Although there are no public golf courses on Longboat Key, that doesn't stop golfers from bunking at the island's luxury accommodations. Its convenient location makes Longboat Key a prime stop for golfers who want to take advantage of Sarasota's array of 30 courses. Fine public facilities and upscale semi-private golf communities join posh private clubs in making Sarasota a dream golf getaway. Of the Top 20 Southwest regional courses voted by the readers of Florida Golf News, nine are in the Sarasota area; and four local courses are in the top 100 places to play in the whole state.

Bobby Jones Golf Complex
1000 Circus Boulevard, Sarasota
(941) 955-8097
www.bobbyjonesgolfclub.com

This municipal facility boasts two regulation eighteen hole courses and a nine hole executive course. The American Course, originally designed in 1963 by R. Albert Anderson and redesigned by Ron Garl in 1988, is a tricky circuit, with water and trees coming into play on most holes. The British Course is a bit more forgiving, but still shakes things up with a healthy serving of sand bunkers. Trivia fans relish the fact that in 1940, the British course hosted the longest playoff in PGA Tour history, between Otto Hackbarth and Jock Hutchinson.

Foxfire Golf Course
7200 Proctor Road, Sarasota
(941) 921-7757
www.golf-foxfire.com

Foxfire gets regular accolades as one of Florida's top public golf courses, and prides itself on its "member for a day" private club-style service and impeccably manicured grounds. Foxfire's three nine hole courses are played in three eighteen hole combinations, with an emphasis on challenging narrow fairways and small greens. Water hazards and trees come into play on numerous holes. Amenities include a full-service restaurant and lounge, and a comprehensive practice facility.

Oak Ford Golf Club
1552 Palm View Road, Sarasota
(941) 371-3680
www.oakfordgolfclub.com

The Oak Ford slogan touts that the club is "a little out of the way, a lot out of the ordinary." Just 20 minutes from downtown Sarasota, the club is nestled in a 850 acre wildlife preserve. It winds through live oaks and grove lands, and is home to an abundance of indigenous South Florida birds, deer, boars, and bobcats. The courses offer seasoned and weekend players a challenge, with numerous water hazards, small greens, and narrow corridors.

Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch
8255 Legacy Boulevard, Bradenton
(941) 907-7067
www.legacygolfclub.com

This award-winning Arnold Palmer-designed course, managed by Troon Golf, has quickly earned its reputation as one of the premier courses in Southwest Florida. The well-maintained 18-hole championship course features elevated multiple tees, and most holes are lined with sand and water. The 360-foot wide fairways on all corridors give the course a very dramatic look. Golf Digest lists the Legacy as on of its "Best Places to Play," and the readers of the magazine give it a four-and-a-half stars.

The River Club
660 River Club Boulevard, Bradenton
(941) 751-4211
www.riverclubgc.com

For the discriminating golfer who prefers a challenge, this Ron Garl-designed 18-hole championship course is as vexing as it is beautiful. Not your typical Florida course, the front nine has rolling fairways with plenty of mounding; the back nine wind through dense woods with undulating, rolling greens. This course was cut out of a jungle, creating a challenging environment for both the average and experienced player. The fairways are wide open though, and the greens are undulating and the putt true.

Waterlefe Golf and River Club
1022 Fish Hook Cove, Bradenton
(941) 744-9771
www.wcigolf.com

Nestled on a beautiful section of the Manatee River, complete with wide expanses of pristine marshes, the Waterlefe features gently sloped greens and the newest TiffEagle Bermuda grass. Designed by Ted McAnlis, the course protects its surrounding natural environment, giving it a unique character. Don't be surprised if on the 15th tee you spot a family of manatees poking noses up for a breath of air. Five sets of tees for each hole allow golfers to customize their games, and the full-service grill and bar allow them to talk it all over at the end of the day.