In 1885 John Hamilton Gillespie arrived in America from Scotland. He settled in Sarasota, Florida and didn't waste much time. In 1886 he had laid out two holes on his property so that he could play his favorite game, golf. This may or may not have been the country's first golf course but it was definitely the beginning of Florida's love and passion for the game of golf.
If Gillespie sowed the seed of golf in Florida, there were many people who came along to water it. Some of the greatest players and course designers have left their mark on Florida.
The Famous Courses of Florida Golf
Florida's weather seems tailor made for golf. For generations course architects have taken advantage of Florida's climate with well-designed courses.
TPC Sawgrass
The TPC Sawgrass opened in 1980. The club serves as the headquarters for the PGA Tour and hosts one of the PGA's signature events, The Players Championship. The club features two individual courses, the Stadium Course and the Valley Course. The Stadium course is often regarded as one of the most difficult golf courses in the world.
Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club and Lodge
This Orlando golf club bears the name of one of the sport's all time greats. The 270 acre course features 27 holes of championship level golf. The course also hosts the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational Tournament.
Florida is a Must Visit for Golfers
Florida is a unique place where golf's past, present, and future, meet. The history of the game in the state is enough to attract enthusiasts. The opportunity to play on some of the world's greatest courses in picturesque weather is enough to entice anyone to get their clubs and pack for the Sunshine State.
Often, a visitor will become enamored with Florida and decide that it is the place for them. If you are searching for a private community in which you can enjoy Florida's golfing, as well as the rest of the amenities that it has to offer, consider The Founders Club.
The Founders Club is a private golf club community that is nestled within Sarasota. The community offers 262 homes spread throughout 700 acres that also include golf courses, lakes, and nature preserves. Contact us to see why the Founders Club may be the right place for you.
