I was recently asked in an e-mail if there were any golf courses in Sarasota done by “recognisable big name architects”. Are you kidding ? This could take a while. Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin won Golf Digest’s “Best New Private Golf Course 2006” for The Concession. Arnold Palmer designed three tracks in Lakewood Ranch…Legacy Golf Club, Cypress Links and King’s Dunes. Might as well add Gary Player’s Laurel Oak Country Club while we are talking about the old pro’s. Arthur Hill’s seems to have been everywhere…River Strand, Stoneybrook at Heritage Harbour, Heron Lake, The Meadows… and he also had a hand in The Eagle Course re-design at my home club The Oaks. Donald Ross has done two classic layouts…The Bradenton Country Club and Sara Bay Country Club. Tom Fazio lays claim to The Ritz-Carlton Members Club, and his protege Ted McAnlis did Waterlefe Golf and River Club and Rosedale Country Club just off I75 in Bradenton. I’m happy to say I have played each and every one of these courses and would be happy to send anyone home options in any of these communities…plus my take on the courses themselves.