University Park Country Club, the area’s premier semi-private country club, continues to be the must-play golf destination on Florida’s Cultural Coast. The breathtaking championship golf course is designed to reward the golfer whatever their skill level and provide an exhilarating golf experience against a stunning backdrop of native Florida. The impeccable conditions and beauty of the course as well as the club’s renowned friendly service offer the daily-fee player a private club experience that is surprisingly affordable.
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.
In recognizing the beautiful and challenging 27 holes at University Park with its 4-star rating for the 12th year in a row, Golf Digest 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.
Readers’ polls at Golfweek and Florida Sportsfan placed University Park in its “Florida’s Top Fifty,” Zagat’s survey continues to popularize this favorite course and, since 1999, statewide acclaim has been showered on University Park as readers of Florida Golf News consistently voted the course “Number 1” in Southwest Florida and one of the top 11 in the state! Locally, University Park Country Club has been voted “The Best Place to Play Golf” by the readers of Sarasota Magazine since 1993. Readers of both Sarasota Herald Tribune and Bradenton Herald also agree by voting University Park “Best Golf Course.”
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. Patrick Neal, a well-respected developer with years of experience in Southwest Florida, had the foresight to team up with the Pasold family – all avid golf enthusiasts whose respect for nature and commitment to excellence is unparalleled.
Careful planning and attention to detail have blended a beautiful piece of property with golf and an unsurpassed lifestyle. The list of awards for this outstanding community grows every year – 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.
Head Golf Professional Ashley Hayden 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. Hayden points to continually improving the look and playa-bility of the course as the keys to maintaining the high standards and keeping it in top playing condition.
University Park Country Club is committed to the continual enhancement and upgrading of its golf facilities. The addition of a second teaching complex created the foundation for an innovative new golf school program, The Golf Academy at University Park introduced in October 2009. Under the guidance of LPGA Tour Player Sue Ertl the Golf Academy offers daily clinics as well as two- and three-day golf schools and makes golf instruction available and affordable for golfers at any level.
Extensive practice facilities, top of the line golf carts, and expanded food and beverage services round out the list of amenities available during this award-winning golf experience.
As a semi-private club there are membership opportunities for all. You don’t have to live in University Park to join the club and non-resident memberships are growing fast. There has never been a better time to become a member.
University Park Country Club is the location for many of the area’s most prominent corporate and charity golf tournaments and outings. The award-winning golf professional staff and culinary team are sure to make your tournament or group outing memorable.
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. For new home sales (941) 351-7777, or toll free 800-394-6325. For membership information, call Shelley Whiteside: (941) 355-3888 ext. 234. Visit our Web site: www.universitypark-fl.com.