Golf & Country Club Communities

The Sarasota-Bradenton area is home to some of the best golf communities in Florida. Whether you want a bundled golf membership with resort-style amenities or a public course where you pay as you play, there is a community that fits your lifestyle and budget. Here is a guide to the most notable golf communities across the region.

Heritage Harbour / River Strand

Located off SR 64 at I-75 in Bradenton, River Strand Golf & Country Club is the golf-focused neighborhood within Heritage Harbour. The course is a public, fee-based course rather than a private bundled club, which surprises some buyers. Some home types carry a mandatory golf membership, and HOA fees vary widely by building. Homes range from condos in the mid-$200s to estate homes past $900K. Learn more about Heritage Harbour.

Lakewood Ranch

The #1 best-selling master-planned community in the US features multiple golf options within its villages. Lakewood Ranch Country Club, The Founders Club, and Esplanade are among the golf-centric neighborhoods. The community spans 33,000 acres across Manatee and Sarasota counties with top-rated schools and resort-style amenities. Learn more about Lakewood Ranch.

Longboat Key

The Longboat Key Club offers an upscale resort lifestyle with two championship golf courses, tennis, and a private beach club. This barrier island community is known for luxury condos, private beach access, and some of the most desirable real estate on the Gulf Coast.

Sara Bay Country Club

Located in Sarasota, Sara Bay Country Club offers an 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course, which is one of the oldest in the region. The community features a range of single-family homes and condos, with a focus on golf and social membership.

The Founders Club

A private, gated golf community in Sarasota, The Founders Club features a 7,100-yard, par-72 championship course designed by Tom Fazio. The community is known for spacious homesites, Mediterranean-inspired architecture, and a private club experience.

Esplanade

Esplanade is a series of active adult and all-ages communities in Lakewood Ranch and other locations, offering golf course living with resort-style amenities, including the Esplanade Golf & Country Club. These communities are designed for those who want an active lifestyle with a strong social component.

Palmer Ranch

Located in south Sarasota, Palmer Ranch is a large master-planned community that includes several golf courses, including the Stoneybrook Golf Club and the TPC at Prestancia. The community offers a range of housing options from condos to single-family homes in a variety of price ranges.

Which golf community is right for you?

The right golf community depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how you want to use the course. Some communities require bundled membership, others offer equity options or public access. I can help you understand the differences, compare costs, and find the community that fits your goals. Let me know what you're looking for and I'll guide you to the best options.