Course Details
- Architect: Ron Garl (1991)
- Course Type: Semi-Private
- Par: 72
- Rating: 74.2
- Slope: 134
Course Score
- Course Conditions: 7
- Green Complexes: 7
- Amenities: 8
- Practice Facilities: 8
- Service: 6
- Course Design: 7
- Value: 7
Overall Score: 7.12
The Good: Beautiful semi-private country club complex near the airport is dubbed as “The Best of Sarasota Golf” and the experience doesn’t disappoint. Has a Magnolia Lane feel as you drive into the complex with huge parkland style trees for a Floridian course. Ron Garl design is 27-hole complex (played holes 1-18) has plenty of room off the tee but challenging approach shots. Superb Par 5’s, good variety in Par 4’s, and solid Par 3’s (particularly on the opening nine). Very nice course conditions and excellent greens that can pose real problems if not on your game. Fantastic off-course amenities includes beautiful clubhouse, nice driving range and separate restaurant facility (although only open to non-members on certain day/times). On-course staff is very accommodating. While within a large residential community, you never feel like you’re playing within a bunch of condos. Good value for overall quality of course and country club-esque experience.
The Bad: No GPS is a bummer. Some of the Par 4’s have awkward driving angles due to large sentinel or overhanging trees. While I didn’t personally experience, several members of my total group felt the staff acted as though as non-members we were a nuisance and the members were snobbish. Pace of play was a serious issue for an afternoon weekday round.
The Verdict: A unique, beautiful parkland style course in western Florida is arguably the best course in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. If it weren’t for being treated like outcasts, would recommend even higher.
Best Hole: Of the 1-18 holes, the medium length Par 4 9th has a peninsula green approach that is tough!
Midwest Golf Tripper 