:00 AM start on one of the prettiest courses in the Golf in Venice family. The outing carries the Knights' long-running giving spirit into its fifth decade, and the format makes it easy for singles, pairs, and full foursomes alike. Registration runs through the Golf in Venice calendar and the local council, so reach out early to lock in your spot.
See the Golf in Venice calendar16th Annual Heron Creek Community Foundation Golf Tournament
Here's a full day of giving back in North Port: the Heron Creek Community Foundation hosts its 16th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, November 13 at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club, with an 8:00 AM shotgun scramble followed by prizes, hole-in-one contests, raffles, a silent auction, and an awards luncheon. The scramble format makes it easy for players of every level, proceeds support charitable organizations serving the North Port community, and last year's edition drew around 134 players and raised roughly $50,000, which tells you how warmly the community embraces it. Registration is open now through the foundation's website, so grab your foursome or sign up as a single and let them pair you up.
Register via the Heron Creek Community FoundationLet's Hang On: A Franki Valli Tribute Night at Heron Creek
Not every club event is about the fairways. On Friday, November 13, the Heron Creek Community Foundation presents Let's Hang On: A Franki Valli Tribute at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club in North Port, a fun evening of classic Four Seasons hits and dinner-club energy just south of Venice. It's a lovely way to enjoy the clubhouse social scene with neighbors and friends, and ticket details live on the foundation's events page.
See the foundation events pageCora's Giving Fund Golf Tournament at Waterford
Rounding out the window is Cora's Giving Fund, a charity golf tournament back on the Golf in Venice calendar for Saturday, November 14 at Waterford Golf Club. Past editions of the fund's tournament have raised money for pediatric cancer research, and the day mixes a full round with raffles and a friendly, community-first atmosphere. The Golf in Venice team posts registration details on its events calendar as the date approaches, so keep an eye there to grab a spot.
Check golfinvenice.comHeritage Cares Charity Weekend at TPC Prestancia
Right here on Palmer Ranch, TPC Prestancia is hosting its Heritage Cares Charity Weekend from Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22, a golf, dining, and racquets weekend that gives back while celebrating everything the club does best. It's open to members and non-members alike, which makes it a lovely way to experience the championship Stadium and Player courses and the clubhouse social scene even if you're just beginning to explore Prestancia. Details and registration run through the club, so reach out to the Prestancia team to reserve your spot.
Visit tpcprestancia.comClub Social Calendars Are Active
The Founders Club runs recurring programs throughout the season — including their popular Nine & Dine social rounds, Member-Guest Scrambles, and swing clinics at the 24,000-square-foot clubhouse. TPC Prestancia keeps things lively with their signature 4th of July BBQ, regular Member Mingles, Trivia Night, and Pasta Night. Most private club event calendars are shared directly with members, so if you're considering one of these communities, that's exactly the kind of insider detail I can help you explore.
Ask Julie about club lifeWhat Are the Best Communities for Golfers in Sarasota?
If golf is your primary lifestyle driver, here's my honest breakdown:
For the ultra-exclusive seeker: The Founders Club. With only 275 golf memberships available on 700 acres of gated estate land, this is Sarasota's most prestigious golf address — and it comes with a price tag to match (initiation fees reportedly around $100K). The Robert Trent Jones, Jr. links-style course, caddie program, and estate-sized lots attract buyers who value privacy and the highest standard of luxury living. The community is known for drawing celebrity residents and high-profile buyers who want a world unto themselves.
For the serious golfer: TPC Prestancia or The Oaks. Both offer championship-caliber courses, full clubhouses, and the kind of membership experience that serious players expect. You'll have access to multiple courses and a social scene that revolves around the game.
For the social golfer: Stoneybrook. The bundled membership model means everyone plays, the community is active and friendly, and the amenities extend well beyond the course with tennis, fitness, and pool facilities.
For golf views without the commitment: Country Club of Sarasota. You get gorgeous views of the TPC courses, a gated community feel, and access to social events — all without the mandatory golf membership.
I'm always happy to walk you through the specifics of each club's membership structure. Just reach out — this is the kind of detail that makes all the difference in your decision.
Ready to find your golf community?
Whether you're a scratch golfer or just enjoy a casual round on weekends, I'll help you find the Palmer Ranch community that fits your game — and your lifestyle.