Esplanade Golf & Country Club at Lakewood Ranch

The course is groomed perfectly. Fairways and greens are excellent. Pace of play is slow. It is the busy season and that is expected, but everyone needs to work at a faster pace of play. One of our favorite courses in the area.

Very nice course but the rangers don’t do enough to keep the pace of play moving to something near 4 hours. I believe there may have even been a 5 some in front of us. Not acceptable on a Friday morning.

I made a tee time as a single player. The starter matched me up with another single player. We both played fairly well, had a lot in common to talk about, and just generally had a great time. I thought the staff was much more friendly than when I played there a year ago. The course was in excellent condition, which was notable given this year’s higher temperatures in February. There’s plenty of trouble to get into with hazards, water and bunkers, but the course plays very fair. Al-in-all, this was an excellent experience.

Where do I start. I called and booked 8 players for $69 per player, based on each player providing an email address. I was explicit on the phone that our group didn’t like to pay more than $70 so they offered us the email promotion .

Upon arrival, our first player checked in and they charged him $89 plus tax. I spoke with both the pro shop attendant and then the head pro who instructed me that they don’t have a $69 rate and we would have to pay $89. To make matters worse, the attendant stated that it was he who took my reservation and that he didn’t offer me the email $69 promotion. Well I ask you then, how did I know to ask for the email promotion if it wasn’t provided to me over the phone. The Pro (Ken I think), was given every opportunity to make the situation right, which he did not, so at this point after bickering back and forth we decided to just pay the fee and play the course.

Tees, fairways, and rough are impeccable compared to other area coursss. The greens are comparable to other 2 stat courses in the area (brown and bumpy). Lakewood National down the road is by far a better value, and their customer service is exemplary compared to the individuals I encountered at Esplanade.

I could go on and on about the disaster that was but I think everyone will get the point. Esplanade will fail with the current management structure in place in the Golf shop, no question. FYI. I’ve worked in the golf industry for over 15 years and wouldn’t imagine treating guests the way we were treated today.

Course was in great shape, staff was helpful and friendly and the pace of play was excellent. Kinda neat hitting practice balls into water the other practice amenities were very good as well. Enjoyed the course, it’s a little overpriced but for all you get it’s worth the price.

Excellent course conditions. Cudos to the sup. The greens roll nicely. Subtle breaks

Good layout and super friendly staff.... would make it my regular course !!

Generous fairways. Greens roll true Tiki bar well positioned next to driving range. My favourite course in the area although getting harder to find a reasonable rate.

We arrived at the course and the bag drop attendant informed us we were parked in the member area. That is ok for him to tell us that, but he was very rude about it. I guess he was rude as we didn't allow him to take our bags, which meant no tip. The assistant pro, Stacy, was extremely rude. Chewing gum with his mouth wide open. Actually chewing would be ok, he was chomping. I know this is nit picking but a premier course should act like a premier course. Stacy was not friendly , just took my money and looked right pass me. Not a great start. The only thing that keeps me coming back to the course is the course. The conditions are great and the layout is very fair. The starter should know better to pair two twosomes together, instead of sending them out apart. There were nothing but four packs in front of us, so we would be waiting on every shot. The group behind us was a two pack, so I had to suggest that we pair up. Again, small issues, but a course that is trying to be elite should know this. I know I said this, but the course is amazing and the greens are true.

First time playing the esplanade and was a little surprised at the wide open somewhat boring layout. Not a bad course at all but with the $100 price tag I thought it would be more memorable. . We did get a great deal on golf now for $40 each. Played the back tee and at just under 6800 it's a good test. Flat and open some water in play but if you get off tees and hit the large greens you can score well. A fun day at the esplanade

What a wonderful golf course. Greens were in great condition. Over seeded everywhere. Bunkers were well maintained, loved the sand. Houses are set back enough. Loved the course and facility. Will definitely return.