Where to Go Golfing on Anna Maria and Nearby Longboat Key

If you’re looking for an underrated, relaxing Florida vacation destination, look no further than Anna Maria Island. This seven-mile stretch of land is a true hidden gem, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle and get back to focusing on what you love.

AMI and the surrounding area is great for shopping, sunbathing, and seafood, but there’s one area where the island excels: golf.

Nothing’s more relaxing than starting your day off with an early tee time at a world-class golf course. Luckily, it’s easy to do just that from any of our Anna Maria Island accommodations, so you can fit in your game before finding a great spot for lunch. Throughout Anna Maria Island and nearby Longboat Key, there are multiple spots for you to improve your golf game during your getaway.

AMI Golfing

If you’re looking to get some golf time in without ever leaving the island, your sole option is Key Royale Golf Club. Even though the island itself doesn’t have a ton of golf courses to choose from, there are multiple golfing locations less than 15 minute from the island! You can find golf courses throughout Longboat Key as well as in nearby Bradenton on the mainland (not to be confused with AMI’s Bradenton Beach). 

Key Royale Golf Club

As the only golf and country club on the island, Key Royale Golf Club is the most convenient spot for golfing. Here, you’ll find a 9-hole, Par 32 walking golf course that’s wonderful for all levels of play. There is an open play on the course for at least a few hours every single day, so you can easily fit a game into your itinerary. 

Once you’re done with your game, you can head to the KRC Restaurant for some delectable dishes and fabulous homemade desserts! Key Royale Golf Club also offers social activities like mahjong, bridge, trivia, and book club. You can purchase a summer membership to the club that’s valid from May 1 to October 31, perfect if you’re staying in a long-term rental for a few months.

Longboat Key Golf Courses

Another great golfing area nearby is Longboat Key, which you can reach in just about 20 minutes after leaving AMI. Simply follow FL-789 S/Gulf Drive N to reach Longboat Key, where you’ll find the famous Longboat Key Golf Club. This spot is close enough that you can fit in an incredible game whenever you please!

Longboat Key Golf Club

Longboat Key Golf Club is consistently rated among the nation’s finest golf courses, and once you step onto the green, it won’t be hard to see why. You’ll quickly understand why Golf Digest awarded this AAA Four-Diamond golf resort the “Best Places to Play” award! You’ve got 45 challenging holes to conquer between the two courses: Harbourside and Links on Longboat.

Harbourside Course

The Harbourside Course is made up of three nines that combine to make three distinctive 18-hole options: the White Egret, the Red Hawk, and the Blue Heron. On many of the holes, you’ll have an unmatched view of Sarasota Bay for the quintessential Gulf Coast setting.

The White Egret has the least amount of water and measures 3,342 yards. Despite the lack of water, you’ll still find a challenge with tight fairways that force you to be accurate. For a more forgiving course, the Red Hawk (measuring 3,314 yards) does have more water but offers incredible reward for the risk-taking player. Finally, the Blue Heron course measures 3,368 yards and is the signature nine of the entire club. With tree-lined fairways and swirling winds, this course makes you truly consider every single shot.

Links on Longboat Course

Links on Longboat was formerly known as the Islandside Course and was redesigned by Ron Garl in 2014. You’ll find several characteristics of a classic seaside links course such as big greens, expansive natural areas, and consistent ocean breezes. The course measures at 6,748 yards and has five sets of trees that any level of player will appreciate.

On this course, your iron play will be challenged, but you won’t be penalized for an errant shot. You’ll experience more grassed collection areas and fewer bunkers, and all 18 holes have been recently re-grassed. While you’re playing, you can admire than 5,000 palm trees, pink and white Oleanders, and stunning wildlife that calls this area home.

Bradenton Golf Courses

If you want more golfing near the motels on Anna Maria Island, mainland Bradenton is where you’ll want to be. In Bradenton, you can find four incredible golf courses that offer something for every player, from the total beginner to the pros. 

Manatee County Golf Course

The Manatee Golf Course offers a challenging and beautiful layout that even the advanced player will be tested by. This course prides itself on being one of the best and busiest public golf courses in the area, and it was updated with new TifEagle greens in 2013. Not only can you come out for a great game, but if you want to brush up on your skills, you can practice at the driving range. The Course also offers lessons from professionals Pete Huber, Vito Saputo, and Dave Zalbowitz!

Timber Creek

If you’re looking for a short game, Timber Creek has you covered. This 9-hole, par 3 course is geared toward everyone from beginners and families to the most experienced players. The course is surrounded by lush greenery for you to admire on every hole. Rates start at just $15, making this a budget-friendly way to get your golfing in while on vacation. Want some extra instruction? You can sign up for a lesson with the professional golf instructor Bob Leblanc. 

Pinebrook Ironwood

Pinebrook Ironwood Golf Club has made a name for itself in the Bradenton area, having been voted Bradenton’s #1 golf course in 2007 and finalist in 2008. This is the perfect spot if you’re in the area for a large gathering or business retreat, as Pinebrook Ironwood can accommodate up to 100 golfers! Daily fees start at just $17 in the summer, and junior fees are just $10 for the full day!

Legacy Golf Club 

The Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch is an upscale, 18-hole Championship golf course that’s open to the public. The Club has been drawing locals and visitors alike for years, thanks in large part to its award-winning Arnold Palmer Signature Design. You’ll find multiple elevated teeing areas with plenty of sand and water around, creating a challenging course that is still appealing to golfers of all skill levels. If you’re planning to be in the area for a while or return to Bradenton year after year, consider joining the free Loyalty Program!