The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club, Sarasota Est. 2006

Although you will need to be invited by a member, or stay at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, the Ritz-Carlton Members Club is not to be missed. This is one of the best golf courses in Florida, inspired by a stunning Tom Fazio design. In a wonderfully natural setting adjacent to the Braden River, where forested wetland and open fields are all you see from the course, 16 lakes and constantly rolling terrain provide a scenic backdrop to each and every hole. You'll play from many elevated tees, down to awaiting good-width fairways and, on several occasions, back up to elevated greens. Smooth-lined, high-lipped and sharp-edged bunkering features strongly around the often large, undulating and immaculately maintained greens. Although the feel is relatively open, abundant vegetation in the form of tree plantings, flowering shrubs, mulched beds, informal native grass areas and marshes appear throughout. Large oak trees were relocated to key locations on the elevated course surrounds, while hundreds of nursery-grown trees have also been incorporated, including pines, palms and live oaks. What sets Ritz-Carlton Members Club above many of Florida's other top-quality layouts is the perfect blending of natural wetland, open lakes, superbly crafted holes and constant, though not tiring, elevation changes. Add in top-quality course conditioning, services and amenities, and you have an exceptional golf facility that justifiably ranks alongside the world's elite.