Complete List of Best Florida Golf Courses Near Lido Key and Sarasota

If you’re planning a vacation to one of our Lido Key rentals, you’ll need to set aside some time for the area’s many activities, like shopping, biking, dining, and golfing. Golfing is one of the area’s favorite pastimes, and people travel from far and wide to experience the championship-level golfing opportunities here. With so many options for courses, you’re guaranteed to find a challenge no matter your experience level. In the Lido Key and Sarasota area, there are tons of Florida golf courses to choose from, but these are 10 of our favorites. 

Tatum Ridge Golf Links course map

Tatum Ridge Golf Links

Tatum Ridge Golf Links has been named one of Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play, and once you visit, you’ll understand why! This Ted McAnlis-designed course offers stunning surroundings of preserved wetlands and 11 lakes with plenty of wildlife to watch while you play. The signature hole here is 504-yard, par-5 13th, a dogleg right, over water. In addition to the spectacular course, you can also find a fully-stocked pro shop, an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, and even a phone on the ninth tee so you can order food at the turn!

Tatum Ridge Golf Links is located at 421 Tatum Road North in Sarasota. 


Sara Bay Country Club

Sara Bay Country Club has been welcoming members to the green since 1926. Here, you’ll find a challenging course designed by Donald Ross with beautiful surroundings like Florida pines and moss-draped oaks. The strategically placed bunkers make for an even bigger challenge! This Sarasota golf club has hosted several Florida State Golf Association major championships and USGA qualifying events over the years. Once you’re done with your game, be sure to grab some food at the Donald Ross Grill Room and Bar for a mouthwatering lunch or dinner. 

Sara Bay Country Club is located at 7011 Willow Street in Sarasota.


The Founders Club

The Founders Club is home to some of the best golf courses in Florida. This course is a truly unique experience inspired by the traditional Scottish Links courses. It is a 7,094-yard, par 72 layout that promises challenges at every turn. At The Founders Club, you’ll also find a state-of-the-art teaching facility and golf shop, where you can learn from some of the best to improve your game. The club also has three dining venues: the Gillespie Grille Room, the Grand Verandah, and the Scotsman Room.

The Founders Club is located at 3001 Founders Club Drive in Sarasota. 


Serenoa Golf Club

The Serenoa Golf Club, considered Sarasota’s premier public golf course, is home to a signature course designed by Mark Alden. His incredible vision melds perfectly with the natural land patterns and existing wetlands here, creating a course that has been named one of the top 100 courses in Florida (and one of the top three golf courses in Sarasota!) by Florida Golf News. You’ll have a new challenge at every hole and an unbelievable view everywhere you look. Before or after your tee time, don’t miss out on a meal from Serenoa Grill, serving up breakfast and lunch every day.

Serenoa Golf Club is located at 6773 Serenoa Drive #9276 in Sarasota. 


man swinging a golf club

The Resort at Longboat Key Club

Wondering about Longboat Key golf courses? Be sure to check out The Resort at Longboat Key just minutes away from Lido Key. This course is consistently ranked among the best in the country and has earned the prestigious “Best Places to Play” award from Golf Digest! Try your hand at the Harbourside Golf Course that gives unmatched views of Sarasota Bay, or head to the Links of Longboat Course that’s right next to the Gulf of Mexico. Once you’re done, head to Spike ‘n Tees for a light lunch or refreshing cocktails with your group or find some new apparel at the two Pro Shops.

The Resort at Longboat Key Club is located at 220 Sands Point Road in Longboat Key.

Be Our Guest

Need a place to relax after playing golf non-stop? You want to experience the best golf courses in Sarasota, so we bet that you will also want to stay in the best homes. View all of our luxury vacation rentals.

TPC Prestancia

There’s no more luxurious place to play golf in Sarasota than at TPC Prestancia. This club is an award-winning Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary with 565 acres, so you know you’ll have stunning surroundings on every hole. You can explore the TPC Stadium course or the TPC Players course, each with its own unique challenges to keep you guessing. You’ll also find sumptuous dining at The Sandhill Grill, which offers dine-in lunches as well as “grab and go” options and a la carte menu items to carry out.

TPC Prestancia is located at 4409 Tournament Players Club Drive in Sarasota. 


The Meadows Country Club

At The Meadows Country Club, you’ll find incredible golfing and so much more. Three distinctive Sarasota golf courses promise something for everyone: The Meadows, The Highlands, and The Groves. If you have young kids, they can join in, too, thanks to the “Kids Play Free” program! The golf club also offers several other sports including tennis, swimming, biking, and more, as well as a full-scale fitness center. Dining options include The Regency Room, The Fountain View Lounge and Deck, and the Centre Court Lounge.

The Meadows Country Club is located at 3101 Longmeadow in Sarasota.


Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch

Just 25 minutes from Sarasota, you’ll find Bradenton, which is home to the Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch. This upscale 18-hole championship public Florida golf course has attracted visitors for years thanks to its credibility as an award-winning Arnold Palmer Signature Design. You’ll find sand and water at virtually every hole, and elevated teeing areas present a unique challenge that’s still playable at all skill levels. You’ll find dining at The Ranch Grille, serving breakfast and lunch in the dining room or outside on the elevated veranda. 

The Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch is located at 8255 Legacy Boulevard in Bradenton. 

Bent Tree Country Club

Having undergone a recent renovation, Bent Tree Country Club is home to beautiful greens, expertly crafted bunkers, and completely redone fairways. This championship course has been attracting visitors since 1975 and continues to provide an amazing test for looking to challenge themselves. This Sarasota golf course has seen designers like Bill Lewis, Ward Northrup, and Keith Pope put their own special touches on. After a game on the course “Where Champions Play,” head over to The Grille Room to relax with a large selection of beer and liquor. 

Bent Tree Country Club is located at 4700 Bent Tree Boulevard in Sarasota. 

golf ball in grass

The Concession Golf Club

At The Concession Golf Club, their tagline says it all: “Built on a tradition of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and excellence.” Once you arrive, it’s obvious why. this course was named “Best New Private Course” by Golf Digest in 2006! The 520-acre Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is not for the faint of heart and is considered one of the most challenging courses in all of Florida. After your game, head into The Bistro for a relaxing culinary experience featuring a diverse wine list and expertly crafted meals. 

The Concession Golf Club is located at 7700 Lindrick Lane in Bradenton.

lido key vacation rental kitchen

Lido Key Vacation Rentals

If you’re wondering about Longboat Key things to do on your next trip to the area, be sure to check out some of these golf courses. They are all easy to get to, no matter where you’re staying, and they each provide a challenge and excitement for any level of golfer. After you’ve spent your day golfing on these Sarasota golf courses, shopping for the ultimate souvenir, and exploring all the sights of the area, you can return to our Lido Key rentals for an evening of relaxation.