Golf Guide: Sarasota - FL

Just 55 miles south of Tampa on Florida's Gulf Coast, Sarasota is one of the state's fastest growing areas. The city's lively arts and culture scene along with the pristine beaches which stretch along the barrier keys vie with golf for attention. Just south of Sarasota, Punta Gorda has been rated by Golf Digest as #3 in the county for golf and quality of life.

Blessed by more than 20 golf courses, many know Sarasota as the winter home for major league baseball teams while others know it for the seemingly endless number of events like circus performances and art shows.

Most of the golf courses are located on the "main land" while Longboat Key is wide enough to accommodate Longboat Key Club's 45 holes, traditionally favorite plays for high end vacationers.

At the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, in addition to the usual Ritz perks, golfers can treat themselves to a round with a caddy at the private Ritz-Carlton Members Club open only to members and guests. A short drive from the hotel, this Tom Fazio-designed course is a beauty and the club facilities, top-notch with no condos or homes along the fairways to distract.

More modest golf rates are available at fine tracks like University Park Country Club's 27 holes rated four stars by Golf Digest, Rosedale Golf & River Club, a local favorite and Stoneybrook Golf Club designed by Arthur Hills featuring a lot of water challenges but softened by wide landing areas. There is also the Arnold Palmer designed Legacy Golf Club populated by some friendly sand cranes. And that's just for starters.

Those looking for sand and sun can find it just off shore. Connected by causeways and bridges to the mainland, the barrier islands of Casey Key, Siesta Key, St. Armands and Longboat Key are characterized by pristine beaches and charming little village centers like St. Armand's Circle and Siesta Village where the tempo kicks up when the sun goes down with lively bars, restaurants and music. Inland is a vast repository of natural lands including the Myakka River State Park.