Golf & Country Club Homes
Private clubs, bundled-golf communities and everyday courses, all within a short drive of the Gulf beaches.
The Venice area is one of Florida’s great golf destinations. Within a 20-minute drive you can choose a private country club like The Oaks, a guard-gated bundled-golf community like Sarasota National, an established club like Pelican Pointe or Boca Royale, or a public course where you just book a tee time.
Golf communities are not all alike. Some require a membership with your home, some bundle golf into your HOA fees, and some let you join only if you want to. Knowing the difference can save you thousands of dollars a year.
I’m Bill Garrison, a RE/MAX Hall of Fame Realtor who has helped buyers in the Venice area for more than 25 years. This guide covers the area’s best golf communities, what to ask before you buy, and one-click searches of live MLS listings.
Why Buyers Choose a Golf Community
Year-Round Golf
Florida weather means golf in every season, without a long winter break.
Built-In Social Life
Clubhouses, dining, leagues, tennis, pickleball and events make it easy to meet neighbors.
Security & Upkeep
Many golf communities are gated, with maintained common areas, lakes and landscaping.
Views
Fairway, lake and preserve views from the lanai, with no backyard neighbor.
Venice-Area Golf Communities
Each community links to my local guide and a live search of homes for sale.
The Oaks Club, Osprey
A private, gated country club on about 1,000 acres with two championship golf courses, tennis, pickleball and croquet. Many call it the best club in the county. Read the guide • See homes
Sarasota National, Wellen Park
A guard-gated, bundled-golf community on roughly 2,400 acres, with condos, villas, coach homes and single-family homes. Read the guide • See homes
Pelican Pointe, Venice
An established gated golf and country club with a 27-hole course, close to downtown Venice and the beaches. Read the guide • See homes
Venice Golf & Country Club
A gated golf community of about 579 homes in Venice 34292, with several membership levels, a renovated clubhouse and a wellness center. Read the guide • See homes
The Plantation, Venice
About 1,300 acres and 2,600 homes with two Ron Garl championship courses, the Bobcat and the Panther. A good neighborhood, priced well, with reasonable HOA fees. Read the guide • See homes
Waterford, Venice
An established community around the 27-hole Waterford Golf Club, with villas, townhomes and single-family homes near downtown Venice. Read the guide • See homes
Sawgrass, Venice
A gated community of just over 550 homes in 34292 with lakes and preserves. It shares the 27-hole course with neighboring Waterford. Read the guide • See homes
Jacaranda West Country Club
A private, member-owned country club in Venice 34293, established in the late 1970s, with an 18-hole course surrounded by neighborhoods like Lakes of Jacaranda, Meadow Run and Woodmere. See homes
Venetian Golf & River Club
A private, gated WCI community of about 1,380 homes east of I-75 off Laurel Road, with an 18-hole course, the River Club clubhouse and trails along the Myakka River. See homes
Capri Isles, Venice
An established Venice 34292 neighborhood of condos, villas and homes around the Capri Isles golf course, one of the more affordable ways into golf-course living. See homes
Wellen Park Golf & Country Club
Newer homes with a bundled golf membership: a country club lifestyle without a large initiation fee. Read the guide • See homes
Boca Royale, Englewood
An established, nature-focused club with mature oaks, lakes and an 18-hole semi-private championship course. Read the guide • See homes
Calusa Lakes, Nokomis
A gated golf community of about 575 homes on 460 wooded acres with 28 lakes and larger homesites. Read the guide • See homes
Prestancia, Palmer Ranch
A gated community with two TPC Prestancia championship courses, plus homes, villas and condos. Read the guide • See homes
Stoneybrook, Palmer Ranch
A golf course community with single-family homes, villas and condos in Palmer Ranch. See homes
Heron Creek, North Port
A North Port golf neighborhood with homes and villas around the course. Read the guide • See homes
Golf Membership: What to Ask Before You Buy
Mandatory, bundled or optional? Some communities require a club membership with every home, some include golf in the HOA fees (bundled), and others let you join only if you want to.
Initiation and transfer fees. Private clubs can charge an initiation fee or equity contribution when you buy. Get the current number in writing before you make an offer.
Annual dues and food minimums. Ask what dues include, whether there is a dining minimum, and how much fees have gone up in recent years.
Capital projects. Ask about planned clubhouse or course renovations and any special assessments.
Have your own Realtor. I can help you compare clubs side by side, at no extra cost to you.
Play Without Joining a Club
Not ready to join? The Venice area has public and semi-private courses where anyone can book a tee time. See my Venice golf course guide.
Find Your Golf Home
Tell me how often you play and what you want to spend on golf, and I’ll match you with the right club.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bundled golf community?
Do I have to play golf to live in a golf community?
Which is the most exclusive golf club near Venice?
Are there affordable golf communities?
Can you help me compare clubs if I live out of state?
Explore More
Ready to Find Your Golf Community?
Call Bill 941-400-2307 for fast, friendly, accurate information, or join the Venice Insider Plan (VIP). We Buy Our Clients A $500 American Home Shield® Warranty at Closing, when you buy with Bill & the Sandcastle Group.
Bill Garrison, CRS, GRI, RENE • RE/MAX Hall of Fame • Associate Broker, RE/MAX Palm Realty • Venice, FL