play golf sarasota .com
DESCRIPTION
Florida Suncoast’s only upscale, fullcolor, glossy golf publication highlighting the area’s Finest Golf Courses, Private Clubs, Dining Establishments, Golf Health and Wellness and Club Fitting and Lesson Programs.TRANSCRIPT
PREMIER ISSUE
Feature Course:
University ParkCountry ClubRon Garl Designed 27-Hole Championship Golf Course
Inside This Issue:• ”After Your Round” Dining• Area Accommodations• Health & Wellness• Lessons, Club Fitting, Repair.• Private Clubs & Area Courses
LESSONS • CLUB FITTING • REPAIRS
AT A GLANCE: GOLFTEC’S ORIGIN & IMPACT Using an instructional system proven in over 1.5 million lessons with 150,000+ clients since 1995, GolfTEC is the world leader in golf improvement. From tee-to-green, clients gain skills to reach their shot-making and score-reduction goals. The expanding Wall of Fame at each GolfTEC Im-provement Center bears witness to personal bests, tourna-ments won, and accomplishments made tangible.
Golftec Sarasota6249 Lake Osprey Dr., Sarasota, FL 34240 • (941) 926-6025
GolfTec Sarasota
WE KNOW SARASOTA GOLF
CONTENTS
The 5th Hole at University ParkWelcome Golfers! Play Golf Sarasota Magazine is the Florida Suncoast’s only upscale, full-color, glossy golf publication highlighting the area’s finest golf courses, private clubs, dining establishments, golf health and wellness, club fitting and lesson programs. Our staff consists of local PGA professionals that have over thirty years of local market experience. Our commitment is to provide superior total golf concierge services to golfer’s living, working, visiting, and vacationing in the Sarasota and Manatee county region. Our high quality, technologically advanced, and informative website www.playgolfsarasota.com allows visitors to preview area courses they may be interested in playing or take a virtual tour of the area’s finest private clubs for membership. We look forward to fulfilling all of your golf needs.
All material copyright Play Golf Sarasota Media Group, 2009. Reproduction without express written consent from the publisher is prohibited.
PLAY GOLF SARASOTA MEDIA GROUP A division of Links Club Golf Company, LLC
15112 21st Ave E., Bradenton, FL 34212
OUR TEAMPresident & Editor in Chief – Mark BruceV.P. of Concierge Services – Tony PanicoGraphic Design – The Driggs CompanyWebsite Design – Creative Heads Inc.
CONTACT USAdvertising Partnerships 941-400-7566Concierge Services 941-580-3378On the Web – www.playgolfsarasota.com e-mail – [email protected]
PREMIER ISSUE
OUR VISION & COMMITTMENT: Florida’s Suncoast has some of the best Private Clubs, Golf Communities, and Area Courses in the country. Choosing what Club to join, community in which to live, or where to play your next vacation round are all important decisions. Our golf course partners have consistently proven that they provide the highest quality golf and service experience the area has to offer. Pairing golfers with the right environment to suit their permanent lifestyle needs or creating the best golf vacation experience for visitors is our daily commitment.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
• PRIVATE CLUB PREVIEW TOURS – Choosing the right Club is a critical decision. Our professional staff takes the time to learn about our customer’s expectations, desires, social background, and budget to guide them to the most comfortable Club environment that fits their lifestyle.
• DAILY TEE TIME BOOKING – Whether you live here full-time or are just visiting the area, our professionals will book one or multiple tee times to suit your needs. Our golf course partners provide PLAY GOLF SARASOTA golfers unparalleled access and superior service.
• DINING RECOMMENDATIONS & RESERVATIONS – Nothing beats a great meal after a day of Golf. Our restaurant partners are all “home grown” longstanding eatery’s that consistently win local awards for service, atmosphere and food quality.
• GOLF HEALTH & WELLNESS – Area connections to the best spa services, massage therapy, physical therapy, and fitness training experts all whom have an understanding of the golf swing and the rigorous toll it takes on the body.
• PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION & CLUB FITTING – Our PGA Professional teaching, training, and fitting partners all have an area of expertise that can improve your game.
Total GolfConcierge Services
5 Total Golf Concierge Services .............................................................................
8 Feature Course – University Park .............................................................................
13 Private Clubs .............................................................................
27 PGA Chapter & Junior Golf News .............................................................................
29 Area Courses to Play .............................................................................
39 “After Your Round” Dining Guide .............................................................................
47 Area Accommodations .............................................................................
53 Health & Wellness for Golfers .............................................................................
59 Lessons, Club Fitting, and Repair .............................................................................
63 Area Course Maps
Personal Service.Guaranteed Satisfaction.Call Our PGA Professionals Today.941-580-3378 or visitwww.playgolfsarasota.com
Mark Bruce
Our Staff:
Tony Panico
WE KNOW SARASOTA GOLF
CONTENTS
The 5th Hole at University ParkWelcome Golfers! Play Golf Sarasota Magazine is the Florida Suncoast’s only upscale, full-color, glossy golf publication highlighting the area’s finest golf courses, private clubs, dining establishments, golf health and wellness, club fitting and lesson programs. Our staff consists of local PGA professionals that have over thirty years of local market experience. Our commitment is to provide superior total golf concierge services to golfer’s living, working, visiting, and vacationing in the Sarasota and Manatee county region. Our high quality, technologically advanced, and informative website www.playgolfsarasota.com allows visitors to preview area courses they may be interested in playing or take a virtual tour of the area’s finest private clubs for membership. We look forward to fulfilling all of your golf needs.
All material copyright Play Golf Sarasota Media Group, 2009. Reproduction without express written consent from the publisher is prohibited.
PLAY GOLF SARASOTA MEDIA GROUP A division of Links Club Golf Company, LLC
15112 21st Ave E., Bradenton, FL 34212
OUR TEAMPresident & Editor in Chief – Mark BruceV.P. of Concierge Services – Tony PanicoGraphic Design – The Driggs CompanyWebsite Design – Creative Heads Inc.
CONTACT USAdvertising Partnerships 941-400-7566Concierge Services 941-580-3378On the Web – www.playgolfsarasota.com e-mail – [email protected]
PREMIER ISSUE
OUR VISION & COMMITTMENT: Florida’s Suncoast has some of the best Private Clubs, Golf Communities, and Area Courses in the country. Choosing what Club to join, community in which to live, or where to play your next vacation round are all important decisions. Our golf course partners have consistently proven that they provide the highest quality golf and service experience the area has to offer. Pairing golfers with the right environment to suit their permanent lifestyle needs or creating the best golf vacation experience for visitors is our daily commitment.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
• PRIVATE CLUB PREVIEW TOURS – Choosing the right Club is a critical decision. Our professional staff takes the time to learn about our customer’s expectations, desires, social background, and budget to guide them to the most comfortable Club environment that fits their lifestyle.
• DAILY TEE TIME BOOKING – Whether you live here full-time or are just visiting the area, our professionals will book one or multiple tee times to suit your needs. Our golf course partners provide PLAY GOLF SARASOTA golfers unparalleled access and superior service.
• DINING RECOMMENDATIONS & RESERVATIONS – Nothing beats a great meal after a day of Golf. Our restaurant partners are all “home grown” longstanding eatery’s that consistently win local awards for service, atmosphere and food quality.
• GOLF HEALTH & WELLNESS – Area connections to the best spa services, massage therapy, physical therapy, and fitness training experts all whom have an understanding of the golf swing and the rigorous toll it takes on the body.
• PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION & CLUB FITTING – Our PGA Professional teaching, training, and fitting partners all have an area of expertise that can improve your game.
Total GolfConcierge Services
5 Total Golf Concierge Services .............................................................................
8 Feature Course – University Park .............................................................................
13 Private Clubs .............................................................................
27 PGA Chapter & Junior Golf News .............................................................................
29 Area Courses to Play .............................................................................
39 “After Your Round” Dining Guide .............................................................................
47 Area Accommodations .............................................................................
53 Health & Wellness for Golfers .............................................................................
59 Lessons, Club Fitting, and Repair .............................................................................
63 Area Course Maps
Personal Service.Guaranteed Satisfaction.Call Our PGA Professionals Today.941-580-3378 or visitwww.playgolfsarasota.com
Mark Bruce
Our Staff:
Tony Panico
BENT TREE COUNTRY CLUB AFTER YOUR ROUND - DINING & 19TH HOLE
American-Continental 1212 East Ave. S. (MidtownPlaza) Sarasota, Florida 34236(941) 366-0007www.michaelsoneast.com
From the day that Michael Klauber opened his eponymous restaurant in 1987 it has had the reputation for lively American-Continental food paired with an eclectic wine list picked by a pro with a curious nature. An adventur-ous wine connoisseur, Klauber founded the Florida Winefest & Auction in Sarasota and guided it through its first few years. When Klauber partnered with catering genius Phil Mancini and they added the Ballroom, the whole complex on East Avenue swiftly morphed into a venue that a huge chunk of this town's population has been to as a guest, volunteer or worker at some charity gala, civic luncheon or family occasion. It's a Sarasota institution.
Italian3501 S. Tamiami Trail Corner of US 41 and Siesta Drive Sarasota, FL 34239(941)-363-0211www.cosimos.net
Experience fine flavors at this award-winning restaurant. Enjoy an array of New World and traditional Italian cuisine, a creative wine list and a full bar, as well as full-service catering and party platters. Perfect for family outings, business meals or romantic dinners. Monday through Saturday until 10 p.m.; Sundays until 8 p.m.
Cosimo’s Brick Oven
Michael’s On East
Sam Snead’s
American-Bistro 1830 S. Osprey Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34236(941) 907-7771www.samsneads.com
If you live and breathe the game of golf, you’re bound to hunger for more than a few birdies. At Sam Snead’s Tavern, you can feast on your passion for the game, as well as good food. Come in and roam from room to room, savoring the rich wood decor and all the memorabilia collected by Sam him-self as he made his way into golf history. Then choose from a wide selection of foods grilled with only locally-cured oak, that creates the most unique flavor around. Start with Sam’s appetizers, then make your selection from the Certified Angus aged beef, fresh seafood, chops, ribs or chicken.
Course Architect - Ward NorthrupManagement - Pope Golf ManagementPGA Head Pro - Doug Mochrie
PAR 72 Yards Rating SlopeGold 6880 73.2 133Blue 6512 71.5 128Black 6169 69.6 126White 5697 67.3 123Red 5350 71.1 117
Rediscover a Piece of Sarasota’s Rich Golfing History
For almost 30 years, the name Bent Tree has been associated with the finest traditions of the game. The majestic woodlands and mature wetlands provide a true northern-style golfing experience. One ongoing tradition at Bent Tree is personal service. The staff and professionals are always available to offer personal advice, take tee times and assist you with equipment. This club offers flexible membership plans to fit any lifestyle.941-371-8200 • www.benttreecc.net • On Bee Ridge Road, 1.5 miles east of I-75
BENT TREE COUNTRY CLUB AFTER YOUR ROUND - DINING & 19TH HOLE
American-Continental 1212 East Ave. S. (MidtownPlaza) Sarasota, Florida 34236(941) 366-0007www.michaelsoneast.com
From the day that Michael Klauber opened his eponymous restaurant in 1987 it has had the reputation for lively American-Continental food paired with an eclectic wine list picked by a pro with a curious nature. An adventur-ous wine connoisseur, Klauber founded the Florida Winefest & Auction in Sarasota and guided it through its first few years. When Klauber partnered with catering genius Phil Mancini and they added the Ballroom, the whole complex on East Avenue swiftly morphed into a venue that a huge chunk of this town's population has been to as a guest, volunteer or worker at some charity gala, civic luncheon or family occasion. It's a Sarasota institution.
Italian3501 S. Tamiami Trail Corner of US 41 and Siesta Drive Sarasota, FL 34239(941)-363-0211www.cosimos.net
Experience fine flavors at this award-winning restaurant. Enjoy an array of New World and traditional Italian cuisine, a creative wine list and a full bar, as well as full-service catering and party platters. Perfect for family outings, business meals or romantic dinners. Monday through Saturday until 10 p.m.; Sundays until 8 p.m.
Cosimo’s Brick Oven
Michael’s On East
Sam Snead’s
American-Bistro 1830 S. Osprey Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34236(941) 907-7771www.samsneads.com
If you live and breathe the game of golf, you’re bound to hunger for more than a few birdies. At Sam Snead’s Tavern, you can feast on your passion for the game, as well as good food. Come in and roam from room to room, savoring the rich wood decor and all the memorabilia collected by Sam him-self as he made his way into golf history. Then choose from a wide selection of foods grilled with only locally-cured oak, that creates the most unique flavor around. Start with Sam’s appetizers, then make your selection from the Certified Angus aged beef, fresh seafood, chops, ribs or chicken.
Course Architect - Ward NorthrupManagement - Pope Golf ManagementPGA Head Pro - Doug Mochrie
PAR 72 Yards Rating SlopeGold 6880 73.2 133Blue 6512 71.5 128Black 6169 69.6 126White 5697 67.3 123Red 5350 71.1 117
Rediscover a Piece of Sarasota’s Rich Golfing History
For almost 30 years, the name Bent Tree has been associated with the finest traditions of the game. The majestic woodlands and mature wetlands provide a true northern-style golfing experience. One ongoing tradition at Bent Tree is personal service. The staff and professionals are always available to offer personal advice, take tee times and assist you with equipment. This club offers flexible membership plans to fit any lifestyle.941-371-8200 • www.benttreecc.net • On Bee Ridge Road, 1.5 miles east of I-75
AREA ACCOMMODATIONS HEALTH & WELLNESS
Dr. PRO is Florida’s most experienced ART provider. He has been providing Active Release Techniques since 1994. Today there are many kinds of “sports therapy”, “chiropractic”, massage” and “medical treatments” that athletes are exposed to for the treatment of various injuries. The main issue for a successful outcome is putting the “right” tool on the problem. The nature of the problem must be understood by all the providers of care so that the right actions can be taken at the right time. The mechanism of injury, the exact tissues or muscles involved and how they will affect the other muscles or movements is the key to determining the right tool needed. Unfortunately, some trainers and health providers often have limited abilities or capabilities to employ some or all of the best possible treatment options (tools).
In my experience, athletes are sometimes frustrated that they cannot get the treatments they need from their team or organization. As a result they seek care from “outside” the team or organization through word of mouth from other athletes and/or their agents to find providers for them. For some reason, even though Active Release is now known throughout the sporting world, many major sports teams have providers on staff, others do not. There is good evidence that teams that employ ART providers have less injuries and shorter recovery periods from injuries that are sustained (NJ Nets).
8270 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida, 34243 941-552-1100 Fax: 941-552-1111
Hilton Garden Inn / Sarasota-Bradenton Airport
Guest AccommodationsOne King or 2 Queen Beds, chair with ottoman, large work desk, 2 phones, each with 2 lines, high speed internet, data port and voicemail, refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, iron and ironing board.•Only a 15 minute drive to Siesta Key, the #3 beach in the countryFree Shuttle Service anywhere within 5 miles including the Airport & downtown SarasotaStay in PURE rooms that are 99% Allergen Free. Air as PURE as a Mountain Top!!
Conveniently situated between Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida, the Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport hotel offers 115 guest rooms and suites with many features to suit the needs of both business and leisure travelers.AAA Hotel Diamond Rating: Hilton Honors Reward Category: 3(25,000 points per night)
Dr John ProkopiakChiropractic Physician
AREA ACCOMMODATIONS HEALTH & WELLNESS
Dr. PRO is Florida’s most experienced ART provider. He has been providing Active Release Techniques since 1994. Today there are many kinds of “sports therapy”, “chiropractic”, massage” and “medical treatments” that athletes are exposed to for the treatment of various injuries. The main issue for a successful outcome is putting the “right” tool on the problem. The nature of the problem must be understood by all the providers of care so that the right actions can be taken at the right time. The mechanism of injury, the exact tissues or muscles involved and how they will affect the other muscles or movements is the key to determining the right tool needed. Unfortunately, some trainers and health providers often have limited abilities or capabilities to employ some or all of the best possible treatment options (tools).
In my experience, athletes are sometimes frustrated that they cannot get the treatments they need from their team or organization. As a result they seek care from “outside” the team or organization through word of mouth from other athletes and/or their agents to find providers for them. For some reason, even though Active Release is now known throughout the sporting world, many major sports teams have providers on staff, others do not. There is good evidence that teams that employ ART providers have less injuries and shorter recovery periods from injuries that are sustained (NJ Nets).
8270 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida, 34243 941-552-1100 Fax: 941-552-1111
Hilton Garden Inn / Sarasota-Bradenton Airport
Guest AccommodationsOne King or 2 Queen Beds, chair with ottoman, large work desk, 2 phones, each with 2 lines, high speed internet, data port and voicemail, refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, iron and ironing board.•Only a 15 minute drive to Siesta Key, the #3 beach in the countryFree Shuttle Service anywhere within 5 miles including the Airport & downtown SarasotaStay in PURE rooms that are 99% Allergen Free. Air as PURE as a Mountain Top!!
Conveniently situated between Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida, the Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport hotel offers 115 guest rooms and suites with many features to suit the needs of both business and leisure travelers.AAA Hotel Diamond Rating: Hilton Honors Reward Category: 3(25,000 points per night)
Dr John ProkopiakChiropractic Physician
UNIVERSITY PARK COUNTRY CLUB
University ParkAward Winning Golf Gently sculpted from the land and embellished with shimmering lakes is the award winning University Park Country Club 27-hole championship golf course, designed by world-renowned golf course architect Ron Garl. You will revel in your choice of three 18-hole combinations on one of Florida's top ten ranked courses and one of the only courses in the area to receive a 4-star rating by Golf Digest. Here, Ron Garl has woven his unique style with the natural habitat, resulting in a spectacular course that reflects and enhances the beauty of the land.
Tee times available 7 days a week as early as 7:00 amCall 941-359-9999 ext 2, to reserve a tee time 3 days in advance
On University Parkway, 1.8 miles west of I-75, exit 213www.universitypark-fl.com
We can host your next golf tournament
Course Architect - Ron Garl
General Manager - Laurie Evans
PGA Head Pro - Ashley Hayden
PAR 72 10+1 10+19 19+1Diamond 7001 7152 7247Emerald 6441 6598 6725Platinum 6090 6205 6161Ruby 5511 5695 5576Bronze 4914 4999 4889
UNIVERSITY PARK COUNTRY CLUB
University ParkAward Winning Golf Gently sculpted from the land and embellished with shimmering lakes is the award winning University Park Country Club 27-hole championship golf course, designed by world-renowned golf course architect Ron Garl. You will revel in your choice of three 18-hole combinations on one of Florida's top ten ranked courses and one of the only courses in the area to receive a 4-star rating by Golf Digest. Here, Ron Garl has woven his unique style with the natural habitat, resulting in a spectacular course that reflects and enhances the beauty of the land.
Tee times available 7 days a week as early as 7:00 amCall 941-359-9999 ext 2, to reserve a tee time 3 days in advance
On University Parkway, 1.8 miles west of I-75, exit 213www.universitypark-fl.com
We can host your next golf tournament
Course Architect - Ron Garl
General Manager - Laurie Evans
PGA Head Pro - Ashley Hayden
PAR 72 10+1 10+19 19+1Diamond 7001 7152 7247Emerald 6441 6598 6725Platinum 6090 6205 6161Ruby 5511 5695 5576Bronze 4914 4999 4889
THE FOUNDER’S CLUB
The Founder’s Club
Course Architect - Robert Trent Jones Jr.General Manager - Hugh O’DonnellPGA Head Pro - Ed McConnell
PAR 72 Yards Rating SlopeBlack 7067 73.8 140Gold 6684 71.9 136Silver 6108 69.4 124Copper 5465 72.2 123Jade 4886 68.8 115
Recognized for Excellence LINKS magazine has placed The Founders Club among "America's 100 Premier Properties", for 2007, 2008 and 2009. The Founders Club is the only club community in Sarasota to be selected for this exclusive list and one of only 18 such communities in the state of Florida. It was also recently named to Travel + Leisure Golf magazine's list of "America's Top 100 Golf Course Communities" for 2007, 2008 and 2009, which is "an annual list of the best places to live-and live well." Again, The Founders Club is the only Sarasota-Manatee Club Community to garner this prestigious award.
TIME HONORED TRADITIONS ARE ALWAYS IN PLAY
The Founders Club Sales Gallery3001 Founders Club Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34240(941) 378-0900 | (866) 508-0900 | www.thefoundersclub.com
Operating Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9:00 - 5:00,Sunday: 12:00 - 5:00On Fruitville Road, 2 miles east of I-75, Exit 210
Membership Information - (941) 371-7462
UNIVERSITY PARK COUNTRY CLUB
As if dodging traffic on University Parkway were not challenging enough, motorists also have to occasionally swerve around bouncing golf balls errantly launched from the par-three fifth at University Park Country Club. True, only the most wildly misstruck of shots find their way onto the heavily traveled highway, but it has been done. The fifth is University Park’s “signature” hole, meaning its diabolical design sets it apart from other holes and, more ominously, it pos-sesses an almost supernatural ability to ratchet up a golfer’s blood pressure before he or she even makes it to the tee. Designer Ron Garl likes to define water hazards with railroad ties or wooden bulk-heads, and that trait is on full display at the fifth. If you’re playing the 193-yard fifth for the first time, don’t be surprised if all you see is water. Slowly, the tableau comes into focus and you notice a deep, gleaming white bunker guarding the left side of a wide shallow green. To the right of the green is more water, to the left - way left - is the highway. My palms are sweating just typing a description of this hole. In this part of Florida, where 7-Elevens built before 1995 are considered worthy of historic preservation, University Park almost qualifies as a dowager. Opened in 1991 as the centerpiece of an upscale Pat Neal community, University Park remains one of the gems in Sarasota/Manatees’ golfing tiara. The course is always in beautiful shape, right down to the piles of pine straw artfully raked around the tall, old-growth oaks and pines. If you’re missing putts at University Park, don’t blame the greens. An honest reassessment of your putting stroke would be more useful - that and tapering off on the caffeine.
A Gated Community of Unique, Private Neighborhoods
UP CC
EUROPEAN INSPIRATION. AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT.
Although the course is located in a heavily de-veloped part of Sarasota County, the feeling the golfer gets is one of isolation. (Remember: Just because nobody’s peering over your shoulder doesn’t give you the right to cheat. Golf is, or at least should be, a gentleman’s game.) Members report seeing deer and bobcats on occasion, but all we ran into was a squirrel chattering happily about our unplayable lie in a palmetto. Though lakes and trees abound, University Park is actually very user-friendly. Unless you insist on pounding a driver on short, narrow par fours, you should be able to score close to your handicap, maybe even a little better. From the mere mortal Platinum tees, the course measures only slightly longer than 6,000 yards. Play from the backmost Diamond tees and you’re looking at a stern 7,000-yard test. The strength of University Park is its par threes. The fifth, though arguably the most picturesque, is not the hardest. That dubious honor would go to No. 16, which at 186 yards from the backmost tees also requires a long water carry. But this time you’re shooting to a deep, narrow green that invites many diabolical pin placements. The huge bunker to the right catches a lot of shots, because if you miss to the left, you’re in the palmettos. Both of these excel-lent par threes offer elevated tees, which afford you a good view of your impending doom. A golf buddy once offered this assessment of the par fours at a local Jack Nicklaus course: “It’s a nice mix. There are long holes that are impossible and short holes that are impossible.” Garl also offers a nice mix of par fours, but “impossible” is not in his vocabulary. The ninth, which plays 379 yards from the Platinums, requires you to avoid the bunkers on the left and right sides of the fairway. But it’s the quality of the second shot, to a semi-island green, that determines whether you will finish the hole or sit sullenly in the cart, remembering how much fun your last gout attack was. Another great par four (“great,” in the sense, meaning “demonic”) is the fourth, which plays 342 yards from the Platinums. Length is not an issue here, however. Head Pro Ashley Hayden says the best way to play the hole is a long iron or hybrid to the 150-yard marker in the center of the fairway and to proceed from there. Anything more aggressive could plop you right behind the “Hangman’s Tree” in the right rough, presumably named for the punishment the golfer believes he deserves for picking such a bad club for his tee shot. About the only criticism I had of University Park in the past was that it was private and hard to get on unless you were a guest of a member.
THE FOUNDER’S CLUB
The Founder’s Club
Course Architect - Robert Trent Jones Jr.General Manager - Hugh O’DonnellPGA Head Pro - Ed McConnell
PAR 72 Yards Rating SlopeBlack 7067 73.8 140Gold 6684 71.9 136Silver 6108 69.4 124Copper 5465 72.2 123Jade 4886 68.8 115
Recognized for Excellence LINKS magazine has placed The Founders Club among "America's 100 Premier Properties", for 2007, 2008 and 2009. The Founders Club is the only club community in Sarasota to be selected for this exclusive list and one of only 18 such communities in the state of Florida. It was also recently named to Travel + Leisure Golf magazine's list of "America's Top 100 Golf Course Communities" for 2007, 2008 and 2009, which is "an annual list of the best places to live-and live well." Again, The Founders Club is the only Sarasota-Manatee Club Community to garner this prestigious award.
TIME HONORED TRADITIONS ARE ALWAYS IN PLAY
The Founders Club Sales Gallery3001 Founders Club Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34240(941) 378-0900 | (866) 508-0900 | www.thefoundersclub.com
Operating Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9:00 - 5:00,Sunday: 12:00 - 5:00On Fruitville Road, 2 miles east of I-75, Exit 210
Membership Information - (941) 371-7462
UNIVERSITY PARK COUNTRY CLUB
As if dodging traffic on University Parkway were not challenging enough, motorists also have to occasionally swerve around bouncing golf balls errantly launched from the par-three fifth at University Park Country Club. True, only the most wildly misstruck of shots find their way onto the heavily traveled highway, but it has been done. The fifth is University Park’s “signature” hole, meaning its diabolical design sets it apart from other holes and, more ominously, it pos-sesses an almost supernatural ability to ratchet up a golfer’s blood pressure before he or she even makes it to the tee. Designer Ron Garl likes to define water hazards with railroad ties or wooden bulk-heads, and that trait is on full display at the fifth. If you’re playing the 193-yard fifth for the first time, don’t be surprised if all you see is water. Slowly, the tableau comes into focus and you notice a deep, gleaming white bunker guarding the left side of a wide shallow green. To the right of the green is more water, to the left - way left - is the highway. My palms are sweating just typing a description of this hole. In this part of Florida, where 7-Elevens built before 1995 are considered worthy of historic preservation, University Park almost qualifies as a dowager. Opened in 1991 as the centerpiece of an upscale Pat Neal community, University Park remains one of the gems in Sarasota/Manatees’ golfing tiara. The course is always in beautiful shape, right down to the piles of pine straw artfully raked around the tall, old-growth oaks and pines. If you’re missing putts at University Park, don’t blame the greens. An honest reassessment of your putting stroke would be more useful - that and tapering off on the caffeine.
A Gated Community of Unique, Private Neighborhoods
UP CC
EUROPEAN INSPIRATION. AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT.
Although the course is located in a heavily de-veloped part of Sarasota County, the feeling the golfer gets is one of isolation. (Remember: Just because nobody’s peering over your shoulder doesn’t give you the right to cheat. Golf is, or at least should be, a gentleman’s game.) Members report seeing deer and bobcats on occasion, but all we ran into was a squirrel chattering happily about our unplayable lie in a palmetto. Though lakes and trees abound, University Park is actually very user-friendly. Unless you insist on pounding a driver on short, narrow par fours, you should be able to score close to your handicap, maybe even a little better. From the mere mortal Platinum tees, the course measures only slightly longer than 6,000 yards. Play from the backmost Diamond tees and you’re looking at a stern 7,000-yard test. The strength of University Park is its par threes. The fifth, though arguably the most picturesque, is not the hardest. That dubious honor would go to No. 16, which at 186 yards from the backmost tees also requires a long water carry. But this time you’re shooting to a deep, narrow green that invites many diabolical pin placements. The huge bunker to the right catches a lot of shots, because if you miss to the left, you’re in the palmettos. Both of these excel-lent par threes offer elevated tees, which afford you a good view of your impending doom. A golf buddy once offered this assessment of the par fours at a local Jack Nicklaus course: “It’s a nice mix. There are long holes that are impossible and short holes that are impossible.” Garl also offers a nice mix of par fours, but “impossible” is not in his vocabulary. The ninth, which plays 379 yards from the Platinums, requires you to avoid the bunkers on the left and right sides of the fairway. But it’s the quality of the second shot, to a semi-island green, that determines whether you will finish the hole or sit sullenly in the cart, remembering how much fun your last gout attack was. Another great par four (“great,” in the sense, meaning “demonic”) is the fourth, which plays 342 yards from the Platinums. Length is not an issue here, however. Head Pro Ashley Hayden says the best way to play the hole is a long iron or hybrid to the 150-yard marker in the center of the fairway and to proceed from there. Anything more aggressive could plop you right behind the “Hangman’s Tree” in the right rough, presumably named for the punishment the golfer believes he deserves for picking such a bad club for his tee shot. About the only criticism I had of University Park in the past was that it was private and hard to get on unless you were a guest of a member.
PREMIER ISSUE
Feature Course:
University ParkCountry ClubRon Garl Designed 27-Hole Championship Golf Course
Inside This Issue:• ”After Your Round” Dining• Area Accommodations• Health & Wellness• Lessons, Club Fitting, Repair.• Private Clubs & Area Courses
LESSONS • CLUB FITTING • REPAIRS
AT A GLANCE: GOLFTEC’S ORIGIN & IMPACT Using an instructional system proven in over 1.5 million lessons with 150,000+ clients since 1995, GolfTEC is the world leader in golf improvement. From tee-to-green, clients gain skills to reach their shot-making and score-reduction goals. The expanding Wall of Fame at each GolfTEC Im-provement Center bears witness to personal bests, tourna-ments won, and accomplishments made tangible.
Golftec Sarasota6249 Lake Osprey Dr., Sarasota, FL 34240 • (941) 926-6025
GolfTec Sarasota