“The best way to describe Oak Ford Gold Club is that of a public Country Club.” And that’s just how the folks at Oak Ford like to think of their facility. I can go along with that.
The Oak Ford blurb goes on to say, “the term 'Country Club' began in the developmental stages of golf in America. The game of golf was a retreat to the country away from the city and urban sprawl. Courses used the terrain and natural setting of the land by carving the fairways from the trees….” And, of course, Oak Ford Golf Club is located far away from downtown Sarasota. Well, 25 minutes.
Oak Ford Golf Club sports a rural, Florida golf course situated on an 850-acre nature preserve. The golf course, designed by Ron Garl, features the three 9-hole courses that meander this way and that through stands of Live Oak, Myrtle, and Palm Forests, skirting lakes, ponds, swamps and wetland marshes: Ron Garl was ever diligent in his care to maintain the delicate natural balance of the environment. And then there’s the local wildlife community – get lucky and you might just see deer, bobcats, otters, foxes, possums, wild pigs, maybe even a Florida Black Bear and, of course, the ever-present alligators Southwest Florida is so famous for.
The course is open to the public, Each of the nine holes can be played in any combination that might please you. You’ll encounter doglegs, tight and almost impenetrable woodland borders, wetland carries, water (it’s in play on 16 of the 27 holes) and, yes, even some wide open spaces. Each nine-hole layout features four sets of tees designed to make play exciting for golfers of skill levels.
Green Fees - Rates Includes cart:
- Off season – May through the end of the year $23 - $25
- Peak season – January through April $65 to $70
Golf Specials
- Two-Night Sarasota Golf Getaway at Hampton Inn Bee Ridge
- Three Night Special at Hyatt Sarasota
Where to Stay:
There are a couple of options I can recommend: The Hampton Inn Bee Ridge just off I-75 in Sarasota, and the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Both are handy to the golf course and the two hotels offer a range of price options.
- Compare Prices for nights at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota .
- Compare Prices for nights at the Hampton Inn Bee Ridge.
Should you wish to try for something that might fit your budget a little better, you can also check out my Sarasota area hotel guides:
- Golf Travel's Sarasota and Bradenton Hotel Guide
And moving a little farther afield, you can also check out my area Naples and Marco Island hotel guides:
- Golf Travel's Naples/Fort Myers Hotel Guide.
- Golf Travel's Marco Island Hotel Guide
How to get There:
The closest regional airport is the Sarasota – Bradenton International Airport. The airport is served by Delta, Continental, US Air, AirTran, American, Northwest, and several others.
Look for the best airline and car rental deals with these two aggregators, which provide travelers with an up-to-date search tool to compare prices on airfares and car rentals of all ratings:
Only on Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast will you find such a diversity of golf courses and resorts to choose from. This is one I can personally recommend.
More Southwest Florida Hotels and Resorts
Contact:
Oak Ford Golf Club
1552 Palm View Rd.
Sarasota, FL 34240
941-371-3680
