15150 70th Terrace East,
Bradenton, Florida FL 34202
Office
+1 (941) 309 2900Pro shop
+1 (941) 309 2900Fax
+1 (941) 309 2793Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Patrick M. Gogoel (PGA, Director of Golf).The Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined & open parkland. Gently undulating terrain - easy to walk
Surroundings:
Wetland environment.
Designer:
Tom Fazio
27.413948
-82.388180
13 miles NE of Sarasota
From I-75, to the north-east of Sarasota, take exit 213 and go east on University Parkway. After 3 mi turn left into Lorraine Blvd. After 1.9 mi turn right into 70th Terrace E and Ritz-Carlton Members GC.
Ritz-Carlton GC, Sarasota
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Sarasota is not to be missed. This Tom Fazio designed Florida gem is one of the best golf courses in the Tampa Bay area. It's also home to the "Lion's Den" (see Did You Know section below).
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, accompanying you throughout the round is abundant vegetation in the form of tree plantings, flowering shrubs, mulched beds, informal native grasses and marshland areas. 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 The Ritz-Carlton Golf 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 Sunshine State's elite.
Stay&Play at Ritz-Carlton: this golf course can only be played by its members and guests staying at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota (see Where2Stay section below).
Resort guests (staying at Ritz-Carlton Sarasota Resort) can book to play on weekdays and weekends. No outside visitor play available.
Must book in advance. Closed Mondays.
Non-metal spikes preferred. Visitors can opt to walk or use a golf cart, but must take a caddie (Ritz-Carlton Caddie Concierge Program).
Excellent
The last three holes on the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota course are collectively known as the "Lion's Den" ... a tough finishing stretch comprising the long par-3 16th, and par-4 17th and 18th.
The Lion's Den has frequently drawn comparisons with two other challenging three-hole closing sequences in Florida, the "Snake Pit" on Innisbrook's Copperhead course (holes 16, 17 & 18), and the "Bear Trap" at PGA National GC (holes 15, 16 & 17). Players that complete the Lion's Den in par or better receive a prize from the golf shop celebrating the achievement.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is recognized by Audubon International for its environmental excellence, designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
+1 (941) 309 2000
Visit websiteAt The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, casual Gulf Coast lifestyle blends with the sophisticated, cosmopolitan excitement of the city. Featuring lavish accommodations, exceptional dining, a luxury spa, 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, Members Beach Club and sweeping ocean and marina views. The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota provides guests with a relaxing and luxurious escape from the everyday.
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Ritz-Carlton GC (15 mi); Legacy at Lakewood Ranch; University Park; Oak Ford; Venetian; River Strand; Waterlefe; Greenfield Plantation; Stoneybrook at Heritage Harbour.
Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.
Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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