Oak Ford Country Club A legendary course, 20 years in the making

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. 

The Family that Sweats Together Sticks Together - The remarkable turnaround at Oak Ford began with its purchase by the Swartz family and their commitment to restore the course to its original splendor. Sons Trace and Dusty manage the day-today operations at the club as the Superintendent and General Manager, respectively. They bring their experience from the Country Club of Indianapolis, TPC-Sawgrass and The Presidio in San Francisco to the management of the Club.

Location, Location, Location… - The way Florida used to be! The Swartzes like to say that Oak Ford is a “little out of the way, but a lot out of the ordinary.” Oak Ford is located off Fruitville Road, approximately 9 miles east of the I-75-Fruitville exit. It is about 20 minutes from downtown Sarasota which makes it “a little out of the way.” And with good reason. How many 850-acre preserves are downtown? The enjoyable, unique and challenging layout makes Oak Ford “a lot out of the ordinary.” Guests comment that it’s like Florida used to be before the crush of development. Spread throughout the rolling terrain of the countryside, the 27-hole golf club is surrounded by live oaks, palms and abundance of wildlife. Unlike many Florida golf communities, the course is carved from lush vegetation and surrounded by forest with very few homes adjacent to the fairways.

The Oaks nine is typified by many riskreward shot opportunities and alternative strategies as water comes into play on six of the holes, but with only one forced carry off the tee. You'll find more wildlife than homes on the Palm course with a fabulous finishing hole requiring a wetlands carry off the tee and featuring water down the left side and a large oak in the bunker framing the right side of the green.

The Myrtle nine has less water than the other two, but you might not think that while negotiating the signature sixth, a par-4 requiring a lay-up tee shot, then a huge blast over wetlands with water guarding the right side of the green. As Oak Ford Golf Club celebrates its fifth year of improvements, it does so with grace and distinction. With a renewed sense of pride and the efforts of the staff to provide good course conditions and customer service.

Oak Ford Country Club is carving out its own niche as the top PUBLIC Country Club or “Club in the Country” in Sarasota. This is evident by the current Golf Digest rating of 4-1/2 stars. A big improvement considering it was once a low end course, Oak Ford is now being compared to the top clubs in the region.

For more information, or the latest specials, visit www.oakfordgolfclub.com or call locally (941) 371-3680, or toll free (888) 881-FORE.