Membership momentum is building at The Founders Club as evidenced by a record increase of 35 percent in new memberships, year-over-year. With a variety of amenities to indulge in both active and leisurely pursuits along with the fairways of the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf course and acres of nature preserves, membership has remained apace at all three club levels: Social, Associate Golf, and Golf.

“This summer, we saw an even higher interest for our limited summer membership,” said Juliette Valin, general manager at The Founders Golf Club. “Many were looking for things to do outside with their families, and our location provided them with an ideal setting surrounded by lush and mature greens complimented by a variety of active programs, such as tennis, yoga and Pilates. Our golf course is also in the best shape it’s ever been.”

The Club recently completed a $600,000 renovation on the course, which included updates to the bunkers and greens.

Golf is a core part of life at The Founders Club. No tee times are required and crowds are never an issue, since membership is limited to 275. Members can walk the course at their own pace – utilizing Sarasota’s only traditional caddie program – and enjoy the game as it’s meant to be. The Club’s 7,094-yard, par 72 layout features a backdrop of mighty oak, pine and palm trees and is dotted with tranquil lakes, unspoiled wetlands and natural buffers of untamed landscapes.

 “Many of our members are still working, so the convenience of being able to acquire a same-day tee time is very appealing,” added Valin. “Despite COVID, we’ve also maintained the majority of our programs, 50 percent of which are on the golf course. We also have a large outdoor verandah, which overlooks the 18th hole; the views are stunning.”

 The Founders Club has expanded their health and safety protocols, integrating new UV sanitation technology, HEPA Filter Air Purifiers in the gyms, and increased cleaning.

The Founders Golf Club also boasts a state-of-the-art teaching facility, where seasoned pros help members improve their skills. Members can also work on their game at the Club’s putting greens, short game area for practice sessions and large driving range.

“We’ve seen an uptick specifically in golf-minded individuals coming from as far away as Casey Key, Siesta Key, Bradenton and of course, our neighbor, Lakewood Ranch who are looking for great golf, an intimate setting and a high-level of services beyond what they may experience in their current residential setting.”

Additional amenities include the 24,000-square-foot Golf Hall. The member-owned club offers casual and fine dining, a golf pro shop, men’s and women’s locker rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center, along with Har-Tru® tennis courts, basketball and sand volleyball courts and a picnic pavilion. In addition, the Club has just added Whatmore Performance Training. This organization has fitness trained athletes from the Challenge European tour, Korn Ferry tour, Canadian tour, Latin America, PGA Tour, LPGA and Symetra tour, Legends tour and Long Drive.

Complimenting the amenities at The Founders Club is a robust builder program comprised of four of the areas most respected luxury homebuilders: AR Homes, John Cannon Homes, Lee Wetherington Homes and London Bay Homes. The program offers endless possibilities for homeowners to create a truly personalized home on homesites ranging from nearly half an acre to almost two acres that can accommodate floor plans ranging from 2,200 to more than 6,000 square feet. Home and homesite packages at The Founders Club are priced from the high $700,000s to more than $5 million. No CDD fees.

Just outside the gates, residents also have quick access through Lorraine Road to a host of activities, restaurants and events in Lakewood Ranch. Less than 20 minutes away, acclaimed local restaurants, boutiques, and arts and cultural venues in downtown Sarasota also offer residents convenient options for vibrant living, while pristine, white-sand beaches near the Sarasota Bay provide a tropical background for enjoying the outdoors.