Best Golfing Towns In Florida: Venice Country Clubs

America is home to half of the world’s golf courses. And of those 17,000+ courses, nearly ten percent can be found in Florida. The Sunshine State has become a Mecca for golfers the world over. Millions of them hit the links on public and private courses each year. Golf is now a major source of tourism dollars for towns and cities in Florida.

Where to go?

It depends who you ask. According to the tourist board in Naples, Florida, the small city is the "Golf Capital of the World." That might seem presumptuous, but the nickname has helped attract a growing number of golf enthusiasts. Then there’s Palm Beach, which is home to more golf courses per capita than any other county in the nation. Not to mention the dozens of other cities and towns that fly under the proverbial radar and are hidden gems.

Located in Sarasota County in West Florida, Venice is a small city with a population of only around 21,000 souls. Few are fulltime residents, as most are snowbirds that migrate from northern states when the weather turns cold. Nevertheless, most of the locals are retired, and therefore have the time to enjoy recreational activities. It is no surprise then that golf is the most popular game in town!

There are over a dozen 18-hole golf courses in Venice, many of which are closed to the public. The reason for this is simple—they’re reserved for their residents. In other words, to play at a Venice country club, you may have to buy a house in Venice, FL.

Where to buy?

The Sunshine State attracts a disproportionate number of retirees. Most move there for the weather and the affordable housing. But the reason they settle in certain areas has more to do with lifestyle choices than the sun. After all, the weather is beautiful in almost every part of the state! A Venice country club offers retirees the social scene and activities they enjoy during their golden years.

In addition to beautiful 18-hole championship golf courses, most of the clubs in Venice also feature fine dining and dozens of other social and recreational activities, including swimming, tennis, group exercise, and more! But if golf is your game, there are a few things you should consider before you buy a house in Venice, Fl.

First and most importantly, make sure golf is the most popular game at the club, as opposed to tennis or shuffleboard. This will give you the opportunity to find a steady game at any time. It will also help you make friends in short order. Next, green and cart fees can really add up if you play on a regular basis. Some Venice country clubs waive these fees for their residents, which can save avid golfers thousands of dollars each year. And when you can’t find a game, or you want practice on your own, access to a range or a chipping area is a big plus.