Plantation Golf & Country Club

Reviews for Plantation Golf & Country Club

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The golf courses reviews are the personal opinions of members of Golfshake who completed a review after playing the course. These opinions do not necessarily represent the views of Golfshake.com

The Golfin Guy rated 5 out of 5

Reviewed Jan 23 2024

Great Garl Golf and Much More!

Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice, Florida is not only a great place to play golf, it’s also a great place to call home. It’s one of Venice’s premier country club communities and sits on more than 1300 acres with about 2,600 residences. Home styles include maintenance-free villas, patio homes, condominiums and single-family homes.

Plantation Golf & Country Club is owned by Concert Golf Partners, one of the fastest-growing private club ownership companies in the US. Concert currently has over 30 properties in its portfolio, spanning 16 states from Massachusetts to Texas. As a member of one club, you basically become a member at all of them, so you can play a round of golf or tennis, swim, or dine at another Concert Golf property during your travels.

The centerpiece of the community is the two 18-hole championship golf courses. Both the Bobcat and Panther golf courses were designed by Lakeland, Florida-based golf course architect Ron Garl. Each year since 1988, Plantation Golf & Country Club has played host to the LPGA Tour Qualifier event and the club’s reputation continues to grow in stature.

In September 2022, Hurricane Ian did a number on the west coast of Florida, and Plantation Country Club did not make it unscathed. As a result, the golf courses now have a different look and feel than when I played them in 2019. Between the two courses, Plantation lost between 450 – 500 trees. The main clubhouse and fitness buildings received a complete remodel, several pickleball and bocce courts needed to be replaced, and the tennis courts were redone with a Har-Tru surface.

The Bobcat Course is consistently ranked among Florida's top 50 courses by Golfweek Magazine and is considered by many to be one of the finest and most challenging 18-hole courses in the area. According to Garl, more earth was moved to create the rolling hills on the Bobcat Course than any other course in Florida. With seven sets of tees, Bobcat can be played anywhere from 6,813 to 4,551 yards.

For me, the most memorable holes on Bobcat are Numbers 5 and 18. Five is a 392-yard, par 4 dogleg right and the course’s #1 handicap hole for men. Members refer to Number 5 as “Big Foot” because of the large foot-shaped bunker at the corner of the dogleg. Should you encounter Big Foot off the tee, par is a lot tougher. Your approach shot plays to a large, well-undulated green that is protected by a long, narrow bunker front left. A retaining wall frames the entire left side of the putting green and adds to the overall beauty of the hole.

Number 18 is considered by local golfers, members, and LPGA Tour players to be one of the finest finishing holes anywhere! From the White Tees, it plays 374 yards and can be a tricky driving hole with two fairway bunkers on the left, one on the right, and water beyond that. A tee shot over the bunkers on the left tee that finds the fairway will leave a short pitch shot into a triangular green with bunkers in front and behind, with water guarding the entire right side. From the fairway, you’ll have a stunning view of the entire greens complex, stone retaining wall, and the clubhouse.

The Panther Course is the perfect complement to the Bobcat. Although it is considerably shorter than Bobcat it typically plays a little tougher. The original Garl design offered a distinctly different look with several fairway pot bunkers and several sharp dogleg holes. A renovation by architect Stephen Kay in 1999 included enlarging the greens complexes and incorporating more undulation into them. The greens were regrassed with TifEagle Bermuda grass and the greenside bunkering was made more dramatic.

The stretch of holes from 12 – 15 is referred to by members as the “Panther’s Claw.” Number 12 is a 308-yard par 4 that epitomizes target golf. Most golfers will hit something less than a driver off the tee over an environmentally protected area with water on the left. From there you’ll be left with a short pitch shot over another protected area to the green. Don’t let this hole fool you; it takes two well-executed shots to reach the green in regulation.

Number 13 is a 443-yard par 5 where your second shot is the most demanding. A good tee shot leaves a decision to go for the well-undulated, island green in two or layup and leave a 60-yard plus carry over water. This hole is as picturesque as it is challenging!

The 356-yard 14th hole is a slight dogleg right with no water hazards and a single greenside bunker, giving players the idea that it’s an easy par, but the tree-lined fairway tells another story. The narrow fairway that slopes to the left and the small green make it a challenge.

The par 3, 15th hole is pure Ron Garl; he’s the master of the island green! The hole plays 141 yards with sand surrounding the green. Although it’s one of the largest putting surfaces on the course, the water and sand tend to take their mental toll on golfers. Remember, sand is better than water!

It's often said that “practice makes perfect,” and The Learning Center helps members get the most out of their golf game. They use the FlightScope Launch Monitor and various club-fitting systems to help you take your game to the next level. Practice facilities include a multi-sided driving range, 2 practice putting greens, and 3 short game areas for chipping. They also have major equipment manufacturers come in for “Demo Days” where you can try all the latest and greatest golf gear. Private and group lessons are available from the professional golf staff as are one-on-one club-fitting sessions.

If golf’s not your thing, there’s still plenty to do at The Club. For racquet sports players, Plantation features 13 Har-Tru tennis courts, 5 of which are lit for night play, and 6 pickleball courts. Another popular activity at Plantation Golf & Country Club is bocce ball. There are 4 courts located behind the Tennis Pro Shop and instruction and tips are available.

Plantation’s Fitness Center is stocked with weight machines, stationary bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, and free weights. There’s also a full fitness calendar that includes classes such as Zumba, Yoga, Balance and Tone, TRX, and Arms & Abs. You’ll find that getting healthy has never been easier or more fun!

For swimmers, Plantation’s heated Junior Olympic-size pool is a popular place to swim a few laps. There’s also a heated Jacuzzi spa that seats 10 and food and beverage service is available poolside. It’s the perfect place to relax while enjoying some Florida sunshine.

Dining is an important aspect of any private club. Plantation Golf & Country Club offers several dining venues creating a wide variety of food options. The Club’s Executive Chef and team of culinary artists put together weekly specials using locally sourced foods to create a wide selection of dishes that will tease your palate. Festive parties and events are held throughout the year for members and their guests.

Plantation offers several membership categories to meet the needs of just about anyone. A Full Membership gives you access to everything the club has to offer - golf, tennis, fitness center, Aquatic Center, and all of the activities in and around the Clubhouse. A Sports and Fitness Membership includes everything, but golf is limited. As a Social Member, you’ll have unlimited access to the Clubhouse and all social activities, the Fitness and Aquatic Centers, bocce, and pickleball courts with limited golf and tennis opportunities.

Plantation Golf & Country Club is located near Venice on Florida's southwest coast. It’s just minutes away from nearby Sarasota and the Gulf beaches and has much to offer.

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Michael L rated 4 out of 5

Reviewed Oct 11 2023

Great layout, beautiful

Of the two courses here at Plantation, I prefer Bobcat. Longer and more of a challenge.

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The Golfin Guy/Crossville rated 4 out of 5

Reviewed Dec 27 2019

A Florida Golf Community With A Lot to Offer

Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice, Florida is not only a great place to play golf – with two 18-hole Ron Garl-designed championship golf courses – it’s also a great place to call home. As one of southwest Florida’s premier country club communities, PGCC sits on more than 1,300 acres, with residences that include maintenance-free villas, patio homes, condominiums and single-family homes. All homes have golf course, lake or natural views. The styles of homes are a pleasing mix of classic, contemporary Florida designs in pastel shades that blend seamlessly into the community’s natural setting.

PGCC is a private club owned by Concert Golf, owner of more than 20 properties nationwide, from the Midwest to the Atlantic Coast. Since purchasing PGCC in February of 2019, Concert Golf has invested over a million dollars into improvements and intends to spending another million in 2020. Members have not nor will be assessed. As a member of one Concert Golf club you become a member at all of them, giving you the privilege of playing a round of golf, tennis, swim or dine at another concert Golf property during your travels. It’s a benefit that’s hard to beat.

For many Plantation residents, golf is the main attraction with 36 holes of Ron Garl Golf providing an amazing experience. The Bobcat Course opened in 1982 and is considered by many to be one of the finest 18-hole courses around. Every fall since 1988, PGCC has been honored to host the LPGA Tour Qualifying School Stage Two. Annika Sorenstam, Michelle McCann, Georgia Hall, Mel Reid, Nelly Korda, and Hannah Greene have all qualified here. More earth was moved here to create the rolling hills on the Bobcat Course than any other course in Florida and to this day it is one of the best maintained and conditioned courses in this part of the state. There are seven sets of tees that can be played anywhere from 6,813 to 4,551 yards. The course rating is 74 and the slope is 140 from the Back tees.

For me, the most memorable hole is number 5, a long dogleg right and the course’s #1 handicap hole for men. Members refer to Number 5 as “Big Foot” because of the large foot-shaped bunker at the corner of the dogleg. Find Big Foot off the tee and you’ve pretty much taken par out of play; the same can be said if you hit it through the fairway and find the water. Your approach shot plays to a large, well undulated green protected front left by a long, narrow bunker. A new wood retaining wall frames the entire left side of the putting green and adds to the overall beauty of the hole.

The Panther course also designed by Ron Garl, was opened in 1987. It plays a little tougher even though it is shorter than Bobcat (6,813 vs 6,427 yards). Architect Stephen Key renovated the course in 1999 by enlarging the greens, incorporating more undulation and making the bunkers more dramatic. The putting surface was changed to TifEagle Bermuda grass which is far more durable and quicker. Great care goes into the maintenance of the courses and how they impacts the environment.

The stretch of holes from 12 – 15 is referred to as the “Panther’s Claw.” Number 12 is a short, 90 degree dogleg right that requires two shots over environmentally protected areas. Don’t let this hole fool you; it takes two well-executed shots to reach the green in regulation. Number 13 is a par 5 where your second shot is the most demanding and sets up at least a 60-yard carry over water into a well-undulated green. With only one hazard on the 14th hole, players think it’s an easy par, but the trees that line the fairway tell another story. The narrow fairway slopes left and only adds to the drama. The par 3, 15th is pure Ron Garl, a 141-yard hole with an island green that is surrounded by sand. Although it’s one of the largest putting surfaces on the course, the water and sand tend to take their mental toll on golfers.

You’re ever too old to learn and that is especially true when it comes to golf. Whether you’re new to the game or just need some fine tuning, Plantation has Class A PGA and LPGA golf professionals are on staff. They teach out of PGCC’s Golf Learning Center located on the property and use the latest teaching technology including the FlightScope Launch Monitor and various club fitting systems. Practice areas include practice bunkers, short-game areas and multiple targets on the multi-sided driving range. Major equipment manufacturers come for “Demo Days” allowing members to try all the latest and greatest golf equipment. USGA handicaps are maintained through the Pro Shop. Studies have shown that golfers who practice, take golf lessons or seek professional advice on equipment ultimately enjoy the game more. This philosophy applies to tennis too.

PGCC has an extensive tennis complex featuring 13 Har-Tru tennis courts, 5 of which are lit for night play. During the season, weekly leagues as well as a year-round junior program and other activities ensure that everyone may find a competitive, fun group to join regardless of their skill level. There is a club championship, monthly mixers, pro exhibitions and themed social events. USPTA certified instructors provide private and group lessons as well as clinics. The Tennis Pro Shop staff can help keep both your equipment and wardrobe up to date.

PGCC has two pickleball courts. Pickleball is easy to learn and play while being low impact and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. There are 4 bocce ball courts where teams of men, women or mixed teams play weekly. It has become extremely popular.

Fitness, health and wellness are important aspects at PGCC. Quality Matrix weight machines, stationary bikes, treadmills, step machines, ellipticals and free weights are available in the Fitness Center. Members may work out on their own or with a certified personal trainer to help them develop a workout program. A full fitness calendar of classes includes Zumba, Yoga, Balance and Tone, TRX plus Arms & Abs. Getting healthy has never been easier or more fun!

Swimming is one of the best exercises one can do for the entire body. The heated Junior Olympic size pool is popular with swimmers of all ages plus there is a heated Jacuzzi spa that seats 10. Poolside food and beverage is available. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine with houseguests and grandchildren.

The 30,000-square-foot clubhouse is a beehive of activity. There are card rooms were groups meet regularly to play bridge, euchre, mahjongg and poker. There’s a number of dining venues in the clubhouse offering a wide variety of food. The Sunset Lounge and Member’s Grill both have spectacular views of the golf course and water. There are two well stocked bars and a Wine Club. Facilities are available for private parties plus PGCC can cater an event in your own home. The Executive Chef and his team of culinary artists put together weekly specials using locally sourced food. The a la carte menu features a delicious selection of dishes ranging from handheld sandwiches and burgers to gourmet dinners. Festive parties, Sunday brunches, seafood buffets and dinner dances are held throughout the year for members and their guests.

PGCC offers several membership categories to meet the needs of just about everyone. A Full Membership gives access to everything the club has to offer: Golf, tennis, the Fitness Center, the Aquatic Center and all activities in and around the Clubhouse. A Sports and Fitness Membership includes everything but golf, although limited golf is included. A Social Membership offers unlimited access to the Clubhouse and all social activities, the Fitness and Aquatic Centers, bocce, pickleball and limited golf and tennis opportunities.

PGCC strives to exceed member expectations by delivering quality services and fine facilities in a professional, responsible and hospitable manner. PGCC is attractive and affordable.

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John B rated 5 out of 5

Reviewed Jan 31 2018

This is a great private course to play if you are presented with the opportunity.

(Round played: Jan 2018 - Score: 95 Handicap: 14.4)

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John B rated 5 out of 5

Reviewed Jun 4 2017

If you get the opportunity to play, I would recommend this course. They have summer memberships and GolfNow sometimes has tee times.

(Round played: Jun 2017 - Score: 85 Handicap: 15.5)

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John B rated 5 out of 5

Reviewed Feb 27 2017

(Round played: Feb 2017 - Score: 93 Handicap: 15.4)
Course in great condition and staff is super accommodating and friendly.

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John B rated 5 out of 5

Reviewed Nov 7 2016

The Panther course is in excellent condition. If you get a chance to play you will not be disappointed. It is a private course, but sometimes there are tee times made available.

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Brian C rated 3 out of 5

Reviewed Feb 6 2015

(Round played: Feb 2015 - Score: 67 Handicap: )

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Walter M rated 4 out of 5

Reviewed Jan 29 2015

(Round played: Jan 2015 - Score: 80 Handicap: 13.5)

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The golf courses reviews are the personal opinions of members of Golfshake who completed a review after playing the course. These opinions do not necessarily represent the views of Golfshake.com