You don't need a home club to golf the Sarasota Gulf Coast. Here's a working list of courses within reach of Longboat, Lido, and St. Armand's that welcome public play, day-fee guests, or offer seasonal and short-term memberships, no need to join for a lifetime.
Sarasota's municipal course, newly renovated: the Ross Course (18 holes) plus a new Gillespie 9-hole adjustable course. Closest option to Longboat/Lido/St. Armand's. Gillespie All Access Membership available for unlimited play.
Part of The Meadows Country Club. The Highlands course itself is open to public play (the Members' course is not). Seasonal, non-equity memberships available for those who want regular access plus tennis and fitness.
Consistently ranked among the top courses in Southwest Florida. Daily-fee play welcome, and a seasonal Summer Membership (May–September) covers golf, dining, fitness, and racquets without a long-term commitment.
A quieter, 350-acre preserve setting with lakes and native hammock. Offers Summer and Twilight golf memberships alongside its full golf membership, good options for a shorter stay.
Golf, tennis, and fitness in Lakewood Ranch. Several membership tiers, from full golf access to associate and social levels. Call the membership office for current short-term options.
Sarasota's premier fully public course. No membership needed at all, just book a tee time. A straightforward option if you'd rather pay by the round.
Manatee County's own municipal course in Palmetto, one of the most affordable rounds in the area. The Manatee Golfers Club offers frequent-player rates if you're around for a while.
Rates, membership terms, and public-play policies change. Call ahead to confirm before you go. Know a course we should add? Use the form below.
If there's a public, semi-private, or short-term-membership course we should add to this list, let us know.