By Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl
Lakewood Ranch sits east of I-75 between Sarasota and Bradenton, and the community’s village layout makes it easy to live close to the lifestyle amenities that matter most, from golf to dining to wellness. Two villages are specifically categorized as golf communities (Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch and Calusa Country Club), so this guide focuses on what daily access looks like in each.
If you’re comparing golf course communities in Lakewood Ranch FL, I’ll walk you through the on-the-ground differences that affect how you plan mornings, weekends, and social time.
Key Takeaways
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Two true golf villages: Azario and Calusa
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Different membership setups: lifestyle vs bundled golf
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Amenity depth: clubhouse, pool, racquet sports
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Location context: Main Street and Benderson Park access
Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch for Resort-Style Golf Living
Esplanade at Azario is built around a resort-minded lifestyle with a strong focus on amenities that support wellness, social time, and daily recreation.
Why Azario appeals to golf-forward, amenity-rich routines
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Lifestyle programming: A community schedule guided by an on-site Lifestyle Director.
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Resort-style amenities: A mix of relaxing and active options that support daily use.
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Wellness focus: Spaces and activities that fit fitness and revitalization routines.
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Social atmosphere: A setting built for meetups that extend beyond the course.
When comparing golf course communities in Lakewood Ranch FL, Azario stands out for the “club-life” feel that runs throughout the week. The lifestyle structure also makes it easier to build community quickly because events and activities create natural touchpoints.
Calusa Country Club for Bundled Golf and Clubhouse Convenience
Calusa Country Club is designed for residents who want a bundled golf membership, centered on two Gordon Lewis-designed courses, which add variety and keep practice and short-game time convenient.
Why Calusa works for frequent play and quick practice sessions
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Bundled golf membership: Golf access included as part of the community structure.
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Two-course variety: An 18-hole championship course plus a 12-hole short course.
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Practice options: A putting green and an aqua driving range for focused repetition.
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Clubhouse lifestyle: Restaurant, bar, and resort-style pool tied to social routines.
Among golf course communities in Lakewood Ranch FL, Calusa is the clearest fit for residents who want golf structured into the community experience from day one. The clubhouse format also makes it easy to turn golf into an all-day plan that includes lunch, drinks, and pool time.
How to Choose Between Azario and Calusa Based on Lifestyle
The best choice usually comes down to how you spend time outside the course, including how often you use the pool, fitness options, and scheduled activities.
Questions that clarify which village fits best
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Round frequency: How often golf is realistically part of a normal week.
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Practice preference: Whether short-game work and quick sessions are a priority.
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Social style: Organized events versus informal meetups and dining at the clubhouse.
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Amenity habits: Pool, wellness, and racquet sports usage as weekly anchors.
These questions keep the decision grounded in routine rather than a one-time tour impression. They also help narrow home layout needs, like garage space for gear, outdoor seating for post-round hosting, and proximity to the community core.
Golf Access as Part of the Larger Lakewood Ranch Lifestyle Map
Lakewood Ranch living often includes more than golf, with nearby destinations that add variety to weekends and make the area feel connected.
Local anchors that complement golf community living
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Lakewood Ranch Main Street: A hub for dining, gatherings, and community events.
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UTC area access: Shopping and restaurants near The Mall at University Town Center.
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Nathan Benderson Park: A lake-centered spot for paddling, walking, and viewing rowing events.
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The Polo Club area: A well-known equestrian and polo destination within the broader community landscape.
Many residents build routines that include Main Street events, dining and shopping near University Town Center, and outdoor time at Nathan Benderson Park’s large lake.
FAQs
Are Azario and Calusa the only golf villages in Lakewood Ranch?
Yes, Azario – Esplanade and Calusa Country Club are the two villages categorized as golf communities within the Ranch.
What is the biggest practical difference between Azario and Calusa?
Azario emphasizes a resort-style lifestyle with organized programming and a community calendar, while Calusa emphasizes bundled golf access with two courses and dedicated practice features.
How do you choose the right home inside a golf village?
I focus on proximity to the clubhouse, the home’s outdoor living setup, and storage that supports daily golf routines. I also look at how easy it is to connect to Main Street and the UTC area for off-course plans.
Contact Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl Today
If you want to compare Azario and Calusa side by side, reach out to Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl and tell us how you like to play, practice, and spend your time after the round. We’ll help you evaluate golf course communities in Lakewood Ranch FL through the lens of real routine, including clubhouse access, amenity usage, and which village layout supports your week from morning tee times to weekend dinners.
Connect with Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl, and we’ll guide you to the right home in Lakewood Ranch.
Connect with Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl, and we’ll guide you to the right home in Lakewood Ranch.
