Lakewood Ranch, FL, offers some of the most prestigious private golf clubs in the region, each offering world-class golf courses, luxury amenities, and exclusive member experiences. Whether you are an avid golfer or simply looking to experience an upscale lifestyle, the private golf clubs in Lakewood Ranch provide unmatched quality. Here’s a closer look at the best private golf clubs in this vibrant community.

The Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club (LWR G&CC) stands as one of the most prominent golf destinations in the area, featuring four championship 18-hole courses: Cypress Links, King’s Dunes, Royal Lakes, and The Legacy. Designed by Arnold Palmer’s design team, along with one course by Rick Robbins, these courses offer a diverse golfing experience. Members enjoy access to a mix of player-friendly designs and more challenging layouts. The club’s four-course offering is a unique feature, making it the only one of its kind in the region.

LWR G&CC provides members with an extensive range of top-tier amenities. The club has multiple clubhouses, including a 44,000 sq. ft. Main Clubhouse and a 30,000 sq. ft. lodge-style clubhouse in Country Club East. Dining options are diverse, with three full-service restaurants offering both fine and casual dining. The club also boasts a 20,000 sq. ft. fitness center, an aquatic center with two resort-style heated pools, and 20 tennis courts. Social events, tennis, and golf lessons are regularly organized, ensuring that members enjoy a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

LWR G&CC offers tiered membership categories including Golf, Sports, and Social memberships. The Premier Golf membership includes full access to all courses and amenities. As of 2023, initiation fees for this membership are around $45,000, with monthly dues starting at approximately $973. Due to high demand, initiation fees have increased to about $75,000–$85,000 by 2024. Membership to this club is open to both residents and non-residents of Lakewood Ranch, but there may be waitlists for certain membership levels.

LWR G&CC is consistently ranked as one of the best private clubs in the region. It has received accolades from industry leaders like the Club Leaders Forum and has been recognized for its well-maintained courses, excellent service, and vibrant member community. The club’s addition of The Legacy course and its overall improvements continue to solidify its status as a premier country club destination.

The Concession Golf Club is one of the most exclusive private clubs in Lakewood Ranch, offering a single 18-hole championship course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin. The course spans over 7,470 yards and is set within a natural landscape of dense forests and wetlands. The design focuses on creating a tournament-quality experience, challenging even the most skilled golfers. The Concession is renowned for its pristine conditions, fast greens, and the lack of houses lining its fairways, preserving the pure golf experience.

The Concession is more than just a golf course; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking luxury and exclusivity. The 33,000 sq. ft. clubhouse is the social hub, offering fine dining, casual fare, and spacious lounges. For fitness and relaxation, the club provides a sports clubhouse with a modern gym, saunas, and treatment rooms. Unique amenities include a 53-foot club yacht for member use and the “Snake Acre” putting course. The club also offers luxury cottages and casitas for overnight stays, making it a truly upscale retreat.

Membership at The Concession is by invitation only, with initiation fees ranging from $100,000 to $150,000. Membership is capped to ensure a low number of members, and it is open to both residents of the Concession community and select non-residents. The primary membership option is the Full Golf membership, which grants access to the course and all other facilities. Social and sports memberships are occasionally available, offering limited access to golf and amenities.

The Concession Golf Club is regularly ranked among the top golf clubs in Florida, with a strong reputation for its challenging course, luxurious amenities, and intimate, private atmosphere. It has hosted high-profile tournaments such as the 2015 NCAA Division I Championships and the 2021 WGC-Workday Championship. For members, the club represents a high level of exclusivity, offering an unmatched golf experience.

The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club features a stunning 18-hole course designed by Tom Fazio. Set amidst 315 acres, this course is notable for its rolling fairways, sculpted mounds, and 16 lakes that make it both visually appealing and challenging. There are no homes on the property, ensuring a tranquil, uninterrupted golfing experience. The course’s design includes multiple tee sets to accommodate golfers of all skill levels, and it has been recognized for its beauty and conditioning.

As part of the prestigious Ritz-Carlton brand, this golf club offers an exceptional level of luxury and service. Members enjoy access to a refined clubhouse with dining options, a full bar, and private event spaces. The club also features world-class practice facilities, including a driving range and short-game area. Beyond golf, members have access to the Ritz-Carlton Beach Club on Lido Key and the Ritz-Carlton Spa & Fitness Club in downtown Sarasota. These facilities include a private beach, pool, fitness center, and a full-service spa.

Membership at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club is by invitation only, with several tiers available, including Platinum, Gold, and Beach & Spa memberships. Platinum membership offers full access to the golf club, as well as the Beach Club and Spa. Initiation fees for Platinum membership are reported to be in the six-figure range, reflecting the all-inclusive lifestyle that the club provides. Membership is capped, ensuring that tee times remain plentiful and the experience is exclusive.

The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club is frequently cited as one of the top private clubs in Florida. It is known for its impeccable service, exceptional course maintenance, and the combination of golf with luxury resort amenities. The course itself has earned recognition for its beauty and challenge, and it is often ranked among the best in the state.

Esplanade Golf & Country Club is a private, gated community within Lakewood Ranch, offering an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Chris Wilczynski. The course features generous fairways, sculpted bunkers, and scenic water hazards, providing an enjoyable yet challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course is known for its impeccable maintenance and beautiful landscaping, earning a reputation for being in “country club condition” year-round.

Esplanade’s amenities are designed to offer a vacation-like experience every day. The community features a clubhouse with multiple dining options, a resort-style pool with beach entry, and a full-service spa and fitness center. Members can also enjoy six Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball courts, and bocce courts, along with walking trails throughout the community. Esplanade’s active social calendar includes everything from wine tastings to fitness classes and group events, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.

Esplanade is a “bundled” golf community, meaning that membership to the golf club is included with property ownership. Homes in Esplanade range from condos to single-family homes, and residents enjoy unlimited access to golf and amenities. Membership is included in the price of the property or HOA fees, and members pay annual dues. Some homes offer social memberships, which grant access to all amenities except golf. The community fosters a tight-knit atmosphere, with membership exclusive to residents.

Esplanade Golf & Country Club is known for its high-quality amenities and vibrant community spirit. While it may not be as exclusive as The Concession or Ritz-Carlton clubs, it has earned praise for its resort-like atmosphere and exceptional facilities. It is particularly popular among active retirees and families who appreciate a balance of golf and social activities.

Lakewood Ranch is home to some of the finest private golf clubs in Florida, offering everything from championship courses to luxurious amenities and a range of membership options. Whether you seek exclusivity, world-class golfing, or a resort-like lifestyle, the private clubs in Lakewood Ranch deliver exceptional experiences. With each club offering unique features and an outstanding level of service, there is a perfect choice for every golf enthusiast.

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