Golf Membership Options for Homeowners in Lakewood Ranch

When it comes to country club living, few communities in Florida rival the depth and variety of golf membership offerings available in Lakewood Ranch. From bundled golf communities where membership is included with homeownership to exclusive, invitation-only clubs featuring world-renowned courses, Lakewood Ranch delivers a wealth of options for avid golfers and luxury lifestyle seekers alike.

Below is a detailed look at the golf membership options available to Lakewood Ranch homeowners, with an emphasis on membership structures, amenities, and what distinguishes each club.

At the heart of Lakewood National Golf Club is a pair of championship courses designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. These 36 holes are set against a backdrop of rolling terrain and agrarian-inspired landscapes, blending natural beauty with strategic design rooted in the Golden Age of golf. As a bundled golf community, membership is included with property ownership, giving residents effortless access to this immersive lifestyle.

Lakewood National goes well beyond golf. The community features a grand clubhouse, an expansive beach-entry lagoon pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Full-time professionals in golf, fitness, and racquet sports are on hand to help members sharpen their skills. Lighted clay tennis courts, casual poolside dining, and a full-service spa complete the experience—creating a seamless blend of recreation and relaxation.

Calusa Country Club distinguishes itself with a Gordon Lewis III-designed 18-hole course that integrates dramatic elevation changes, mature greens, and expansive white sand bunkers. The design supports a versatile six-tee system, making the course approachable for newcomers while still delivering a challenge to low-handicap players. An additional 12-hole executive course adds flexibility and convenience for members seeking a quicker round.

Membership at Calusa is bundled with homeownership, offering unlimited access to the main course and practice facilities. Members can fine-tune their game on the aqua driving range and putting greens, or participate in the club's practice facility program. Cart fees are modest, and members also enjoy discounted guest rates, access to exclusive apparel and merchandise, and entry into a 14-day tee time lottery system. From competitive leagues to community events, Calusa creates an elevated experience that caters to golfers of all levels.

Known for its impeccably maintained championship course, Esplanade Golf & Country Club offers an 18-hole experience designed by Chris Wilczynski. Generous fairways, sculpted bunkers, and scenic water features shape a layout that is both challenging and aesthetically striking. The course's year-round "country club condition" has earned it a stellar reputation among Lakewood Ranch's golfing elite.

The club's facilities include a driving range with both natural grass and synthetic hitting areas, as well as dedicated lesson tees, chipping and pitching greens, bunkers, and multiple short-game zones. Residents have access to a private clubhouse with a full-service spa, numerous dining venues, and a resort-style pool. Active residents will appreciate six Har-Tru tennis courts, as well as pickleball and bocce ball courts. As with other Esplanade properties, membership is bundled into property ownership, with some homes offering social-only access.

Esplanade at Azario represents the latest evolution of the Esplanade brand within Lakewood Ranch. A new 18-hole championship course anchors this lifestyle-forward community, which bundles club membership and homeownership. Buyers can select from an array of new single-family homes, villas, and condos, with 12 floor plans ranging from 1,533 to 3,500 square feet.

Beyond the fairways, Azario delivers an impressive portfolio of amenities. The resort includes lagoon and resistance pools, a poolside Bahama Tiki Bar, and a culinary center that anchors the clubhouse. Residents enjoy six Har-Tru tennis courts, 14 pickleball courts, and access to a fitness and aerobics center. A full-time lifestyle manager curates a calendar of events, from themed parties to wellness programming.

For those seeking a private club experience with flexible membership options, Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club delivers in spades. This non-equity club offers three membership categories—Premier Golf, Sports, and Social—open to both residents and non-residents. There are no minimum spend requirements and no assessments, allowing members to customize their experience without obligation.

Premier Golf members enjoy unlimited access to four 18-hole courses: Cypress Links, King's Dune, Royal Lakes, and the off-site Legacy Course. Designed by Arnold Palmer and others, these layouts feature sharp elevations, undulating greens, and a diverse set of challenges. Three expansive practice facilities and a top-tier golf academy support skill development at any level. Off the course, the club's amenities include three distinct clubhouses, heated resort pools, tennis and pickleball courts, a 24-hour fitness center, and plenty of dining options.

For those who desire exclusivity at the highest level, The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club offers a stunning retreat on 315 acres. Designed by Tom Fazio, this 18-hole championship course is lauded for its flowing fairways, sculpted mounds, and tranquil setting with no homes on the property. It's a pure golf experience, matched only by the impeccable service for which the Ritz-Carlton brand is known.

Membership here is by invitation only, and tiers range from Gold to Platinum. Platinum members receive full access to the golf club, the Ritz-Carlton Beach Club on Lido Key, and the Spa & Fitness Club in downtown Sarasota. With a capped membership and initiation fees in the six-figure range, the club ensures privacy and exclusivity. Elegant clubhouses with dining, refined event spaces, and private beach access define a lifestyle that's as luxurious as it is rarefied.

Few clubs carry the prestige of The Concession, home to a Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin-designed course that ranks among Florida's most challenging. Stretching over 7,470 yards, the layout winds through native wetlands and dense forest, free of residential development along the fairways. The result is a world-class, tournament-caliber course set in absolute tranquility.

The 33,000-square-foot clubhouse offers a refined atmosphere for dining and socializing, while the adjacent sports clubhouse features fitness facilities, saunas, and treatment rooms. Additional perks include a 21-acre practice area featuring a dual-end driving range, 14,000 square-foot putting green, tournament-condition chipping greens, the unique "Snake Acre" putting course, and "The Gimme," a 9-hole short course.

Lakewood Ranch is a premier destination for golf lovers and luxury homebuyers, combining world-class courses, exclusive gated communities, and a vibrant, country club lifestyle. Whether your vision of golf luxury includes bundled access steps from your backyard or elite tee times at a top-ranked private course, Lakewood Ranch delivers it all.

With its elevated standard of living and abundance of golf courses, if you're considering a move and ready to explore Lakewood Ranch's luxury real estate, contact The 941 Team today to start your golf-centric real estate journey.