Sarasota has a weird relationship with its country clubs. Most people think of the high-barrier-to-entry, stuffy spots behind massive gates where you basically need a legacy connection just to look at the menu. But The Meadows Country Club Sarasota is different. It’s always been different. Situated just east of I-75 and north of Fruitville Road, it’s this sprawling, 1,650-acre ecosystem that somehow manages to feel like a neighborhood park and a high-end athletic facility at the exact same time. It isn't just about golf. Honestly, if you live in Sarasota or you’re looking to move here, you’ve probably heard people talk about "The Meadows" as a neighborhood first and a club second. That’s a mistake. The club itself has undergone some massive shifts lately—especially after the 2019 partnership with the Aviva Senior Living campus and the master association—and it’s transformed from a struggling private entity into a community-centric powerhouse.
The Golf Situation: Three Courses and Zero Pretense
Let's get into the grass. Most clubs give you one course and call it a day. The Meadows Country Club Sarasota gives you 54 holes. That’s a lot of turf. You’ve got the Sarasota City Golf Course (often called the "Member Course"), which was designed by the legendary Arthur Hills. It’s tight. If you have a slice, you’re going to spend a lot of time in the oaks. Then there’s the Highlands, which is a par-72 championship course that Francis Duane laid out. It’s a bit more open, a bit more forgiving, but it still challenges your short game.
Then there’s the Groves.
People sleep on the Groves because it’s a par-65 "short" course. Big mistake. It’s an Arthur Hills design too, and it’s essentially a masterclass in precision. If you’re a senior golfer or someone just trying to get a round in under three hours, the Groves is your best friend. But don't think it’s a cakewalk. The greens are tricky. You can’t just bomb a drive and hope for the best. It’s about finesse.
The reality of golf in Florida right now is that tee times are becoming impossible to find. Public courses are packed. Private courses are raising initiation fees to eye-watering levels. The Meadows stays in this "sweet spot" where the membership tiers actually make sense. You can be a full-on golf member, or you can go for a social membership if you’re just here for the vibe and the occasional tennis match.
It's Actually a Tennis and Pickleball Hub
If you aren't swinging a driver, you’re probably swinging a racquet. The tennis program at The Meadows Country Club Sarasota is legitimately one of the best in the region. We’re talking 17 Har-Trub clay courts. They are meticulously maintained. I’ve seen courts at five-star resorts that don't look this good.
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And yeah, we have to talk about pickleball.
Pickleball has basically taken over Southwest Florida, and The Meadows didn't fight it—they embraced it. They have dedicated courts and a massive community of players. It’s noisy, it’s fast, and it’s addictive. What’s cool here is the social hierarchy—or lack thereof. You’ll see retired CEOs playing against 20-somethings who just moved to Sarasota for a tech job. It’s a literal melting pot of people who just want to sweat.
The tennis center also has a pro shop that isn't just a closet with three cans of balls. It’s a full-service operation. They do clinics. They do mixers. They do "Cardio Tennis," which is basically a HIIT workout with a racquet. If you’re lonely in Sarasota, just show up at the tennis center for a Saturday morning mixer. You’ll have five new friends by noon.
The "Renaissance" and Why the 2019 Deal Changed Everything
A few years ago, things looked a little dicey. Like many older clubs, The Meadows was facing the "generational gap" problem. Younger families weren't joining at the same rate as the original residents from the 70s and 80s. But then something smart happened. The Meadows Community Association (MCA) stepped in.
They reached a deal to purchase the club’s assets. This was a game-changer. It essentially turned the club into the "heart" of the community again, backed by the stability of the homeowners' association. They invested millions. The fitness center got a massive glow-up. The pool area was revitalized.
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Now, when you walk into the Regency Room or the Fountain View Lounge, it doesn't feel like a 1984 time capsule. It feels fresh. The food has actually improved, too. Usually, "club food" is a code word for mediocre Caesar salads and dry burgers. But the culinary team here has been leaning into seasonal Florida ingredients. The Sunday brunch is a local staple for a reason.
Fitness Beyond the Fairway
Let's talk about the fitness center. It’s not just a room with two treadmills and a rusty dumbbell. It’s a 5,000-square-foot facility. They have TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) certified trainers. If you don't know what that is, it’s basically fitness training specifically designed to help your golf swing. They look at your hip mobility, your core strength, and your balance.
They also have a junior Olympic-sized pool. It’s heated, obviously. This is where the "lifestyle" part of the category really hits home. You see lap swimmers at 6:00 AM, and by 2:00 PM, it’s kids splashing around while parents have a drink at the deck. It’s a functional space.
Why This Location Beats Lakewood Ranch
People always compare The Meadows to Lakewood Ranch. Look, Lakewood Ranch is great. It’s new, it’s shiny, and it’s massive. But it’s also far. If you want to go to downtown Sarasota or hit Lido Key beach, you’re looking at a 30-to-40-minute haul depending on the nightmare that is University Parkway traffic.
The Meadows is perfectly positioned. You are ten minutes from downtown. You’re five minutes from the UTC Mall and the Nathan Benderson Park rowing lake. You’re close to the action, but once you drive past those wooden signs into the canopy-covered streets of The Meadows, the temperature literally feels like it drops five degrees. The oak trees are massive. The 14 miles of walking and biking trails are actually shaded. You don't get that in the "new" developments where they cleared every tree to build 500 identical stucco houses.
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The Nuance of Membership Tiers
One thing that confuses people about The Meadows Country Club Sarasota is how to actually get in. It’s a private club, but it’s accessible. They offer:
- Platinum Golf Membership: This is the "everything" pass. All three courses, tennis, fitness, pool, social events.
- Gold Tennis Membership: For the racquet-obsessed. You get all the tennis perks plus the pool and social stuff.
- Silver Social: This is for the person who wants the gym, the pool, and the dining rooms but doesn't care about birdies or backhands.
- Seasonal Memberships: Sarasota is a seasonal town. The club knows this. They offer "trial" or seasonal memberships for snowbirds who are only here for the winter months.
It’s important to note that you don't have to live in The Meadows neighborhood to be a member of the club. Plenty of members live in downtown condos or out in Palmer Ranch. They drive here because the vibe is more relaxed. It’s "Old Florida" in the best way possible—not the "deteriorating buildings" way, but the "mature landscaping and friendly neighbors" way.
Environmental Stewardship
Something you might not know: The Meadows is actually a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. This isn't just a sticker they put on the door. It means they manage the land in a way that protects local wildlife. When you’re out on the 14th hole, you’re going to see Sandhill Cranes. You might see a gator (don't pet it). You’ll definitely see Ospreys. The club uses integrated pest management and water conservation techniques that are actually pretty progressive for a golf-centric development. It feels like a nature preserve that happens to have a golf course on it.
Making the Most of Your Visit
If you’re thinking about checking it out, don't just show up and expect to wander the greens. It’s still a private facility. However, the club often hosts open houses or community events.
The best way to experience it is to book a tour with the membership director. Ask to see the fitness center first, then the tennis courts, and end at the Fountain View Lounge for a drink. Look at the people. Are they smiling? Are the staff members greeting people by name? In The Meadows, they usually are.
Practical Steps for Interested Locals or Newcomers:
- Walk the Trails First: The 14 miles of trails are open to the public (mostly). Get a feel for the topography and the "vibe" of the land before you even look at a membership brochure.
- Check the Event Calendar: They often have "New Member Mixers." If you can get an invite to one, do it. It’s the fastest way to see if you actually click with the current crowd.
- Compare the Dues: Sit down and look at what you’re currently paying for a gym, a pool, and public golf fees. For many people, a Social or Tennis membership at The Meadows actually ends up being cheaper than "piecing together" a lifestyle elsewhere.
- Evaluate Your Commute: If you work in downtown Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch, The Meadows is the most logical "middle ground" in the entire county.
The Meadows Country Club Sarasota isn't trying to be the Ritz-Carlton. It’s trying to be a high-quality, high-value community hub that respects the environment and keeps its members active. In a city that’s becoming increasingly crowded and expensive, that’s a pretty rare find. Whether you're a scratch golfer or just someone who wants a decent place to swim laps and grab a cold beer, it’s worth a look. The "Old Florida" charm is real here, and thankfully, it doesn't seem to be going anywhere.