Englewood, FL offers a fantastic selection of golf courses, each with unique layouts and amenities.
The five best options are Myakka Pines Golf Club, Oyster Creek Golf Club, Boca Royale Golf & Country Club, Lemon Bay Golf Club, and Rotonda Golf & Country Club.
Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of what makes each course worth playing.
Myakka Pines Golf Club: A Natural Golfing Retreat
Tucked away from residential developments, Myakka Pines Golf Club provides a pure, nature-focused golfing experience.
With 27 holes spread across three distinct nines, this course offers a mix of challenge and playability, making it a great choice for both casual and experienced golfers looking to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty.
Overview of Location & Setting
Located at 2550 S. River Road, Englewood, FL 34223, Myakka Pines Golf Club is easily accessible yet remains a tranquil escape from the busier golf communities.
Unlike many Florida courses that weave through neighborhoods, Myakka Pines is completely free of residential development, allowing for uninterrupted views of native trees, open fairways, and occasional wildlife encounters.
The lack of houses lining the course enhances the sense of seclusion, making each round feel more immersive and connected to nature.
Course Layout & Playing Experience
Golfers can choose from three distinct 9-hole courses—Red, White, and Blue—each offering its own unique characteristics.
This 27-hole setup allows for a variety of 18-hole combinations, keeping the experience fresh even for frequent players.
The TifEagle Bermuda greens ensure smooth, fast putting surfaces, while contoured fairways and strategically placed bunkers demand thoughtful shot-making.
Water hazards are present but not overwhelmingly difficult, making the course enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.
The natural surroundings contribute to a peaceful pace of play, allowing players to focus on their game without distractions from nearby homes or heavy traffic noise.
Whether you’re aiming for a relaxed round or a competitive challenge, Myakka Pines delivers a well-balanced golf experience.
Facilities & Amenities
A comprehensive practice area is available, featuring a chipping green, putting green, practice bunker, and driving range.
These facilities cater to golfers who want to refine their short game or warm up before a round.
The on-site Goliath’s Grille offers a casual dining experience where players can grab a meal or relax after a round.
The restaurant provides a laid-back atmosphere with a menu designed for golfers looking to refuel.
Additional Details
Myakka Pines enforces a dress code requiring collared shirts and prohibiting denim.
Players must also wear soft spikes to maintain the course’s pristine greens.
The club’s setting and layout make it particularly appealing to golfers who prioritize a quiet, nature-rich environment over the hustle and bustle of resort-style courses.
Whether you're a local seeking a regular course or a visitor looking for a scenic, well-maintained place to play, Myakka Pines offers a classic Florida golf experience without the distractions of residential developments.
Oyster Creek Golf Club: A Renovated Hidden Gem
Following its March 2024 renovation, Oyster Creek Golf Club has re-emerged as a well-maintained and enjoyable mid-sized course that caters to a range of skill levels.
Nestled within a gated community in Englewood, FL, it provides a relaxed, intimate golfing atmosphere while offering a thoughtful course design that balances challenge and playability.
Overview of Location & Setting
Situated at 6651 Oriole Boulevard, Englewood, FL 34224, Oyster Creek Golf Club is tucked within a gated residential community, giving it a quieter and more private feel than many public courses.
The recent renovations have enhanced course conditions, improving everything from fairway grass quality to bunker placement and green surfaces.
While it’s located within a residential area, the layout ensures that homes don’t interfere with play, maintaining a pleasant, open feel.
Access to the course may vary due to its gated setting, so it’s advisable to check with the pro shop in advance regarding visitor tee times and booking procedures.
Course Layout & Playing Experience
At 3,976 yards, Oyster Creek is a mid-sized course that provides an engaging but approachable round.
The layout consists of six par-four holes and twelve par-three holes, making it an ideal choice for beginners, seniors, and players looking to refine their short game.
The shorter format also means that rounds tend to be faster-paced, making it a great option for golfers who prefer a more relaxed, time-efficient experience.
Designed by Ted McAnlis, the course offers a balance of scoring opportunities and strategic challenges.
The par-four holes provide a chance for controlled drives, while the par-three holes require precision, especially with water hazards and greenside bunkers strategically placed to test approach shots.
Though not an overly difficult course, wind conditions can occasionally add an extra layer of complexity, requiring careful club selection on tee shots.
Facilities & Amenities
Oyster Creek Golf Club provides a pro shop stocked with golf essentials, making it convenient for players who need last-minute gear, balls, or apparel.
A snack bar is available for quick bites and refreshments before or after a round, offering a simple but functional dining option.
The putting green allows players to warm up before teeing off, helping to get a feel for the speed and break of the greens.
However, practice facilities are somewhat limited compared to larger clubs, so those looking for an extensive warm-up area might want to plan accordingly.
Additional Details
Oyster Creek is best suited for golfers who prefer a casual, low-pressure round in a well-kept but approachable setting.
Given its location within a gated community, players should verify access policies and tee-time availability ahead of their visit.
Whether you’re a local looking for a convenient place to play or a visitor seeking a relaxed golf experience, this recently updated course delivers a solid option for short-game improvement and quick rounds without sacrificing quality.
Boca Royale Golf & Country Club: A Semi-Private Golf & Social Experience
Boca Royale Golf & Country Club blends championship-level golf with a vibrant social scene, making it a top choice for those who enjoy both the game and the country club lifestyle.
As a semi-private club, it caters primarily to members but also allows public play at select times, offering an opportunity to experience its well-maintained course and upscale amenities.
Overview of Location & Setting
Located at 1601 Englewood Road, Englewood, FL 34223, Boca Royale sits in a picturesque setting with mature oak, cypress, and palm trees lining the fairways.
The course is carefully integrated with the natural landscape, featuring lakes and nature preserves that not only enhance its beauty but also add an element of challenge.
Despite being part of a residential community, the layout preserves a spacious and private feel, ensuring a peaceful round of golf.
As a semi-private club, members enjoy priority access, while public tee times are available on a limited basis.
Golfers interested in playing should check availability in advance, especially during peak season when demand is high.
Course Layout & Playing Experience
This 18-hole, par-72 course offers a unique blend of design styles, thanks to contributions from multiple architects, including T.A. Anderson, Steven R. Smyers, and Carter Morrish.
The fairways are generously wide, allowing for forgiving tee shots, but the strategic placement of bunkers and water hazards requires precision on approach shots.
The greens are well-manicured and consistently smooth, offering a true roll and reliable speed.
Depending on the season and course setup, the greens can play moderately fast, making lag putting and short-game control essential.
Doglegs, water carries, and strategically placed sand traps ensure a thoughtful approach to every hole, while the natural elevation changes add variety to the experience.
Facilities & Amenities
Boca Royale provides a full suite of practice facilities, including a driving range, putting green, and chipping area, allowing golfers to fine-tune every aspect of their game.
The clubhouse serves as the social hub, featuring dining options ranging from casual fare to upscale meals, as well as event hosting for tournaments, private gatherings, and community activities.
The club is known for its active social calendar, making it a great fit for golfers who enjoy a blend of competition and camaraderie.
Whether it’s organized tournaments, social mixers, or club-hosted events, there are plenty of opportunities to engage beyond just golf.
Additional Details
For non-members, tee times should be booked in advance due to limited availability.
The club maintains a premium atmosphere, making it ideal for golfers who appreciate an upscale experience both on and off the course.
If you’re looking for a well-maintained, scenic course with excellent amenities and a social aspect, Boca Royale delivers a high-quality semi-private golf experience.
Lemon Bay Golf Club: Golfing in Harmony with Nature
Lemon Bay Golf Club offers a golfing experience that blends seamlessly with Florida’s natural beauty, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a peaceful, wildlife-rich setting.
With a layout designed to preserve the surrounding environment, this course provides a serene yet challenging round that rewards strategic play and an appreciation for nature.
Overview of Location & Setting
Situated at 9600 Eagle Preserve Drive, Englewood, FL 34224, Lemon Bay Golf Club is known for its commitment to environmental conservation.
The course is carefully designed to integrate with local wildlife habitats, providing a unique opportunity to play among native trees, wetlands, and various bird species, including ospreys and eagles.
Unlike many Florida courses that wind through residential developments, Lemon Bay’s layout prioritizes preserving its natural surroundings, creating a tranquil atmosphere that enhances the golfing experience.
This private club operates seasonally, with membership-exclusive play from September through May.
However, during the summer months from June through August, public golfers are welcome to experience the course.
Those interested in playing during public months should book tee times in advance, as availability can be limited.
Course Layout & Playing Experience
Lemon Bay’s 18-hole, par-71 course spans 6,180 yards, offering a layout that is both scenic and strategically engaging.
Fairways are lined with native vegetation, water hazards, and subtle elevation changes, making accuracy and shot placement key factors in scoring well.
The course is designed to blend into the natural terrain, meaning players will often find themselves navigating around preserved wetlands and open marsh areas rather than traditional, manicured rough.
Despite its natural setting, the course remains well-maintained with smooth greens and consistent fairway conditions.
Greens tend to be medium-paced, requiring a careful touch on putts, while bunkers and water hazards are strategically placed to challenge approach shots.
The wind can also be a factor, particularly on open holes where coastal breezes come into play, adding another layer of strategy to club selection and ball flight control.
Facilities & Amenities
Lemon Bay offers a driving range and putting green, allowing golfers to warm up before their round.
While practice facilities are not as extensive as larger resort-style courses, they are well-kept and sufficient for pre-round preparation.
Access to the course is seasonally restricted, so summer golfers looking for a public tee time should check in advance regarding availability and any visitor policies.
Due to its commitment to conservation and maintaining the quality of the course, tee times are often in high demand during open-play months.
Additional Details
Lemon Bay Golf Club is an ideal choice for golfers who value a quiet, nature-friendly round over a resort-style golf experience.
The lack of residential development, combined with a focus on environmental preservation, creates a setting that is both relaxing and visually stunning.
Whether you're a member enjoying the full-season experience or a summer visitor taking advantage of public access, this course offers a rewarding round for those who appreciate the natural beauty of the game.
Rotonda Golf & Country Club: A Diverse Golfing Destination
Rotonda Golf & Country Club stands out as one of the most versatile golf destinations in the Englewood area, offering five distinct courses totaling 99 holes.
With a range of layouts catering to different skill levels, this club provides a fresh challenge every time you play, making it an excellent choice for golfers who enjoy variety.
Overview of Location & Setting
Located at 100 Rotonda Circle, Rotonda West, FL 33947, this expansive golf complex is nestled within a planned community designed with golfers in mind.
Unlike single-course clubs, Rotonda gives players the ability to choose from five separate courses, each with its own unique personality and level of difficulty.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed round with wide fairways or a strategic test with tough hazards, there’s a course here that suits your game.
Rotonda’s variety ensures that golfers never get bored, making it an attractive destination for both regular players and visitors seeking a multi-course experience.
Course Breakdown & Playing Experience
Each of the five courses at Rotonda Golf & Country Club presents a different playing style and challenge:
- The Hills – A traditional-style layout focused on accuracy, featuring well-placed water hazards and tree-lined fairways. This course rewards precision over power, making it a great choice for shot-makers.
- Long Marsh – This 27-hole course is defined by gently rolling terrain and natural marshland. It demands thoughtful club selection and strategy, making it an excellent option for those looking to test their shot-making ability.
- The Palms – Known for its multi-tiered greens and two of Florida’s toughest holes, this course is best suited for experienced golfers who enjoy a challenge. Approach shots here require precision and solid putting skills.
- Pinemoor – Originally designed by Pete Dye, this course features rolling fairways and fewer water hazards, making it more forgiving than some of the other layouts. It’s a solid choice for golfers who prefer a straightforward yet enjoyable round.
- The Links – The most visually striking of the five courses, The Links features triple-tiered greens and multi-fingered sand traps, demanding creative shot-making and strong wedge play around the greens.
With so many options, players can tailor their experience based on their skill level, playing preferences, and desired challenge.
Whether you’re working on course management skills or simply looking for a fun and scenic round, Rotonda delivers a well-rounded golfing experience.
Facilities & Amenities
Rotonda Golf & Country Club provides driving ranges and putting greens to help golfers fine-tune their skills before hitting the course.
Each of the five courses has its own clubhouse, offering dining options, pro shops, and relaxing spaces for post-round gatherings.
The pro shops are well-stocked, carrying a selection of golf gear, apparel, and equipment to meet player needs.
Additionally, the club regularly hosts tournaments, leagues, and golf events, creating an active and social golfing environment for both members and guests.
Additional Details
With 99 total holes, Rotonda Golf & Country Club is perfect for golfers who love variety and want to experience multiple course styles.
Given the popularity of the courses, especially during peak season, booking tee times in advance is highly recommended, particularly for The Palms and Long Marsh, which tend to be the most challenging and sought-after layouts.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking for a challenge or a casual player wanting to explore multiple layouts, Rotonda Golf & Country Club offers one of the most diverse and rewarding golf experiences near Englewood, FL.
Tips for Booking & Playing at These Courses
To make the most of your golf experience in Englewood, FL, planning ahead is key.
Some courses require advance reservations, others have seasonal restrictions, and dress codes can vary.
Whether you're a local golfer or visiting for a short stay, knowing these details ahead of time ensures a smooth, enjoyable round without surprises.
Advance Booking
Tee-time availability varies across these courses, with some requiring reservations well in advance—especially during peak season.
Boca Royale and Rotonda Golf & Country Club are among the busiest, given their semi-private and multi-course structures.
Booking at least a few days ahead is recommended for these clubs, and even earlier during the high-traffic winter months.
For Lemon Bay Golf Club, summer is the only time public golfers can access the course, so availability may be limited.
If you’re planning to play here during the open season (June through August), securing a tee time as early as possible is a smart move.
Dress Code Considerations
Certain courses strictly enforce dress codes, and failure to follow the guidelines could result in being turned away.
Myakka Pines Golf Club, for example, requires collared shirts, prohibits denim, and mandates soft spikes.
While most courses maintain a business-casual golf attire standard, it’s always a good idea to check dress code requirements on the course’s website or call ahead to avoid any issues.
Seasonal Access
Unlike fully public courses, some clubs in the area restrict access during peak months.
Lemon Bay Golf Club is a private course for the majority of the year, only allowing public play from June to August.
If you’re visiting outside of this window, you’ll need a membership or an invitation from a member to gain access.
Other courses, such as Boca Royale, allow non-members to book tee times but only on a limited basis.
Always verify availability before making plans, as certain days or time slots may be reserved for members.
Skill Level Considerations
Selecting the right course based on your experience and playing ability ensures a more enjoyable round.
Oyster Creek Golf Club is a great choice for beginners or golfers looking for a more relaxed, mid-length course.
The mix of par-threes and par-fours makes it a less intimidating option, perfect for improving accuracy and short-game skills.
For a more demanding test, The Palms at Rotonda Golf & Country Club is home to some of Florida’s most challenging holes, including multi-tiered greens and strategically placed hazards.
Boca Royale also presents a more sophisticated design, where precision and course management play a significant role in scoring well.
Dining & Social Aspects
If you’re looking for a full-day golf and dining experience, Boca Royale and Rotonda Golf & Country Club provide exceptional clubhouse facilities.
Boca Royale is known for its elegant dining options and social events, making it a popular choice for golfers who enjoy a country club atmosphere beyond the game.
Rotonda’s multiple courses each have their own clubhouses with dining options, meaning you can enjoy a meal after your round without needing to leave the property.
Goliath’s Grille at Myakka Pines offers a more casual, golfer-friendly menu, perfect for those wanting a quick bite before or after their round.
Conclusion
Englewood, FL offers a diverse range of golf courses, from nature-focused layouts to championship-level challenges, catering to all skill levels and preferences.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful round at Myakka Pines, a quick game at Oyster Creek, or a premier club experience at Boca Royale, there’s a course that fits your style.
Plan ahead, book early, and enjoy the best golfing Englewood has to offer.
