Q: I’m going to Sarasota, Florida in January. Can you recommend some golf courses in the area that are a good value? George S., Ottawa, Ontario
Oak Ford is one of many good values among Sarasota golf courses.
A: Let me preface this by saying that everyone has their own definitions of what “value” or “discount golf vacations” are. Without knowing yours, I’ll assume you’re looking for good, but no-frills, Sarasota golf courses that you can play at a low price.
When looking for “value” courses to play on a golf vacation, it’s often a good idea to check out the municipal offerings in the area. Please note that “check out” does not necessarily mean “book right away.” Let’s face it, some munis are dog tracks.
Luckily, that’s not the case at Bobby Jones Golf Club, a facility with two shortish, but nonetheless regulation, 18-hole courses and a nine-hole executive course.
It might not be the best of the Sarasota golf courses, but it’s got history going for it. Its British Course (longer and more challenging than the American Course) was designed by Donald Ross in 1926 and the late, great Bobby Jones “personally dedicated the facility,” when it opened, helping to attract scores of top pros in the 30s, 40s, and 50s.
Here’s the best part: the high-season green fee is only $17 (including tax). With a cart, it’s still only $33. Few discount golf vacations can offer green fees better than that.
Below are other Sarasota golf courses that might fit the bill:
Tatum Ridge Golf Course. It’s not a muni, but it’s priced like one. Its most expensive green fee is $46 (cart and tax included). I’m told this links-style course attracts a lot of seniors.
Another one is Rolling Green Golf Club, whose green fee tops out at $40 plus tax. Not the longest course in Florida at 6,500 but it’s known for its dramatic par threes.
A step up from there (in quality and price) is Target=_blank>Oak Ford Golf Club, a 27-hole facility designed by well-known architect Ron Garl. Its high-season rates are $50-$70 (cart and tax included) but it may be well worth it if you enjoy playing amid lots of trees, ponds and wetlands.
Be sure to check the websites of these Sarasota golf courses before you book your tee times. There are sometimes coupons for discount golf vacations that are only available online.
Anyone else have a golf vacation question? Click here to Ask Golf Vacation Insider.
Did you know? Golf Vacation Insider and Golf Odyssey are the world’s only golf publications that do not accept any advertising from golf courses, resorts, or restaurants and regularly travel anonymously in order to provide you with expert, unbiased, and trusted advice.
Not already a subscriber to Golf Vacation Insider? Use this link to stay in the loop with our free tips and expert advice on which golf courses, golf resorts, discount golf vacations, and golf vacation packages are truly worth your time and money. As a bonus, we will send you a free copy of Planning the Ultimate Golf Vacation, a 40-page book filled with some of the best golf travel secrets from the editors of Golf Odyssey.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Craig: Wonderful tips! Those are in fact some of the great values for seasonal golfers coming to the Sarasota area. When you travel to the Greater Sarasota area, it’s so easy to get around compared to other larger Florida cities. From downtown Sarasota there are approximately 100 golf courses within an hour drive – from the Sunshine Skyway to Charlotte Harbor. Also, the big news on the Gulf Coast is that several private clubs are offering play to non-members. Visit sarasota.golfersguide.com for a list! Jean Couser
Craig, Oak Ford is a great suggestion. I plan to play there twice in early January. Top notch course and people!! I plan on flying out of Tampa late in the afternoon, any suggestions on a good golf course that I could play and still be within easy reach of the Tampa airport? Thanks, Ted B
In mid January 2008, I played 3 of these recommended courses. First we played the Bobby Jones British course. The course is right in Sarasota and is fairly busy. The British course is a little boring. Lots of very straight par-4s and little sand or water. I would try the American course as the person that we played with had played that course earlier and found it more interesting. It was less than $100 for 2 players + cart (with GPS and electronic scoring). Good value and location. Next we played the Oak Ford Club. This course was rated 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest. It is farther outside the city and a little tricky to find (we had a GPS in the car luckily). Nice course in good condition and much harder with lots of sand. Some very interesting par 3s. For 2 players + cart it was $90. It to me was the best deal for the quality of course and price point. The last course we played was the Rolling Green Golf Club. It is a typical Florida course built within a housing development. This one was $110 for 2 players and a cart. As for interest — I would put it in the middle of the two other courses. It did not look all that special but we really enjoyed playing it. The fact that we had a couple of games under our belt and we were playing better may have had something to do with it. Overall 3 good value courses. ….George Shafer
Since it was closed for so long the fairways are all dead and the new greens are very hard. Almost like a ball hitting a frozen green. They bounce everywhere and you can not read them. Give it about 6 more months and I think that they will have it in much better shape. But when it is in top shape it is really a great course.