Laurel Oak Country Club
2700 Gary Player Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34240 USA
(941) 378-3608
Geographic Coordinates: 27.307684, -82.416208
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 45.0°C (14°F to 113°F)
Climate: Varied climate and weather patterns in Sarasota, FL throughout the year.
Laurel Oak Country Club, Located in Sarasota, Florida, Is a premier golf destination that caters to both beginners and experienced players. Spanning across 813 acres of lush greenery, This prestigious club features two championship golf courses designed by renowned architects Gary Player and Rees Jones. The Gary Player Course at Laurel Oak is highly regarded for its meticulous design and challenging layout. It stretches over 7, 003 yards from the back tees and offers picturesque fairways lined with majestic oak trees and sparkling lakes on select holes. Golfers are treated to a visually stunning environment that enhances their playing experience.
The undulating greens of the course require precision and strategic shot-making skills to navigate the strategically placed hazards. On the other hand, The Rees Jones Course at Laurel Oak presents a slightly different challenge. With wider fairways spanning over 6, 875 yards from its longest tees, Accuracy off the tee becomes crucial to maneuver around well-placed bunkers and water features. The signature par-3 17th hole stands out with its island green that tests even the most confident golfer’s nerves.
In addition to its exceptional golf courses, Laurel Oak Country Club offers outstanding practice facilities for members looking to refine their skills. A state-of-the-art driving range with target greens allows players to warm up before their rounds or engage in focused practice sessions under professional guidance. Chipping areas and putting greens are also available for members aiming to improve their short game techniques. Laurel Oak Country Club takes pride not only in providing excellent golf experiences but also in fostering an inviting social atmosphere for its members.
The elegant clubhouse serves as a central gathering place where friends can relax after a round of golf or indulge in exquisite dining prepared by talented chefs using locally sourced ingredients. Membership at Laurel Oak Country Club extends beyond access to world-class golf facilities; it includes other amenities such as tennis courts, A fully equipped fitness center, And a resort-style swimming pool. The club hosts various events throughout the year, Including tournaments, Social gatherings, And special holiday celebrations that promote a sense of community among members. Laurel Oak Country Club in Sarasota
, Florida is an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts seeking an exceptional playing experience. With its meticulously designed courses by Gary Player and Rees Jones, Extensive practice facilities, Elegant clubhouse amenities, And vibrant social scene – it truly embodies luxury country club living. Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy the camaraderie of fellow golfers in a stunning setting, Laurel Oak Country Club is sure to exceed all expectations.
Fun Facts and Other Tidbits
- History: Laurel Oak Country Club was established in 1990 and is situated on over 800 acres of land. The club features two championship golf courses designed by Gary Player and Rees Jones.
- Golf Tournaments: The club has hosted various prestigious golf tournaments, including the U.S. Open Qualifier, U.S. Amateur Qualifier, Florida State Senior Championship, and many others.
- Annual Events: Laurel Oak hosts several annual events for its members and guests, such as the Member-Guest Invitational Tournament, President’s Cup Championship, Ladies’ Member-Member Tournament, Couples’ Twilight Golf League, etc.
- Pro-Am Events: The club also organizes Pro-Am events where members get an opportunity to play alongside professional golfers from various tours.
- Membership: Laurel Oak offers different membership options including Full Golf Membership (with access to both courses), Tennis & Fitness Membership (access to tennis facilities), Social Membership (access to dining and social activities), etc.
- Amenities: Apart from two championship golf courses, Laurel Oak Country Club boasts a state-of-the-art tennis facility with 12 Har-Tru courts along with a well-equipped fitness center offering personal training services.
- Junior Programs: The club emphasizes junior development programs for young golfers through clinics and lessons conducted by experienced professionals.
- Community Involvement: Laurel Oak is actively involved in giving back to the community through charitable initiatives like hosting fundraising events for local organizations or providing scholarships for deserving students pursuing higher education.
These are just some notable aspects of Laurel Oak Country Club’s history and yearly events; further details can be obtained directly from their official website or by contacting them directly.
Important Landmarks
- The Ringling: A historic mansion built by circus magnate John Ringling. It now houses the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, which features a collection of European paintings and sculptures.
- Ca’ d’Zan: Located within The Ringling complex, this stunning Venetian Gothic mansion was once the winter residence of John and Mable Ringling.
- Sarasota Opera House: Originally built as a theater in 1926, it has been restored and is now home to the Sarasota Opera.
- St. Armands Circle: A popular shopping district known for its upscale boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. It is also home to several statues including The Kiss statue by Seward Johnson.
- Unconditional Surrender Statue: Located on the Bayfront near Marina Jack restaurant, this iconic statue depicts a sailor kissing a nurse during World War II.
- Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall: A distinctive purple-colored building that hosts various performing arts events including concerts, ballets, operas, and more.
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Known for its beautiful orchid collection and tropical gardens overlooking Sarasota Bay.
- Historic Spanish Point: An outdoor history museum showcasing Florida’s pioneer heritage with archaeological exhibits dating back thousands of years.
- Big Pass Sandbar (New Pass Sandbar): An ever-changing sandbar located near Siesta Key Beach where locals gather for boating parties or to enjoy shallow waters during low tide.
- Selby Library Building: Designed by architect William Wesley Peters in 1998 with an iconic sail-like roof structure that reflects the maritime culture of Sarasota.
These are just some examples; there are many other notable landmarks and buildings throughout Sarasota that contribute to its unique charm and character.
Sports Teams
- Sarasota High School Sailors: The Sarasota High School Sailors have a rich history in various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and swimming. The school has won numerous state championships in these sports over the years.
- Riverview High School Rams: Riverview High School has a strong athletic program with successful teams in football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The Rams have had multiple appearances in state playoffs and have produced several collegiate athletes.
- Booker High School Tornadoes: Booker High School is known for its competitive sports teams such as football, basketball, track and field, and wrestling. They have achieved success at the district level and have sent athletes to play at the collegiate level.
- Out-of-Door Academy Thunder: The Out-of-Door Academy Thunder competes in various sports including football, baseball/softball, basketball, soccer tennis and golf among others. They are known for their excellent athletics program that has produced talented student-athletes.
- Sarasota Scullers Rowing Club: Founded in 1991 as a non-profit organization promoting rowing as a sport for all ages and skill levels within the community of Sarasota County. The club has grown to become one of Florida’s premier rowing programs with many notable achievements at regional and national levels.
- Sarasota Surge Women’s Football Team: Established in 2019 as part of the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA), the Surge is an all-female tackle football team representing Sarasota County area.
- Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival: An annual powerboat racing event held on Lido Beach since 1984 featuring high-performance boats from around the world competing for championship titles.
These are just a few examples of sports teams/events with notable histories in Sarasota County; there may be other local or amateur teams that also contribute to the vibrant sporting culture of this area.
Museums and Things To See
- The Ringling Museum: A must-visit attraction featuring an art museum with a vast collection of European paintings, a circus museum showcasing the history of the Ringling Bros. Circus, beautiful gardens, and the historic Ca’ d’Zan mansion.
- Sarasota Opera House: An iconic theater known for its stunning architecture and as a venue for opera performances.
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Although primarily a botanical garden known for its extensive collection of orchids and other tropical plants, it often hosts art exhibitions as well.
- The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art: Part of The Ringling complex mentioned above but deserving special mention due to its vast collection of classical European paintings including works by Rubens, Van Dyck, Velázquez, El Greco and more.
- Art Center Sarasota: A contemporary art gallery showcasing local artists through various exhibitions throughout the year.
- Florida Studio Theatre: Offering diverse theatrical productions ranging from classic plays to contemporary works across multiple stages.
- Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall: A waterfront concert hall hosting various performances including Broadway shows, concerts by renowned artists across genres like classical music or pop/rock bands.
- Asolo Repertory Theatre: Known for its high-quality productions ranging from classics to modern plays performed in rotating repertory style.
- Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT): Celebrating African-American culture through dynamic theater productions that often include musicals or revues dedicated to renowned artists like Aretha Franklin or Ray Charles.
- Sarasota Orchestra (previously Sarasota Symphony Orchestra): Offering symphonic concerts throughout the year along with special events featuring guest musicians or conductors.
These are just a few examples; Sarasota has an active cultural scene, so there are many more museums, galleries, theaters, and music centers to explore in the area.