Esplanade Golf & Country Club at Lakewood Ranch

There are a lot of mediocre and frustrating courses in Florida's many gated communities. Esplanade Lakewood Ranch is more thoughtful than the norm in several ways.

First, developer Taylor Morrison provided wide enough corridors so that the holes don't feel cramped. Second, architect Chris Wilczynski's respect for classic golf courses shines through his strategic bunkering schemes and clever green contours. Most telling is how playable the course was for the two ladies I was paired with. There are no significant forced carries and greens are open in front, enabling shorter hitters to run shots up onto the greens, which were pleasingly firm in the mid-late winter.

Wonderful layout and fast greens—totally a fun golf experience!! Wish to have more opportunities to play at a reasonable rate for non members through golf now rates! Loved the great golfing conditions and practice before tee time to warm up with ball hitting, chipping, and putting practice.

Terrific course and in wonderful shape. Well managed and the staff is great.

Nice track. Challenging and fun, Good shape. I would definitely play again

My son and I have played Esplanade about 10 times. We frequently comment that it is expensive, but the course is always nice and pace of play pretty good. Today was the worst shape I've ever seen the course in. It is Feb and perhaps that's part of the issue, but having played a few other area courses, it just didn't seem like there was a lot of grass on the course. After playing the 3rd hole - a par 3 - a ranger drove up and asked us to pick up our pace of play....errr, that would be fine except we waited about 3 min to tee off on that VERY hole. I don't mind being told to keep up or whatever, but at least be aware of what's going on in front of us. If the green fees were $40 less, I would give a higher rating. I should also add one other thing: they have put GPS maps in the carts; you would think that a good thing, but they are OBNOXIOUS. Limits are placed on where you can drive around the greens (which is truly fine, but these are pretty expansive limits) and they chime at you about everything including a few advertisements. We got to where when the dumb thing chimed, we didn't even look at it.

Enjoyed playing the course, somewhat challenging. Very nice facility overall, would recommend.

Played on a cold very windy day with a couple of locals Course was in great shape and everyone (including my playing partners) could not have been nicer. Would love to play again in more mild conditions.

Excellent conditions. Don't need to touch the ball anywhere on the course. Best I have played through Golfnow this year.

The course did not have any record of my reservation. Luckily I had a print out of my confirmation. As a result I had to take a later tee time than my reservation. The person checking me in said that GlofNow had failed to inform them of the reservation. The course was in good condition. Driving range uses floating balls and there is a good putting and chipping practice area.

I really liked playing this course. It is in a nice setting and in excellent condition, and I loved the GPS I the carts showing distances to the water, traps and greens. The fairways were fairly wide with the water less of an issue than some courses, which let me swing away

This course is really good. Conditions excellent. Practice into the lake, good pitching and putting green. We were paired with good players, which always is a lucky strike. Host pro was friendly. Thanks

I have played this track numerous times from the Gold tees which kind of hurts my handicap. So I tried the Black/Gold combo which was a refreshing challenge . The added distance put more hazards into play and required the necessity to get in the fairway to have a chance for GIR. Played 18 with my wife, who is just getting serious about playing, and still a little intimidated about playing with what she perceives are good golfers. We were paired with 2 really nice members 1 low handicap the other mid handicap. Friendly, fun day of golf. Highly recommended!

I will drive up from Fort Myers, if i can get it at a reasonable price. Usually in great condition & great layout.

Could use some marshalls to keep the pace of play up.

Too many Northerners play the same tees or distances as home, whereas the ball does not go as far down here.Play up 10% & enjoy yourself.

The course is the best in the area great fairways and greens.