Tour Sarasota County's Best Golf & Country Clubs

Extending from the southern reaches of Bradenton in the north all the way down to Englewood in the south, Sarasota County is a paradise of white-sand beaches, luxurious housing developments, and pristine parkland.

Complimenting this landscape are dozens of world-class golf courses and country clubs, providing some of the best golfing opportunities in Florida.

If you’re in this part of the world and looking to get a few rounds in, or you’re looking for the best place to buy a home with access to some links, then keep reading to learn about some of the best golf courses and country clubs in Sarasota County, Florida.

Our tour starts now:

Venetian Golf & River Club

https://www.venetiangolfandriverclub.com/
The Venetian Golf & River Club in North Venice is arguably Sarasota County’s most dynamic and unique golf experience. Centered around an 18-hole, par 72 championship course, designed by noted course architect Chip Powell, the beautiful course is just the tip of the iceberg.

The impressive 20,000 square foot clubhouse boasts a fully staffed pro shop and 6 lighted Har Tru tennis courts. The attached River Club features gourmet restaurants and a full spa and fitness center. Outside, visitors will find a full resort-style pool along with poolside cabana bar. We can’t think of a more ideal cool down setting after an exciting round of golf!

The club’s truly unique aspect comes from its serene natural setting alongside the snaking Myakka River and expansive protected preserve lands. The club showcases this sublime nature park space with a wonderfully scenic riverwalk boardwalk and picnic gazebo. There’s even a canoe launch for the more adventurous.

TPC Prestancia

https://www.tpcprestancia.com/
TPC Prestancia is a very prestigious course located 20 minutes south of downtown Sarasota off South Beneva Road within the very popular Palmer Ranch community.

The “TPC” in “TPC Prestancia” stands for “Tournament Players Club” denoting the club’s membership within a network of clubs operated by the PGA Tour. Although created by the PGA Tour in 1985, the club was sold to Heritage Golf Group in 2007, but keeps the TPC designation under a branding agreement.

The club actually consists of two full courses extending over a massive 565 acres. These two courses are named The Stadium and Players Course respectively, and include some of the most well-known names in course design in their pedigree.

TPC Prestancia hosts a number of national and international events, so this one is a treat to play for sure.

Myakka Pines

https://www.myakkapinesgolfclub.com/
Forget the busy roads and bustling neighborhoods, forget the skylines and traffic - if you want to golf with some peace and quiet, then you should look for Myakka Pines Golf Club in southeast Sarasota County.

Built in 1978 by architect Lane Marshall, this 27-hole, par 72 course is nestled deep within the pristine swamps, fields and forests adjacent to the Myakka State Forest.

Myakka Pines is a semi-private course, with its own pro shop, restaurant (The River Road Grille), pro instructors, and driving range.

Take the South River Road 5 minutes northeast of Englewood to find this golfing oasis in the wilds of Florida.

Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club

https://www.heritageoaksgcc.com/
Heritage Oaks is part of a longstanding development about 30 minutes southeast of downtown Sarasota, in between Bent Tree and Misty Creek Country Clubs.

This country club and course is a gem that is all-to-often slept on by visitors and even locals. For example, the course was overhauled in 2006 by expert course designer Ron Garl and renovated again in 2017, bringing it up to par (so to speak) with some of the best in the area.

This 18-hole championship course is set within beautiful natural surroundings and boasts a well-stocked pro shop and excellent professional instruction. You may find yourself visiting for the gold and staying for the many other amenities and activities on offer.

Boca Royale Golf & Country Club

https://www.bocaroyale.com/
Boca Royale Golf & Country is a fantastic choice for golfers of all skill levels. The semi-private course and clubhouse can be found within the 1000-acre private gated community of the same name. The club is semi private in that many of the clubhouse amenities are reserved for members, whereas both the golf and wonderful dining options are open to the public.

And what a course.

Designed by architects T.A. Anderson, Steven R. Smyers and Carter Moorish, the pristine greens feature 18 holes on a par 72. 5 tee boxes accommodate a range of golf skills on a course that impresses with wonderful mature trees and 150 acres of lakes.

After your round is over, things only get better. The splendid Georgian-inspired architecture of the clubhouse offers a welcoming dining experience with beautiful views overlooking the course. For a post-round meal, hungry golfers can choose between the fine dining of the Fairway Dining Room or the more casual fair available at the 19th Hole.

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So that was just a taster of some of the best country clubs and golf courses in Sarasota County, Florida.

With more than 30 courses and clubs to choose from, you should have no trouble finding something wherever you land. Hopefully this list gives you a handy place to start, and some idea of what’s on offer.

Whether public or private, executive or championship, you’ll definitely find something to suit your handicap as you take in the beautiful air and sunshine of Florida’s golf courses.

If you’re relocating to Venice, FL, contact Gulf Shores Realty for expert advice on local amenities and communities. Search the latest real estate listings in Venice and find your dream home in paradise!