Sarasota, Fl Golfers Guide Featured Course Stories

When the original builders of Oak Ford Country Club broke ground in the late 1980s, they couldn’t have imagined how long it would take for golfers to discover Florida design legend Ron Garl’s 27-hole layout, and for it to reach its potential. But new owners found the course in 2003.

Since purchasing it, the’ve poured their hearts and souls, years of successful golf course operational knowledge, and yes, a few million dollars, into changing the culture, and condition of Oak Ford Country Club. Those who’ve played it before, and since the transition, have been impressed with the changes and improvements.

The New Course with the Long History - For decades, ranching has been the lifeblood of eastern Sarasota County. As ranchers moved cattle between fields, an Oak tree marked the high ground, a river crossing (Ford) marked the spot necessary to traverse the land and relocate the cattle. That tree has come to symbolize the natural, rugged character of the facility. An exceptional layout, Oak Ford Golf Club captures the true essence of golf in its natural setting. 

One of Florida’s top public golf courses earns it’s high ratings through a commitment to excellence

“It’s a beautiful day at Bobcat Trail!” That’s the cheerful expression you’ll hear when making a tee time at North Port’s 4-1/2 star rated semi-private golf club.

It’s also the attitude you’ll encounter from every employee you meet—from the time you pull up to the bag drop to when the bartender pours your drink at the 19th hole.

General manager Drew Pearson attributes the service oriented relationship with customers as one of the reasons the club has garnered recognition as one of the top Florida golf clubs.

When Bobcat Trail Golf Club opened in 1998, the golf course was to be the centerpiece of the 490 acre master planned development in North Port.

With steady growth predicted for the south Sarasota County area and the Toledo Blade Boulevard corridor, it has grown into one of the premier facilities in southwest Florida.

The Golf Club at Capri Isles, Calusa Lakes Golf Club and Waterford Golf Club provide a spectrum of challenges, wherever one’s skill level.

These courses are three of the most enjoyable in the area and offer, in total, 63 strong holes with a great variety of play. Each course uniquely challenges players to discover the strengths and weaknesses of their individual game. A true test of every aspect of golf awaits at the Golf in Venice clubs.

The Golf Club at Capri Isles … A Club of Strategy and Skill: This 18-hole course offers both physical and psychological challenges for the serious and the casual player. The character and playability of the course has been enhanced with: numerous expanses of strategic water features on 14 of the 18 holes; exacting fairway and approach bunkers; receptive and true greens; and four set of tees. The Capri Isles par-72 course calls for golfers to play strategically in order to score well.