Best Golf Courses Near Downtown Sarasota

Downtown Sarasota is in a convenient location on the mainland between Longboat Key and University Parkway. Ironically, both of which are renowned for their sprawling Florida golf courses, some with national recognition. If you’re a golf lover, it’s easy to keep up with your game from downtown Sarasota with easy access to some of the best golf courses in the area. Here’s a look at the 5 best golf courses near downtown Sarasota.

Best Golf Courses Near Downtown Sarasota

Longboat Key Golf Club

Longboat Key Golf Club is often proclaimed as the best golf course in Sarasota. This members-only course features 45 holes of championship golf for members and guests of The Resort at Longboat Key Club, which has earned Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Stay” award. The club here is consistently ranked among the nation’s best golf courses and features several courses that run along Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Perfect for skilled golfers, the Longboat Key Golf Club is AAA Four-Diamond rated and the ultimate challenge.

University Park Country Club

University Park Country Club offers the ultimate Florida golf experience at a semi-private club. Voted the No. 1 Golf Course in Southwest Florida and rated four stars by Golf Digest since 1996, this 27-hole course features stunning grounds and a tight course that offers its fair share of challenges. Additionally, the club features tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center and exclusive members areas.

The Meadows Country Club

Although this club is members only, the memberships are quite affordable and offer year-round golf. Conveniently located near University Town Center Mall and I-75, this course features 54 award-winning holes. Members here have access to 17 har-tru tennis courts, pickleball and Olympic-size pool, fitness center, two restaurants and more.

TPC Prestancia

A little bit south of downtown Sarasota, TPC Prestancia’s Championship Stadium Course features rolling hills and wide-open fairways. Designed by PGA TOUR player Mike Souchack and Ron Garl, this par 72 course challenges both distance shots and short game. TPC Prestancia is renowned for its perfectly manicured greens and stunning Florida wildlife. While this course is private, a chance to play here should not be missed.

Laurel Oak Country Club

This members-only course is located out on Bee Ridge Road, east of I-75. While it’s a bit of a trek from downtown Sarasota, Laurel Oak Country Club is the epitome of Sarasota sophistication with championship golf for players of all levels. Designed by Gary Player and Rees Jones, the perfectly manicured two courses at Laurel Oak are unrivaled. Memberships here have access to tennis amenities, dining and social events, aquatics and more.