Sarasota Golf Community Guide: Tee Up in Paradise

Sarasota is more than a coastal paradise filled with art, culture, and beaches — it’s also one of Florida’s premier destinations for golf enthusiasts. With year-round sunshine, stunning natural landscapes, and world-class golf communities, the Sarasota area offers an unmatched lifestyle for those who love to tee off close to home.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or a casual weekend golfer, there’s a community here that combines luxury living with top-tier fairways.

In this guide, we’ll explore Sarasota’s most desirable golf neighborhoods and how working with Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl — trusted real estate experts in Sarasota — can help you find the perfect home on or near the green.

Sarasota offers ideal playing conditions throughout the year, with a climate that supports morning rounds in January and twilight tee times in July. Golf courses are designed to blend with the natural beauty of the region, incorporating lakes, oak hammocks, and palm-lined fairways. Add to that a network of private clubs, semi-private courses, and resort-style amenities, and you’ve got a golf lifestyle that is as refined as it is relaxed.

Sarasota’s golf communities don’t just cater to players — they also offer an elevated quality of life. From fitness centers and spas to social clubs and gourmet dining, these neighborhoods create a resort-like environment where residents can play, relax, and connect.

A cornerstone of Sarasota’s golf scene, Lakewood Ranch Country Club is a private, gated community located in the heart of Lakewood Ranch. It features three championship golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer and Rick Robbins, offering a variety of layouts and challenges for all skill levels.

Beyond the greens, residents enjoy access to a grand clubhouse, tennis courts, fitness centers, and resort-style pools. Homes range from stylish villas to sprawling estates, many of which offer golf course or lake views.

Lakewood Ranch Country Club is ideal for golfers seeking a refined lifestyle in a master-planned community emphasizing wellness, community events, and scenic surroundings.

For those seeking a private and exclusive golfing experience, The Founders Club is one of Sarasota’s most prestigious options. This low-density community features just 262 homes on 700 acres, with an 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

What sets The Founders Club apart is its serene, natural setting. No tee times are required, and the course is limited to just 275 golf memberships, ensuring a peaceful and unhurried pace of play.

The Founders Club residences are custom-built, estate-style homes on large lots. They offer privacy, elegance, and panoramic views of the course and surrounding preserves. The Club is perfect for golfers who value solitude, sophistication, and timeless architecture.

University Park has been a favorite among Sarasota golfers for decades, and for good reason. This gated community is home to a 27-hole championship course that consistently ranks among the best in the region. Designed by Ron Garl, the course offers a variety of challenges with meticulously maintained fairways, water features, and strategic bunkers.

Residents of University Park enjoy access to tennis courts, fitness facilities, and a vibrant social calendar. The community is also conveniently located near the University Town Center shopping district, making it easy to enjoy dining and retail options just minutes away.

With a range of home styles including single-family homes, maintenance-free villas, and custom residences, University Park appeals to both seasonal and year-round residents who want a dynamic, active lifestyle with exceptional golf amenities.

Esplanade is a resort-style golf community that brings a fresh, vibrant energy to the Lakewood Ranch area. Its 18-hole championship course winds through scenic wetlands, lakes, and mature landscaping, offering beautiful views and a relaxing playing environment.

Esplanade is known for its impressive range of amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, spa services, lagoon-style pool, culinary center, and countless social clubs. It’s a lifestyle-driven community where golf is only part of the fun.

Homes include stylish villas and single-family residences designed with modern features and low-maintenance living in mind. Esplanade is a favorite for active adults who want the feeling of a luxury resort right in their backyard.

For those seeking a secluded atmosphere and natural beauty, Misty Creek offers a unique blend of golf and wildlife. This gated community is set within a wildlife preserve and features an 18-hole course that meanders through forested areas and wetlands.

Misty Creek appeals to golfers who want to live in harmony with nature while still enjoying country club amenities. Homes here are custom built and situated on large lots with mature landscaping and scenic views.

Though it feels tucked away, Misty Creek is only a short drive from Sarasota’s beaches, shopping centers, and cultural attractions, making it a peaceful yet convenient place to live and play.

Navigating Sarasota’s many golf communities takes local expertise and insider knowledge. That’s where Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl come in. As leading Sarasota real estate agents, they understand the subtle differences between communities, membership options, and property values. Whether you’re looking for a full-time residence, a vacation home, or an investment property with golf access, their team will help you find the right fit.

From exclusive clubs to welcoming neighborhoods for all ages and skill levels, they’ll match your lifestyle and budget with the ideal community. Their hands-on approach, honest guidance, and deep understanding of the Sarasota market make them a trusted resource for buyers who want more than just a home — they want a lifestyle.

If golf is an essential part of your lifestyle, Sarasota offers more than a dozen exceptional communities where you can live just steps from the fairway. Whether your dream home is a maintenance-free villa with course views or a custom estate on a championship green, the opportunities are as abundant as the sunshine.

Visit sgdsrq.com to explore current listings, learn more about Sarasota’s golf neighborhoods, and schedule your personalized consultation with Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl.

Let their experienced team help you find the perfect place to tee up your next chapter in paradise.