Cost To GOLF ??? - Sarasota / Bradenton Area (Tampa, Cape Coral: to buy, living)

[HBSoli]

We plan to relocate to Florida in a few years, and I've been researching different areas to compare what our true cost of living might be.

I'd like to GOLF as much as possible! At least 3 -4 rounds per week. I currently live in an area where I can play a round for $25 - $35. Not the greatest courses, but not pasture fields.

I've been checking course websites in Florida to get an idea about green fees in different areas. It looks like over on the gulf, from Tampa down to Fort Myers, a morning round is often $75 or more (18 holes w/cart).

Does that sound about right for the Sarasota - Bradenton area? Any info would be appreciated. Cost of GOLF is a major factor in our relocation decision! The gulf side is beautiful, but it looks like a lot of rounds could really add up!

(I'll bug other areas with the same question in their forums).

Thanks!

[Taksan]

Well it depends.... if you buy in a nice Country club with Golf membership then golf is included in many of the clubs.

[FLKitties]

There are a much higher number of golf-course communities in the Bradenton area as opposed to the Cape Coral/Fort Myers area. As Taksan pointed out, there are a number of communities in which golf is included. Many communities also sell golf-only memberships or allow pay for play options. For example, I just looked at The Links at Greenfield Plantation and it looks like they have $25 & $45 rates if you book online: Home – Greenfield Plantation Golf Bradenton | Greenfield Plantation Golf

[beach43ofus]

If you plan to live here year around, the off-season is much cheaper to play. You can easily find nice places to play May 1st to Nov 15th for $30.00. If you wait until later in the day, I've $20 after 2pm unlimited play until dar (~9pm) including cart.

Even some very nice private courses become semi-private in the Summer to increases cash flows.

A friend of mine and I would play 36 holes from 2-9pm at Buffalo Creek for $20/each since just 2 of us, and the course was empty. At times, they'd even throw in a free sandwich and soda!

During season, and for morning tee times, $75 is doable for good courses, but not the top 25% most desireable courses.

[HBSoli]

So it looks like the Summer rates (May - Nov) could help balance out the Winter rates. At least a little...

[johns55]

Originally Posted by HBSoli

So it looks like the Summer rates (May - Nov) could help balance out the Winter rates. At least a little...

Yes, that would help even it out. One thing to keep in mind. It his HOT playing during the daytime in the summer. I've done it many times and that's one of the reasons the price is so cheap. You can play some pretty nice courses.

[RoadVettes]

From mid April to mid November, I play many area courses from $20 to $35 including some of the nicest courses. Get the "Big Summer Golf Card" for good discounts. From mid November to mid April, I can usually play for under $45 but you may have to play after noon time and less choice of courses.

[sixstring09]

Once the snowbirds leave, the green fee rates drop dramatically.

If you plan on playing Bradenton, Sarasota, venice then you need to buy a Big Summer Golf Card.

This gives you deep discounted rates at local golf courses. It will pay for itself in 2-3 rounds.

It is a must.

http://www.bigsummergolf.com/benefits

[Mikemapva]

Here are the rates for the Manatee public course in Bradenton:

Rates
Winter Rates (11/22 THRU 4/30)
18 Holes Riding AM $59.00
18 Holes Riding PM $49.00
Twilight Riding (Time will fluctuate) $35.00
Super Twilight Riding PM (Same as above) $20.00
9 Holes AM (When available) $30.00


Shoulder (Spring – Fall) Rates (5/1 THRU 5/31 & 10/1 THRU 11/22)
18 Holes Riding AM $39.00
9 Holes Riding AM $25.00
18 Holes Riding PM $33.00
18 Holes Walking PM $25.00
9 Holes Riding PM $20.00
Twilight Riding PM $25.00
Super Twilight Riding PM $19.00
Second 18 Holes Riding $18.00
Junior Riding Twilight $10.00
(MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY PAYING ADULT)


Summer Rates (6/1 THRU 9/30)
18 Holes Riding AM $29.00
9 Holes Riding AM $18.00
18 Holes Riding PM $25.00
9 Holes Riding PM $15.00
Twilight Riding PM $20.00
Second 18 Holes Riding $10.00
Junior Riding After PM $10.00
(MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY PAYING ADULT)
ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY DISCOUNT OF $4 OFF ALL RATES YEAR ROUND.

[HBSoli]

Originally Posted by RoadVettes

Get the "Big Summer Golf Card" for good discounts.

Thanks for the tip! I like the "published guide" on the website. Very helpful for getting a better idea of rates for different areas, months, etc. I like that it covers a large area of FL.