University Park Country Club

Since its grand opening in 1991, University Park Country Club has consistently earned awards from independent readers’ surveys, professional golf writers and planning and homebuilders’ associations, establishing it as the premier golfing and country club experience in the region.

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 Ron Garl-designed course also earned the designation as “most women-friendly golf course” by Golf For Women magazine. Golfweek’s readers’ poll placed University Park in its “Florida’s Top Fifty,” as did Florida Sportsfan. And since 1999, statewide acclaim has been showered on University Park as readers of Florida Golf News voted the course No. 1 in Southwest Florida and one of the top 11 in the state!

So it seems ironic, with all of the accolades for the golf course, that it was a non-golfer who conceived of University Park Country Club. But Patrick Neal, a well-respected developer with years of experience in Southwest Florida, was wise enough to team up with the Pasold family – all avid golf enthusiasts who have a huge respect for nature and commitment to excellence – and a team of professionals with years in the golf business. Their careful planning and attention to detail has blended a beautiful piece of property with golf and an unsurpassed lifestyle.

The list of awards goes on – numbering over 75 – both regionally and nationally. Among the most prestigious of these awards are “Best Community Design in America” awarded by the National Association of Home Builders and Professional Builder magazine, and “Best Development in the Region” by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Future of the Region Award.

Master PGA Golf Professional Mike Clayton credits the honors to years of hard work by all of the employees, creating a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with a reputation for first-class service and an impeccably maintained golf course. Clayton points to continually improving the look and playability of the course as the keys to maintaining the high standards and keeping it in top playing condition.

Over the past four years the golf course has undergone a major revitalization which included rebuilt tee complexes, the introduction of the latest hybrid grass, TifEagle Ultra Dwarf, on all 27 greens and most recently, the renovation of the driving range and the addition of a “short game” practice area. All of this work ensures that University Park remains at the forefront of golf course development.

As University Park Country Club grows its membership and continues its transition to becoming equity based, the opportunity for non-member play is a sought-after commodity. Memberships are available and you don’t have to be a resident to enjoy the benefits membership brings — as private playgrounds go, this one is hard to top. University Park is also the home of “The School of Relaxed Golf” under the direction of Mike Clayton. Golf facilities available to members and non-members include a full-service pro shop and spacious driving range and short game practice area with putting and chipping greens and sand bunkers.

Off the course, you’ll find plenty of other amenities. The Park Grille & Café restaurant was recently doubled in size and fully renovated. Now offering a new, dedicated banquet facility, the restaurant’s panoramic lakeside dining has spectacular views of the 9th and 18th greens. Golf tournaments and other corporate outings are regular activities enjoying the clubhouse amenities.

The Tennis and Fitness Centre features 11 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts voted “Court of the Year” by Tennis Industry magazine. A fully stocked pro shop and USPTA- and USPTR-certified tennis pros complement the tennis experience at University Park. Underscoring University Park’s uniqueness, European-style croquet and lawn bowling are played adjacent to the tennis courts. An active social calendar is filled with parties and member events.

Since offering Premier Memberships in 2002, University Park Country Club continues to invite both resident and non-resident participation in the Club with membership categories to suit all interests.

Home ownership in this private gated community of 31 small, intimate neighborhoods is still available. A limited number of spectacular homesites remain from maintenance-free single-family homes priced from the $700,000’s, to estate style home sites priced to the millions.

Visit the  University Park Country Club Information Center located just 1.8 miles west of I-75 on University Parkway (Exit 213). Call the Golf Pro Shop: (941) 359-9999 ext 2. For new home sales (941) 351-7777, or Toll Free 800-394-6325. For club membership call Ann Backus: (941) 355-3888 ext. 234. Visit our Web site: www.universitypark-fl.com.