The five best golf courses near Siesta Key are Bobby Jones Golf Club (a recently renovated Donald Ross design under $100), TPC Prestancia (private club with 36 championship holes), Serenoa Golf Club (semi-private with water on every hole), University Park Country Club (27 holes with daily fee access), and The Resort at Longboat Key Club (45 holes for resort guests).
Each course sits within 20 minutes of Siesta Key and offers something different, from budget-friendly public access to premium private club experiences.
Keep reading for detailed information on pricing, booking requirements, course layouts, and what makes each one worth your time.
Why Siesta Key's Golf Scene Delivers Year-Round Quality
You'll find everything you need within a 20-minute drive of Siesta Key.
The area packs in public courses you can book tomorrow, semi-private clubs that welcome outside play, and exclusive private facilities for members and resort guests.
This variety means you can play a round under $100 or splurge on a premium experience pushing $250, depending on what fits your budget and travel plans.
The golf here spans different eras and design philosophies.
Bobby Jones Golf Club just completed a $20 million restoration of its 1926 Donald Ross layout, giving you a chance to play historic architecture with modern conditioning.
Meanwhile, courses like University Park and TPC Prestancia represent championship golf from the late 1980s and early 1990s, with mature trees and established landscapes that make them feel timeless.
What you'll encounter across difficulty levels:
- Strategic layouts at 6,270 yards where water forces careful club selection
- Mid-length courses around 6,500-6,700 yards that balance challenge with playability
- Championship tests stretching past 7,200 yards for low handicappers
Florida's natural environment shows up everywhere.
You'll play through live oaks, slash pines, and wetlands that weren't just added for decoration—they're integral to how these courses were routed.
The designs work with the land rather than against it, which creates interesting holes without feeling forced.
Timing your visit matters for your wallet. Peak season runs January through April when northerners flood the area, pushing rates to their highest points.
If you can play during summer or fall, you'll see significant drops in pricing.
Some courses cut their rates by 40-50% once the snowbirds head home, and you'll still get quality conditions since courses maintain their greens year-round in this climate.
Bobby Jones Golf Club – Historic Design Meets Modern Excellence
Donald Ross designed this course in 1926, and it recently got the restoration treatment it deserved.
The $20 million renovation wrapped up in December 2023, with architect Richard Mandell leading the effort to bring back Ross's original vision.
What you're playing now is faithful to how it looked nearly a century ago, but with modern turf, drainage, and conditioning that makes it feel brand new.
The course sits at 1000 Circus Blvd in central Sarasota, just 15 minutes from Siesta Key.
It's a public municipal facility, which means you don't need connections or membership—anyone can book a tee time.
The layout plays 6,467 yards from the championship tees at par 72, with a course rating of 71.3 and slope of 129.
These numbers put it squarely in the “challenging but fair” category for most players.
Your rate gets you more than just golf:
- Cart and green fees
- Complimentary range balls
- Lunch
- A sleeve of balls
Visitors pay under $100, and Sarasota residents get a 40% discount.
That pricing structure makes it one of the best values in the area, especially considering Golf Digest ranked it #2 for Best New or Remodeled Affordable Courses in 2023.
The practice facilities match what you'd find at private clubs.
The driving range and short-game areas give you space to work on every part of your game before your round.
There's also a new 9-hole par-3 course called Gillespie, perfect for warming up, bringing kids, or squeezing in a quick evening loop.
Technology shows up in useful ways here.
The mobile app handles booking and provides GPS yardage during your round, so you're not guessing distances or fumbling with a rangefinder.
You can reserve tee times up to 14 days in advance through the app or call (941) 365-4653.
One bonus that sets this place apart: a 90-acre nature park sits adjacent to the course with walking trails.
If you're traveling with non-golfers, they can explore the trails while you play.
Recent reviews consistently praise the course conditions and overall value.
The renovation brought the turf quality up to modern standards, and the maintenance team has kept it there.
TPC Prestancia and Longboat Key Club – Premium Private Options
These two facilities represent the high end of golf near Siesta Key, but they come with access restrictions.
TPC Prestancia requires membership, while Longboat Key Club only opens its courses to resort guests.
If you're willing to make that commitment, you'll get championship golf with tournament pedigrees and conditions that private clubs maintain.
TPC Prestancia
This club sprawls across 565 acres in Palmer Ranch at 4409 Tournament Players Club Dr, giving members 36 holes across two distinct championship layouts.
The Stadium Course, designed by Ron Garl in 1987, stretches between 6,927 and 6,941 yards depending on tee placement.
It carries a course rating of 73.3-73.6 and slope of 132-134—serious numbers that demand solid ball-striking.
The Players Course takes a slightly different approach.
Robert Von Hagge designed it in 1985, and it plays 6,571-6,593 yards with a rating of 71.0-71.7 and slope of 124.
The tournament history here runs deep.
The club has hosted eight Chrysler Cup Tournaments and five American Express Invitational Champions Tour events, so the courses were built to handle professional competition and have been tested at that level.
Annual membership ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on which tier you choose.
That investment gets you access to a 12-acre practice facility with a double-ended driving range, plus a 35,000-square-foot clubhouse.
The property earned Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification, meaning it meets strict environmental standards for wildlife habitat and water conservation.
The real value add for frequent travelers: TPC Passport membership gives you playing privileges at over 100 TPC courses worldwide.
If you regularly play golf when traveling, that network access can justify the membership cost.
Contact (941) 922-2800 to discuss membership tiers and current availability.
The Resort at Longboat Key Club
You'll find 45 championship holes split between two locations here, but access requires staying at the resort.
The Harbourside course offers 27 holes arranged in three different nine-hole combinations called White Egret, Red Hawk, and Blue Heron.
These holes run along Sarasota Bay, giving you water views throughout your round.
The Links on Longboat sits at 361 Longboat Club Road as an 18-hole layout measuring 6,748 yards at par 72.
Ron Garl redesigned it in 2014, and it borders the Gulf of Mexico for a completely different visual experience.
Golf rates run approximately $250 for resort guests.
You'll get 24-hour advance booking privileges, two driving ranges with complimentary range balls, and access to PGA-certified instruction programs.
Golf Digest recognized the facility with its “Best Places to Play” award, and the courses use Platinum Paspalum grass for premium playing surfaces that hold up in Florida's climate.
The resort package extends beyond golf.
You can use the spa, tennis gardens, and beachfront access as part of your stay, making it work well if you're planning a multi-day vacation rather than just a golf trip.
Call (941) 387-1631 to book tee times and coordinate with your resort reservation.
Serenoa Golf Club – The Shot-Maker's Challenge
Mark Alden designed this course in 1990 with one simple philosophy: make water matter on every single hole.
You'll find it at 6773 Serenoa Dr as a semi-private facility that welcomes public play.
The scorecard shows 6,270 yards at par 72 with a course rating of 70.7 and slope of 127, but those numbers don't tell the full story.
The course plays significantly longer than its yardage because of how Alden positioned water hazards and used the natural wetlands to force strategic decisions.
This isn't a course where you pull driver and swing away.
Water placement demands that you think about club selection, landing areas, and whether taking on a hazard actually makes sense for your skill level.
The design rewards smart golf over powerful golf, which makes it interesting for players who like course management challenges.
Recognition and value:
- Florida Golf News ranks it among the top 100 courses in the state
- Rated top three courses in Sarasota
- Rates range from $59-$110 depending on season and tee time
- Hot deals and twilight rates frequently drop to $59-76
That pricing puts it in the middle of the pack locally—not cheap like summer rates at Bobby Jones, but far below private club guest rates at Longboat Key.
The lakeside clubhouse includes a restaurant, and there's a practice facility with a driving range for warming up.
Booking works through multiple channels.
You can reserve online through GolfNow or TeeOff, or call (941) 371-3680 directly.
Members can book up to 13 months in advance, while public players get a seven-day booking window.
One important caveat: Recent reviews show mixed feedback on maintenance conditions.
Some players report excellent experiences, while others note inconsistent turf quality and bunker conditions.
This volatility suggests the course may be going through staffing changes or budget adjustments that affect upkeep.
If conditions matter significantly to your experience, consider calling ahead to ask about current course status or check recent reviews before booking.
University Park Country Club – The 27-Hole Versatility Winner
Ron Garl opened this semi-private facility in 1990 at 7671 The Park Boulevard in University Park, and it's been welcoming daily fee players ever since.
The 27-hole configuration lets you play three different 18-hole combinations, which means repeat visits give you variety instead of the same loop.
Depending on which combination you choose, you'll play anywhere from 7,001 to 7,246 yards at par 72—serious championship length that can test better players while offering forward tees for others.
Golf Digest has given it a 4-Star rating consistently since 1996, nearly three decades of recognition that speaks to stable management and maintained quality.
Sarasota Magazine named it “Best Place to Play Golf” for over 20 years running, which reflects both local approval and consistent performance.
The landscape here has matured beautifully over three decades.
You'll play through natural woodlands and wetlands, with live oaks and slash pines framing holes and creating a sense of enclosure that newer courses can't replicate.
The routing takes advantage of these natural features rather than fighting against them.
What your rate includes:
- 18 holes of golf
- Cart
- Unlimited range balls
Rates run $75-$90 depending on season and time of day, making it competitive with other semi-private options in the area.
That unlimited range ball inclusion means you can hit as many warm-up shots as you need without watching the bucket shrink.
The Golf Academy staffs LPGA and PGA professionals who offer lessons and clinics if you want to work on your game.
The full-service pro shop carries TaylorMade equipment, and the Park Grille & Café overlooks the 9th and 18th greens.
The restaurant welcomes the public for lunch even if you're not playing, which makes it useful for scouting the course or grabbing a meal in the area.
Additional amenities extend beyond golf—11 lighted tennis courts and a fitness center give you options if you're staying nearby or bringing non-golfers.
Daily fee players can book three days in advance through (941) 359-9999. Recent reviews consistently praise course conditions, suggesting the maintenance budget and crew deliver reliable quality throughout the year.
Planning Your Perfect Golf Outing – Booking and Timing Strategies
Timing controls your costs more than anything else.
Peak winter season runs January through April when northern visitors flood Florida, pushing rates to their highest levels across all courses.
Summer brings the lowest prices—you'll save 40-50% at most facilities compared to February rates.
The tradeoff is heat and afternoon thunderstorms, but morning tee times solve both issues.
Twilight rounds offer another budget hack.
Many courses drop rates significantly for late afternoon starts, though you might only finish 14-16 holes before dark depending on season and pace of play.
If you're staying in the area for multiple days, mixing prime-time rounds with twilight deals stretches your golf budget.
Booking windows vary by access level:
- Public courses (Bobby Jones): 3-14 days advance
- Semi-private clubs (Serenoa, University Park): 3-7 days for non-members
- Private facilities (TPC Prestancia): Membership required
- Resort courses (Longboat Key Club): Must book as resort guest
Winter tee times at popular courses disappear fast.
If you're visiting January through March, book the maximum days in advance that each facility allows.
Waiting until arrival often means settling for suboptimal times or getting shut out entirely.
Dress codes apply universally across all five courses.
Men need collared shirts, and everyone should avoid denim, tank tops, and athletic wear.
These rules get enforced—show up in gym shorts and you won't play.
Course conditions currently favor Bobby Jones and University Park based on recent reviews.
Bobby Jones benefits from the 2023 renovation and fresh investment, while University Park maintains consistent quality year-round.
Serenoa shows more variability in recent feedback, suggesting you should verify current conditions before booking if pristine turf matters to your experience.
Match the course to your situation:
Bobby Jones delivers the best overall value—under $100 gets you a historic Donald Ross design with modern conditioning and extras like lunch included.
University Park gives you the most variety with 27 holes and flexible combinations.
TPC Prestancia makes sense if you travel frequently and can leverage the worldwide TPC network access.
Longboat Key Club works perfectly if you're already planning a resort vacation with non-golfing activities built in.
One alternative exists if budget trumps everything: Tatum Ridge Golf Links charges $29-79 depending on time and season.
However, recent reviews show declining conditions, so you get what you pay for.
The five courses detailed above represent better value even at higher price points because you'll actually enjoy the experience rather than fighting poor turf and maintenance issues.
Conclusion
These five courses give you options for every budget and access level within 20 minutes of Siesta Key.
Bobby Jones stands out for value and quality, while University Park and the private clubs deliver premium experiences if you're willing to invest more.
Book your tee times as far in advance as each facility allows, especially if you're visiting during peak winter season.
