New week, new course. Played Longboat Key Harbourside on Wednesday with friends from The Oaks. I had played the Islandside course on many occasions ( faces the Gulf ), but never made it on to any of these three 9’s. Started on the Red nine, that veers west from the clubhouse and follows Gulf of Mexico Drive. OK, but nothing exceptional. Then the Blue nine on the back…what a totally different feel and for all the right reasons. Challenging and picturesque, this is the “must play” nine of the three. Beautiful homes surround the 11th to 13th with water everywhere. And once you hit the final par 3 (16th ?), all the remaining holes line the Intercoastal with big views of the city, exotic birds everywhere, and cooling breezes off the water. Oh…and the Yacht Club overlooks the final green…nice. Shooting a 39 with a double didn’t hurt, either.
There are three membership options. Full Membership ( unlimited use of all 45 holes plus summer reciprocals & tennis & beach club) is $50,000 initiation plus $8,350 in annual dues. Golf Membership ( unlimited golf & beach club ) is $35,000 + dues. Finally, there is a Social Membership for $20,000 + $2,500 in dues which allows you the beach club and 24 rounds of golf from May to November and 12 rounds from December to April for a per round fee. E-mail me for more information about the membership or real estate options in and around South Longboat Key.
