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?
Summer's winding down but we still have a full calendar through September and into early fall. The Florida Open and U.S. Amateur qualifying wrapped back in July, the Beat the Heat Scramble at The Meadows was a hit back in August, and both Bobby Jones and Tatum Ridge are still running their weekly Spark Golf leagues. The PGA Jr. League Fall Session is underway, and I've rounded up a few more warm-hearted finds for the weeks ahead: a Perfect Pairings Mixed Team Shamble at The Meadows this Saturday, an FSGA Fall Event at Heritage Oaks right here on Palmer Ranch, a couple of charity classics in Venice and North Port supporting scholarships and autism programs, and the LEORF Golf Classic supporting our local law enforcement. I keep my ear to the ground on these, so check back often.
Perfect Pairings Mixed Team Shamble at The Meadows
Here's a fun one for couples and mixed groups. This Saturday, September 12, The Meadows Golf Club is hosting 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's just $60 per player, and you can register through the golf shop at (941) 371-6000. Don't have a foursome? No worries, the shop will gladly pair you up. 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 FundPucks 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 GolfSpark Golf Social League at Tatum Ridge
Here's one I just discovered — Spark Golf also runs a Thursday evening league at Tatum Ridge Golf Links just north of downtown Sarasota. It's a 9-hole shotgun start at 5:30 PM for just $34 per person including cart, with no handicap required. The next round is Thursday, August 27 — another 9-hole shotgun start at 5:30 PM for just $34 per person including cart, no handicap required. 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.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
Here's one I just discovered: the Communi-Tee Golf Classic hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities at Calusa Country Club on Wednesday, September 9, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Registration is $125 per golfer and includes team prizes and contests, raffles, player swag, breakfast and lunch, and two complimentary drinks. You can register as a single and get paired with a team, or bring your own foursome. All proceeds benefit community programs in Lakewood Ranch. Calusa is a beautiful course in the heart of the Lakewood Ranch master plan, and this is a great way to enjoy it while supporting a good cause.
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.orgClub 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.