The Best Golf Course Communities in Sarasota & Manatee Counties

Southwest Florida might have more golf course communities per capita than anywhere in the country. With so many options, how do buyers choose? Here's my guide to the major golf communities across Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Mandatory vs. optional golf membership

This is the first question to ask about any golf community. Some require membership — meaning everyone who buys there pays golf dues whether they play or not. Others are "optional" — you can live there without joining. For non-golfers or occasional players, an optional membership community may be preferable.

Top clubs I frequently work with:

The Oaks Club (Osprey) — Private, equity golf with two 18-hole courses. Old Florida character, close to Pine View School, strong resale values. Required membership.

Plantation Golf & Country Club (Venice) — Established community with two courses, tennis, pool, and a social membership option. One of the better values among gated golf communities. Optional membership available.

TPC Prestancia (Sarasota) — Home of an official TPC course. Prestige address. Equity membership options.

Sarasota National (Venice) — Part of the WCI/Lennar portfolio. Championship course with a beautiful clubhouse. Good for buyers who want newer construction with golf.

Longboat Key Club — The grande dame. Beachfront on Longboat Key with a resort hotel, golf, tennis, and marina. Top-tier luxury.

Tara Golf & Country Club (Bradenton) — More accessible price point with mandatory membership. One of the most affordable gated golf communities in the area.

Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club — Multiple courses in different villages; some optional, some mandatory.

What buyers often overlook

Golf cart access to the course is different from having a golf course view. Make sure you know which you're getting. And review the club's financial health — a golf club with deferred maintenance or declining membership is a risk factor.

Want to see homes in any of these communities? I work in all of them.