Most golf communities in Florida follow a predictable formula – a flat course, a pool, and a clubhouse that smells faintly of carpet cleaner. Lakewood National Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch is a different story. The two Arnold Palmer-designed courses here have ranked among GolfPass’s highest-rated public courses in recent years, and the community built around them has become one of the most sought-after addresses in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.
Whether you are planning a golf vacation, considering a seasonal rental, or just trying to understand what makes this community worth the attention it gets, this post covers the golf, the amenities, and the practical questions most people ask before they arrive.
The Golf at Lakewood National
Lakewood National has 36 holes spread across two 18-hole courses, both designed by the Arnold Palmer Design Company’s Brandon Johnson. The courses were built on ~900 acres of mostly flat Lakewood Ranch land, and Johnson did something rare: he made them interesting anyway. Wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and notably demanding green complexes give both courses a character that holds up for experienced players while remaining approachable for mid-handicappers. Here is how they break down:
Commander Course: A par-72 layout at 7,181 yards, Commander has ranked among GolfPass’s top-rated public courses in the US and has hosted the LECOM Suncoast Classic since the tournament’s debut in 2019.
Piper Course: Playing slightly longer at 7,291 yards, Piper offers a different challenge with subtler green contours and sharper tee box geometry, and has earned its own strong national rankings from GolfPass reviewers.
Both courses have six sets of tees, which means players of any ability level can find an appropriate challenge. The practice facilities include a driving range, chipping green, and putting green. On-site instruction is available from full-time golf professionals.
Community Amenities
Golf is the centerpiece here, but it is far from the whole picture. Lakewood National is built around a resort-style amenity package that most standalone resorts would struggle to match.
Clubhouse and Dining: The main clubhouse is a 44,000-square-foot facility with a grand ballroom, indoor dining, and event space.
Pool Complex: The resort-style pool features a beach-entry lagoon, two outdoor pools, and a poolside tiki bar. Casual poolside dining is available, making it a popular spot whether or not golf is on the agenda for the day.
Tennis and Pickleball: Eight lighted clay tennis courts and dedicated pickleball courts serve the community, with on-site racquet sports professionals available for instruction and clinics.
Full-Service Spa and Fitness: The U-topia spa offers a full menu of treatments, and the fitness center includes personal trainers and a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certified trainer for golf-focused conditioning. The fitness center offers extended keycard access for members.
Bocce and Social Programming: Bocce courts round out the activity offerings, and the community maintains an active social calendar with events hosted throughout the year in the clubhouse.
Stay at Lakewood National with Jennette Properties
Lakewood National is the kind of community that turns a golf trip into something you start planning again before you have even left. The courses are genuinely excellent, the amenities go well beyond what most communities offer, and Lakewood Ranch gives you a comfortable base for exploring everything the Sarasota area has to offer.
At Jennette Properties, we manage vacation rentals at Lakewood National and across the Sarasota Gulf Coast. Browse our available rentals or get in touch with our team – we are happy to help you find the right property for your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakewood National
Where is Lakewood National Located?
Lakewood National is a gated community with 24-hour security, located in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, roughly 15 miles east of downtown Sarasota and about 15 to 25 miles from the Gulf Coast beaches. The University Town Center (UTC) mall is just a few minutes away, and Interstate 75 is close enough to make Sarasota and Bradenton both easily accessible. Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key are all within a 30 to 40-minute drive.
Can Non-Members Play the Courses?
Lakewood National operates primarily as a private, bundled golf community, meaning golf membership is embedded with property ownership.
Guests staying in vacation rental homes or condos within the community may have access to amenities, including golf, depending on the specific rental arrangement. If you are booking a vacation rental at Lakewood National with the intention of playing the courses, it is worth confirming golf access directly with the property manager before you book.
Which is the Closest airport to Lakewood National?
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the closest option, usually about 25 to 35 minutes away. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is another common choice, offering more flight options and sitting roughly an hour’s drive north.
