Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club

TheGriftKings · October 8, 2021

We just moved to the area and have only had a chance to tour some of the neighborhoods, but not play them. From what I’ve seen, Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club (LWRGCC) has 3 different 18 hole courses, two clubhouses and several pretty massive short game practice areas with different stations at each clubhouse. In sum, all things relative, it seems to offer a ton of golf for the money compared to other top end options that only have one 18 hole course.

I’ve done a lot of browsing in this section but don’t see a ton of feedback on LWRGCC specifically. I’ve seen a few posts mention it alongside some of the other top end options - and some comments have confused LWRGCC with Lakewood National - but there’s never anything specific about the different courses or facilities at LWRGCC.

I’m not looking for other course suggestions. What I’m hoping for is particular feedback on LWRGCC and if it’s all that it appears to be. Specifically:

- Feedback on all 3 courses? King’s Dunes, Cypress Links, Royal Lakes.

- Details on the practice areas - e.g. what stations are offered, conditions, etc.

Bottomline is that our family is a group of avid golfers and we’re raising a junior who plays competitively so there has to be a pro-level practice area available at anywhere we’re entertaining joining. Based on what I’ve seen LWRGCC looks great, but again, we would love to hear some specific feedback because there just isn’t much out there.

Thank you!

Edited October 8, 2021 by TheGriftKings

GolfSRQ · October 8, 2021

Lakewood ranch cc is excellent, but I believe they are full? There is a great mix of younger families and older retirees.

It’s the best choice overall in that area for a full service country club.

Lakewood national has 2 very nice courses but I believe is still semi private, and when they become fully private will have too many members and might be limited to the neighborhood.

TheGriftKings · October 8, 2021

I can only speak to the Young Executive program (under age 44), but I have confirmed that those are still open.

What is your feedback specifically on the three courses? Do they play very different? Are all 3 typically open at once, or is it more two are open while a third is under repair? Anything you think a potential member would want to know?

Separately, Lakewood National’s membership is now only open to homeowners.

GolfSRQ · October 8, 2021

All 3 courses play differently. I’m a member at prestancia which about 20-30 mins south of there, so I’ve only played Lwrcc a few times. Very nice every time.
I would join ASAP. There are not many choices still available down here. Everything has filled up in the last year. Some private courses near there have waiting lists of over 100 people.
For junior golf , the Lakewood ranch high school team is pretty good this year. They have been down for awhile , but have had a nice influx of players and are good this year.

TheGriftKings · October 8, 2021

I appreciate the tip to join ASAP. LWRGCC would only tell me there is still an opening, but I wondered about capacity because so many people have been moving here.

Does anyone else have any experience there? For being such a big facility, it’s pretty amazing to me that you can’t find much in terms of golf reviews online.

GolfSRQ · October 8, 2021

Think of this, where else could you join?
Most of the other private courses are now full. People are moving to this area by the thousands every month. They can’t build houses fast enough.
Ask them to go play there and then make a decision. You’re going to get left out and regret it.
The place is an A+ Country club that’s in excellent condition.

ilikegolf26 · October 9, 2021

Aren’t all three courses playing through neighborhoods? Like if you miss a fairway you’re in someone’s pool?

cwb12 · October 11, 2021

Not a member, but play there with members a few times a month.

Cypress Links is playing through homes, but they are never in play. Fairways and rough are very forgiving for any level. Course can play short at times, but the Par 5's are long and a good challenge

Kings Dunes is the younger members favorite. It is challenging, decent length and shot playing is necessary. Has a short Par 4 that driver is risk/reward.

Royal Lakes is the newest of 3. It is wide open. Missing fairways is hard, and the greens are massive. Very playable and fun, but 3 putts are likely first time around

Royal Lakes is off the main property and has a great clubhouse for food, and small putting course for post round drinks or kids play.

Practice facilities at both are great. Big putting greens, chipping areas. The main clubhouse area (CL, KD) has a short chipping course as well.

They close 1 course every 2 weeks for maintenance. So 2 are open at a time, keeping them in very good condition.

Tee times are lottery however, so sometimes not as easy to get times you want.

I live in Pinellas otherwise I would join. Still thinking about it if Exec is 44Under to be honest.

ilikegolf26 · October 11, 2021

49 minutes ago, cwb12 said:

Not a member, but play there with members a few times a month.

Cypress Links is playing through homes, but they are never in play. Fairways and rough are very forgiving for any level. Course can play short at times, but the Par 5's are long and a good challenge

Kings Dunes is the younger members favorite. It is challenging, decent length and shot playing is necessary. Has a short Par 4 that driver is risk/reward.

Royal Lakes is the newest of 3. It is wide open. Missing fairways is hard, and the greens are massive. Very playable and fun, but 3 putts are likely first time around

Royal Lakes is off the main property and has a great clubhouse for food, and small putting course for post round drinks or kids play.

Practice facilities at both are great. Big putting greens, chipping areas. The main clubhouse area (CL, KD) has a short chipping course as well.

They close 1 course every 2 weeks for maintenance. So 2 are open at a time, keeping them in very good condition.

Tee times are lottery however, so sometimes not as easy to get times you want.

I live in Pinellas otherwise I would join. Still thinking about it if Exec is 44Under to be honest.

It is under 44 but dues increase at 45 to 100%. This is from when I inquired into it:

I’ve only played two of the courses and wasn’t a big fan of either. The dues are great but that initiation fee is too rich for my blood, especially so considering with the ridiculous population growth in the area I’ll probably be out of here sooner rather than later.

Edited October 11, 2021 by ilikegolf26

TheGriftKings · October 11, 2021

@cwb12 Thanks for the detailed feedback. This is more than I’ve seen anywhere.

You mentioned being a significant drive away (especially in season), so notwithstanding your review above, what’s so great about this facility that you would drive all the way down to play?

As I’m trying to determine whether it’s worth the hefty initiation, the deciding factor seems to be the practice area for me and my family to hang out and spend hours at. From what I’ve seen it definitely has a “golfer’s playground” vibe to it. But otherwise, lots of clubs here have two courses, nice clubhouses, etc.

So what are the main points of attraction for you?

Edited October 12, 2021 by TheGriftKings

GolfSRQ · October 11, 2021

If its close to where you live you will meet many similar people and develop new relationships. We have made numerous friends over the last few years that we play golf with, travel with, do business with etc, all from our CC. The only better practice facilities in your area are Concession and the Ritz.

cwb12 · October 12, 2021

Pinellas County has Zero Golf. My current club is a major clusterF* and I know what I'm going to get day in and day out at LWRCC. Conditions usually great, greens are always consistent and have great speed. 45 min drive to get good golf, good consistency, more or less good management from what i've seen compared to what I have. If you can get in, its good. As SRQ said, Concession and Ritz are the main 2 above and if you are just below that, you are in good shape.

Yes full dues and initiation is high but if you are going to use it, not going to find a better bang in the area, without 2-3 year waitlist.