Best Country Clubs in Sarasota, FL

By Melissa Gissinger

When clients ask me what makes Sarasota such a special place to live, the lifestyle always comes up. Beyond the beaches and waterfront neighborhoods, the area is home to some truly exceptional private clubs. Many buyers relocating here specifically ask about golf communities and private club amenities before choosing a neighborhood. If you’re exploring the best country clubs in Sarasota, I’m happy to share a few standout options that offer beautiful courses, strong communities, and an incredible Florida lifestyle.

• Sarasota offers several private golf communities with championship courses and resort-style amenities.
• Many of the best country clubs in Sarasota feature tennis centers, fitness facilities, and social dining.
• Country club communities like Lakewood Ranch and Palmer Ranch attract buyers seeking active lifestyles.
• Living near a private club often adds long-term lifestyle value and strong buyer demand.

The Founders Club is one of Sarasota’s most exclusive golf communities, offering a private experience with elegant homes and a beautifully designed course.

• Robert Trent Jones Jr. Golf Course: An 18-hole course stretching over 7,000 yards with rolling fairways, natural wetlands, and strategically placed bunkers.
• Large Estate Homesites: Many properties sit on half-acre or larger lots with lake views or protected nature preserves behind them.
• Elegant 24,000-Square-Foot Clubhouse: Members enjoy indoor dining, outdoor terrace seating, and panoramic views of the finishing holes.
• Location East of I-75: Residents can reach downtown Sarasota, St. Armands Circle, and Lido Key in about 20 minutes.

Buyers looking for privacy and refined amenities often place The Founders Club high on their list when exploring country clubs in Sarasota.

Laurel Oak is well known for its mature oak trees, two championship courses, and a long-standing member community.

• Gary Player and Rees Jones Golf Courses: Two distinct 18-hole courses that offer different layouts, elevation changes, and water features.
• Tennis Complex with Har-Tru Courts: One of the area’s most active tennis programs, including leagues, clinics, and tournaments.
• Updated Clubhouse Dining: Members can enjoy casual lunches, themed dinners, and special events throughout the year.
• Convenient Location Near Bee Ridge Road: About 15 minutes from downtown Sarasota and close to shopping along Clark Road.

Many of my clients appreciate Laurel Oak’s established atmosphere and the variety offered by two championship courses.

For buyers seeking a luxury golf experience tied to a well-known hospitality brand, the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club offers a refined setting and outstanding service.

• Tom Fazio Designed Championship Course: Known for immaculate conditions, dramatic bunkering, and wide fairways framed by natural wetlands.
• Grand Mediterranean-Style Clubhouse: Includes private dining rooms, event spaces, and outdoor seating overlooking the 18th green.
• Luxury Locker Rooms and Practice Facilities: Members have access to a driving range, putting greens, and full-service locker amenities.
• Lakewood Ranch Location: Minutes from Waterside Place, University Town Center Mall, and new restaurants in Sarasota’s fastest-growing area.

The club attracts buyers who want both an exceptional golf experience and an elevated lifestyle environment.

Located in Venice, just south of Sarasota, Sarasota National offers a newer community with resort-style amenities and a scenic golf course.

• 18-Hole Gordon Lewis Championship Course: Designed around wetlands and native Florida landscape with wide fairways and challenging greens.
• 30,000-Square-Foot Clubhouse: Includes indoor dining, a bar lounge, and outdoor patio seating overlooking the course.
• Large Resort Pool and Spa Area: Residents enjoy lap lanes, hot tubs, and shaded cabanas for relaxation.
• Active Fitness and Pickleball Programs: The community offers group fitness classes, pickleball courts, and social leagues.

Buyers interested in newer construction homes and modern amenities often find Sarasota National especially appealing.

University Park has earned national recognition for its golf courses and beautifully maintained landscaping, making it one of the most sought-after country club communities in the region.

• 27 Holes of Championship Golf: Three nine-hole courses (Park, Lakes, and Nine) allow members to rotate play for variety.
• Award-Winning Course Conditions: The club has repeatedly been ranked among the top golf courses in Florida for conditioning and design.
• Prime Location Near University Parkway: Just minutes from UTC Mall, Benderson Park, and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
• Active Racquet Sports Programs: Tennis and pickleball courts host leagues, lessons, and community tournaments.

Its location and beautifully maintained grounds make University Park one of the most desirable places to live when exploring the best country clubs in Sarasota.

Every club offers a slightly different lifestyle, so it’s important to think about what matters most before choosing where to live.

• Membership Requirements: Some communities include mandatory golf memberships, while others allow social or sports memberships instead.
• Golf Course Design and Difficulty: Championship courses in Sarasota vary widely in length, terrain, and play style.
• Proximity to Beaches and Downtown: Some clubs sit closer to Siesta Key and downtown Sarasota, while others are farther east in Lakewood Ranch.
• Home Options in Each Community: Buyers can find everything from maintenance-free villas to custom estate homes on golf course lots.

When I work with buyers relocating to Sarasota, we often tour several club communities so they can experience the atmosphere and amenities firsthand.

No. Some communities require membership, while others offer optional memberships depending on the neighborhood and property.

Yes. Many residents join for social amenities, dining, fitness facilities, or simply to enjoy the beautifully maintained surroundings.

Exploring the best country clubs in Sarasota is about more than finding a golf course; it’s about finding a community that fits your lifestyle. From estate homes near The Founders Club to golf villas in University Park, Sarasota offers exceptional options for buyers who want an active and refined way of living.

If you’re considering a move to Sarasota or exploring homes in one of these communities, I’d love to help. Reach out to me, Melissa Gissinger, and I’ll guide you through the neighborhoods, amenities, and opportunities that make Sarasota such an incredible place to call home.