Whether you are looking for a challenging place to enjoy a round of golf or just fancy dining somewhere different for lunch, the Esplanade Golf and Country Club will fit the bill to a tee. Located in Lakewood Ranch, just north of SR-70, this beautiful golf and country club is about 25 minutes’ drive northeast of Sarasota. The award-wining neighborhood is set on 600 acres and is the largest green certified community in America.
Situated in a gated community amidst lush landscaping and beautiful lakes, Esplanade Golf and Country Club is a public golf course with excellent amenities. Along with the 18-hole championship golf course, it offers a driving range with 10 tees and golf instruction with a pro.
There is an excellent pro shop on site where you can get helpful advice from the professional staff on a range of golf clothing and equipment. The club also offers a range of golf lessons and clinics to help you get more from your game.
Photo courtesy Pope Golf
Esplanade Golf Course
This undulating golf course was designed by Chris Wilczynski, an accomplished landscape architect who has completed over 20 golf course designs for public, private and resort courses. With established trees, water challenges and sweeping fairways, the scenic course has something for players of all skill levels.
Opened in 2014, the public golf course is par 72 and 6,718 yards in length. Esplanade Golf Course is managed by Mike Graci, the full time Head Golf Professional, and it consistently earns high reviews and 4-5 star feedback from players.
Once registered, golfers can book tee times online at Lakewood Ranch through their website, making it easy to book ahead and get preferred slots at a variety of price points depending on the demand, time and season. Alternatively, call the clubhouse at 941-306-3500 to book a suitable tee time.
Photo courtesy Pope Golf
Esplanade Country Club Dining
The modern country club overlooks lakes and fairways and has a luxurious private club atmosphere with comfortable furnishings and tasteful décor. The beamed cathedral ceiling adds a sense of spaciousness above the well-stocked Bahama Bar. The bar is currently open for drinks from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and Mondays, and until 9 p.m. on weeknights from Tuesdays thru Friday. Casual food is served at the full service snack bar from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The extensive menu at the Bahama Bar offers an impressive choice of snacks, sandwiches, salads and burgers. The menu offers healthy options such as Avocado Toast and Hummus Pita alongside traditional starters such as Conch and Shrimp Fritters, Crispy Shrimp and Smoked Fish Dip.
Soups and salads offer a cup or bowl of tasty Conch and Veggie Chowder and appetizing freshly made salads including a grilled Sirloin Steak Salad with red onions, green salad and feta vinaigrette. Charred Mahi Mahi, Watermelon and Feta Salad or a choice of salads topped with chicken all rise to the occasion. Paninis, wraps and tacos all have their place on this outstanding menu along with a choice of burgers featuring high quality angus beef patties and a selection of toppings and sides.
The Esplanade Country Club has ambitious plans to extend as the campus is completed. Golfers, visitors, and residents can look forward to a Grille Restaurant with fine private dining, a chef market, teaching kitchen, and wine tasting room in the near future. It’s definitely a place to enjoy now and look forward to returning to in the future.
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