Esplanade Golf & Country Club at Lakewood Ranch

Took us over an an hour to play three holes. We noticed there was a five-some ahead of a three-some in front of us. We contacted the pro shop and was told they would have the ranger address it and also another issue in front of that group holding up play - they indicated that five-somes are not permitted. Three hours to play the front nine. As we made the turn the five-some had not been addressed. Groups were quitting and going in.
Five hours ++ to play 18 holes.
When we came in we told the staff that the ranger issue should be addressed -- they said he had gone home.
Lastly construction of residences has picked up dramatically and negatively affects the ambiance of the course.
NOT A FUN DAY!!!!!

Very new course Great greens running at 12 plus are very good.

Plays shorter than distance because of firmness of fairways.

Overall an enjoyable course and will be one of the best in the Sarasota area when it ages..

Great course keeping tradition of great Lakewood Ranch golf courses. Interesting playing a golf course community without all the houses there yet. Play the course before it becomes completely private lined with houses.

As soon as you arrive you feel special with the men & women working there. They could not do enough for you. Fairways and greens are well kept. The course itself will challenge you. So be nice.

Played Esplanade for the first time this week and it is a welcome addition to the Sarasota/Bradenton area.
We played the round in the middle of the day and still played in less than 4 hours. The greens are in terrific shape. They are large and very undulating. The course has a nice routing, and gives you plenty of room off the tee to keep it in play. The only negative about the course is the 17th green..they should bulldoze it and start over[you will see what I mean when you get on it.]

Excellent fairways and greens. Surroundings not yet finished, but love the flowers around the course.

What a fun and friendly course to play!!! I will definitely come back to play.

This was our 2nd time to play the course in the same week- we liked it so much. The greens were wonderful , fairways in great condition , and the course had a wonderful warm up area. We found the course challenging but playable and fair.
The first time I played there- I played the red tees , then yesterday I played the copper and enjoyed both, shooting below my handicap both days. My husband, played the silver tees, shooting below one day and at his handicap the 2nd round.
After our round, we enjoyed drinks on the patio and the server was very attentive.

Nice track, Friendly/helpful staff. Pace of play was about 4:15, which at this time of year is great. Greens and fairways were in excellan shape.

Course is really nice. It's one of my favorite in this area.
Because it is new, there are port-o-pottiies on the course and they tend to get a little nasty. Once it becomes private, I will miss playing here.

excellent shape and room on the fairways to actually hit w/o going in water on every hole

Currently course is nice to play and in great shape. Full overseed when I played. Will be a different story once all the houses are built.

Excellent conditions, one of the best in the area by far. Must play before it becomes private! Play on a Sunday when building is on a hold as it is a brand new course.

I have never experienced a positive result from Internet searches until now. This course was exactly what was depicted as, it played really well, and my foursome had a great time.

Loved the beautiful fairways & greens - very well cared for. This course provides an advantage for new players and women. It was fun to play a course that has not been fully developed around it - you will want to watch this course in the future as it develops and matures.

course is in good shape construction all aroundlong distance between holes very nice staff

Fun golf course. It is in great shape and the greens are awesome. There are a variety of unique, fun golf holes. You will need every club in your bag.

Second time playing... very nice layout. A players course, excellent conditions. Rewards good tee to green play with superb green design. No trickery on the greens, a well read line will hold well with good speed set up.
Excellent practice area with balls included. Really like that you can purchase a range day pass should you be local and want to hone your skills. That's a excellent caveat for players new to the area that want to first dip the toe in the water at a course. More courses should do that, more exposure and revenue.
Will be hosting 9 visiting friends as I've just bought a FL home nearby. Hope they maintain the conditions and quality value.
DC

The course is in great shape.challenging enough for all levels. Still needs to grow in for more sight lines, but good for a new course.

6 of us played and thought it was a great course. Greens are in good shape, Course challenging but very fair. We played it a second time and will be back the next time in the area.