Sarasota Golf Scene

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.

WCI, the premiere developer of golf communities in Florida, offers you a choice of three signature courses in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. Each golf course presents its own distinct personality and features a challenge for any skill level from beginner to scratch golfer. 

For a limited time, this Premier Private Club has released tee times for promotional unsponsored guest play.

Kingsway Country Club is a private, equity club owned by members who are dedicated to making it the finest facility in Southwest Florida.

Ron Garl, the original course designer and one of the foremost golf course architects in the industry, has made significant design improvements to what was already one of the finest golf courses in the area.

This championship par-72 layout is a challenging yet forgiving course incorporating rolling terrain, wide fairways, ample bunkers and spacious Tif Eagle greens with over 7000 yards of great golf. Fourteen holes border water and challenges are abundant, but with multiple tees all golfers, regardless of skill level, can enjoy the experience.

Just imagine a place with rolling greens, lush fairways, cool breezes, and outstanding customer service. Rotonda Golf & Country Clubs is that place. This hidden jewel is on the West Coast of Florida and is just minutes from sandy beaches and some of he best fishing in the world. Oh, and did I mention GOLF? Rotonda Golf & Country Club has 54 holes that challenge all skill levels.

Rotonda has been awarded a “Beginner Friendly Certification” from the National Golf Course Owners Association as well as the Charlotte Sun Herald’s Readers Choice award for being the best course in Charlotte County. That’s exactly how Rotonda Golf & Country Club’s three courses were planned. The Hills. The Palms. The Links. Three emeralds in a spectacular setting bathed by gulf breezes. Challenging, well-maintained fairways that provide a new golfing experience with every round.

It all began in 1972 when the Hills course, with its clever water hazards and elevated greens, opened to rave reviews from serious and casual golfers alike. The Hills is an 18-hole par-72 championship course in the Oakland Hills community. It is a true test of accuracy and course management skills.

The Big Summer Golf Card® is celebrating its 15th successful year of bringing discount golf fees to cardholders at the finest golf courses on the Suncoast. Introduced in 1993 with seventeen golf courses in the Sarasota area, the card has grown to now include over 60 great area courses, and has expanded it’s coverage from Ocala to Punta Gorda.

Big Summer Golf® is unique in many aspects and differs from other imitators in its commitment to the customer. Although privately owned, the BSGC takes much of its direction from the participating courses, with an advisory committee of operators and golf pros setting policy and governing cardholder benefits. The Big Summer Golf Card® has always been known for its focus on customer service at all of its courses.

For a $60. investment, golfers can gain unlimited prime time access to premium courses in over six counties, all within easy driving distance for very reasonable rates-some for as much as fifty percent off the regular public rate. Some courses also offer exceptional afternoon discounts, and also extend their lower golf prices beyond the six month period of the normal lifespan of the program.

New Opportunities Are Now Available to Play at this 4-Star Country Club

In November 2007 University Park Country Club introduces its new semi-private membership plan and reopens daily greens fee play to the golfing community to further establish it as the premier golfing and country club experience in the region.

Since it’s grand opening in 1991, University Park Country Club has consistently earned awards from independent readers’ surveys, professional golf writers and planning and homebuilders’ associations.

When Golf Digest recognized the beautiful and challenging 27 holes at University Park with its 4-star rating for the tenth year in a row, its writers enthusiastically called it a “must-play” course. 

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.

60 Miles Closer to a World Without Breast Cancer-by Jean Couser

Chances are you know someone whose life has been affected by breast cancer. Last year I walked the 5K RACE FOR THE CURE in St. Pete with my “sister” Carole, whose Mom was battling the disease. This year we will walk to honor her memory during The Breast Cancer 3-Day Tampa Bay, October 19-21.

It is a 60-mile, three-day walk that benefits the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Philanthropic Trust (NPT) Breast Cancer Fund. It is unlike other events in that, for many, it is a life- changing journey that starts months in advance with training and fundraising.

Great Getaways That Aren’t Far Away

There is the Florida we’ve all heard about and visited many times before; destinations that roll off our tongue and memories that come quickly to mind. There is, however, another Florida that for many remins a mystery. We're talking about places where the same beauty and adventure await, but without the sense of “been there, done that.” Perhaps then, now is the time to meet those parts of the Sunshine State.

It could be as short as an overnight excursion, or a mid-week surprise. How about a weekend near the water, or a week-long opportunity you’ve put off way too long? Whatever the trip, Florida’s backyard is waiting, with great golf values and Stay-and-Play packages that can make your summertime getaway a whole lot more about relaxation and a lot less about relocation!