Golf

With so many public and private courses Sarasota is a golfer's paradise.  There are 32 golf courses in the Sarasota area alone and almost 20 more if you include the surrounding cities of Bradenton and Venice.  You will find one for every level of ability.

In and around Bradenton the number of excellent courses to choose from is almost endless.  One popular course is the Legacy at Lakewood Ranch, an Arnold Palmer design that opened in 1997.  A sprawling par 72 that measures 7,067 yards from the back tees this course includes island greens, island fairways, optional fairways and lots of white sand and blue water.

A Ron Garl layout, built in 1987 the River Club is slightly shorter than the Legacy at 7,026 from the furthest of its five tees.  The rolling fairways of the front nine are fairly open but the back is carved out of woods.

Lots of water at Waterlefe Golf & River Club which is close to the Manatee River.  This course is the work of architect Ted McAnlis who taking advantage of the closeness of the river provided several holes that play alongside or even touch the water.  6,908 yards from the back markers, this course may not seem to be all that big but can be challenging.

Stoneybrook golf Club at Heritage is considered by many to be the best Bradenton course.  Designed by Arthur Hill and opened in 2002 it measures 7,131 from the furthest of its five sets of tees.

There are but a few of the spectacular courses available for your enjoyment.  To check out the full listing - www.sarasota.golfersguide.com