The Highlands Golf Course, Sarasota, Florida: A Comprehensive Overview

The Highlands Golf Course, nestled in the heart of Sarasota, Florida, offers an exceptional golfing experience designed by the renowned Francis Duane and established in 1984. This private haven presents a challenging yet gratifying layout for golfers of all skill levels. With a par of 72 and stretching over 6,669 yards from the gold tees, players have ample opportunities to showcase their prowess. Multiple tee options, including blue, white, green, and red for women, cater to golfers of varying abilities. Furthermore, the course boasts a slope rating of 128, adding an extra layer of difficulty for seasoned players seeking a true test of their skills.

Player Reviews: A Mixed Bag of Experiences

The Highlands Golf Course in Sarasota, Florida, elicits a range of reactions from golfers. While some wholeheartedly praise the course's excellent conditions and the friendly demeanor of the staff, others point out areas that could benefit from improvement.

One satisfied golfer remarked, "The course was in good condition and provided a challenging but not overly long experience. The conditions lived up to the expectations set by the caliber of golf advertised." Another player appreciated the course's layout, commenting, "I played an afternoon round in about 3 hours. The course was well-maintained and offered a very enjoyable layout."

However, concerns were raised regarding the pace of play and the perceived value for money. One frustrated reviewer mentioned, "The pace of play was extremely slow due to groups ahead who refused to let us play through." Another golfer felt that the $74 green fee was excessive for the course's offerings.

The Links Cards' Perspective on Value

The Links Cards provides a balanced perspective on the value proposition of The Highlands Golf Course in Sarasota, Florida. While acknowledging the course's strengths, such as its excellent conditions and friendly staff, it also highlights areas where improvements could be made.

The Links Cards recognizes that some players thoroughly enjoyed their round, praising the challenging yet manageable layout. However, concerns about pace of play and pricing have been noted. Slow groups ahead, who didn't allow faster players to pass, resulted in frustratingly long rounds for some. Additionally, the $74 green fee was deemed by some to be too high for the overall experience.

Despite these concerns, The Highlands Golf Course remains a popular choice for locals, seniors, and advanced golfers seeking a challenge. While there is room for improvement in certain aspects, it offers a generally enjoyable golfing experience amidst Sarasota's picturesque surroundings.