Sarasota/Bradenton: Strategic Golf with a Coastal Pace.
Golf in the Sarasota/Bradenton area unfolds across low-lying coastal terrain shaped by water, wind, and wide horizons. Courses are designed to make you think about angles into greens, and subtropical breezes and fast Bermuda greens reward patience and smart course management throughout the round. Off the course, Gulf Coast beaches, casual seafood spots, and sunset evenings make this an easy place to linger.
Featured Golf Courses
Waterlefe Golf & River Club – Bradenton, FL
Architect: Ted McAnlis (2000)
Waterlefe Golf & River Club is a riverfront layout defined by open corridors, measured use of water, and a relaxed but purposeful routing. Fairways are generally inviting, though preferred angles become increasingly important closer to the greens. Wetlands and the Manatee River frame the course naturally without overwhelming the golf. Players who stay patient and play to position will find Waterlefe both playable and quietly engaging.
IMG Academy Golf Club – Bradenton, FL
Architect: Mark McCumber (1972); Renovated by Gene Bates
IMG Academy Golf Club sits on the grounds of the world famous IMG Academy, a renown training base for top collegiate and professional athletes across sports, including golf. The course is built for development, with water, defined fairways, and simple green shapes that demand disciplined, repeatable swings without feeling unfair. Its steady, no‑frills routing rewards controlled ball striking and smart positioning in the same spirit as the academy’s training.
University Park Country Club – University Park, FL
Architect: Ron Garl (1991)
University Park Country Club features 27 holes of championship golf routed through natural woodlands and native habitat, a hallmark of Ron Garl’s design style. Strategic shot-making and thoughtful positioning define the experience, with multiple nine-hole combinations offering variety and balance. Tree-lined corridors, subtle water features, and engaging green complexes create a classic parkland feel within a distinctly Sarasota setting.
Plan Your Next Trip the Right Way
See how the courses, hotels, and areas sit relative to each other in Bradenton & Sarasota.
Insider Notes:
University Park’s multiple tee sets and nine-hole combinations make it easy to tailor course length to your skill level while keeping rounds engaging.
Florida courses often schedule aerification in late spring, with overseeding in early fall, so checking maintenance schedules is recommended when planning.
The Park Grille & Café overlooking University Park offers a relaxed setting for post-round dining.
Mid-May through mid-October is the region’s wet season, making early tee times a smart choice.
Siesta Key and Longboat Key beaches pair easily with a golf-focused Gulf Coast getaway.
Airport Access:
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
University Park Country Club: ~15 minutes
IMG Academy Golf Club: ~20 minutes
Waterlefe Golf & River Club: ~35 minutes
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Waterlefe Golf & River Club: ~55 minutes
IMG Academy Golf Club: ~55 minutes
University Park Country Club: ~1 hour
Driving Times:
Venice, FL: ~40 minutes
St. Petersburg, FL: ~45 minutes
Tampa, FL: ~1 hour
Fort Myers, FL: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Orlando, FL: ~2 hours
Miami, FL: ~3 hours 30 minutes
Jacksonville, FL: ~4 hours
Tallahassee, FL: ~5 hours
Waterlefe Golf & River Club – Bradenton, FL Reviews
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“Wonderful, beautiful environment had a great time golfing and lunch at the club house we found a great rock. They have the cutest rocks for anyone to find and rehide for the next person to enjoy. Great place!"
-Stephen
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"Best club in the area, always in great condition and the track is hard but far. Only course around you will see dolphins while playing."
-Shawn
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"We had a great time playing this course. It was challenging at times, but there is plenty of bailout options. The course was in great shape."
-Bryan
IMG Academy Golf Club – Bradenton, FL Reviews
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"This is a must stop for atleast 2 rounds in my yearly golf trip. I've played in October and ive played in June. The course is always in great shape. The staff is always very nice and friendly."
-Chaz
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"Course is in great condition. Staff are always wonderful.”
-Jack
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"Very nice and well maintained golf course. Played during the peak season in FL in mid Feb. a little pricy and tough to make tee times during mornings.”
-Bill
University Park Country Club – University Park, FL Reviews
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"Amazing Experience. We'll Manicured Golf Course. Tough course. Web played 1 through 18 course. The course was in great shape, the people I played with was awesome."
-Norman
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"Insanely nice conditions, well groomed, friend people, good pace, has 3 sets of 9 hole and it was a great rate for a mid season round. Definitely a top 5 in my books and I play 3 days a week all around the Tampa area!"
-Diamond
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"Golf course was pristine...loved the greens rolled true and the fairways were perfect"
-Richard
