--- title: Our Course - The Founders Golf Club description: "The Founders Golf Club is Sarasota's finest private golf club. Featuring a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. course, no tee times and a caddie program, this club is within the gated confines of Sarasota's most exclusive golf community, minutes from the azure blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The clubhouse, Golf Hall, is home to exquisite dining, fitness facility, indoor golf training facility, private meeting space, golf shop and massage rooms. This very private club and community has been recognized nationally for its verdant beauty, replete with centuries old oaks, pines and palms. Fine residences are delivered by the area's finest builders: John Cannon Homes, Lee Wetherington Homes, London Bay Homes and Todd Johnston Homes." --- [Skip to the main content.](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/our-course#main-content) - [Blog](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/blog) - [Member Login](http://members.thefoundersgolfclub.com/) [![Founders Club](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/branding/Founders-Club-Logo-350.png?width=350&height=110&name=Founders-Club-Logo-350.png "Founders Club")](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com?hsLang=en) [![Founders Club](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/branding/Founders-Club-Logo-350.png?width=350&height=110&name=Founders-Club-Logo-350.png "Founders Club")](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com?hsLang=en) - [GOLF](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/our-course) - [THE CLUB](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/club-experience/our-club) - [Our Story](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/our-history/j-hamilton-gillespie) - [Amenities & Wellness](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/club-experience/wellness) - [Guide to Sarasota](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/location) - [Policies & Guests](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/club-experience/dress-code) - CLUBHOUSE & DINING - [Golf Hall](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/dining/golf-hall) - [Dining & Social](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/dining/dining) - [MEMBERSHIP](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/membership) - [HOST AN EVENT](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/host-an-event/venue) - [CAREERS](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/careers) Search Toggle Menu Search Toggle Menu - [GOLF](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/our-course) - [THE CLUB](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/club-experience/our-club) - [Our Story](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/our-history/j-hamilton-gillespie) - [Amenities & Wellness](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/club-experience/wellness) - [Guide to Sarasota](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/location) - [Policies & Guests](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/club-experience/dress-code) - CLUBHOUSE & DINING - [Golf Hall](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/dining/golf-hall) - [Dining & Social](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/dining/dining) - [MEMBERSHIP](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/membership) - [HOST AN EVENT](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/host-an-event/venue) - [CAREERS](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/careers) --- ## Our Course ## A Course Reverently Carved from the Natural Landscape Following the ancient contours of traditional Scottish Links courses, The Founders Golf and Social Club's 18-hole championship course takes its cues from the gently rolling terrain.  Set against a backdrop of centuries-old oaks, pines and palms and highlighted by a natural buffer of lush, untamed landscape, the 7,094-yard, par 72 layout offers a dynamic route along groomed fairways, tranquil lakes and unspoiled wetlands.  Each hole is sculpted in harmony with the natural beauty of the landscape to elevate the challenge and exhilaration of play.  The course is a "core" design, where golfers cross no roads during play and where homes are carefully set back from the field of play. Sarasota's only traditional caddie program affords Members the pleasure of walking the course at their leisure. A state-of-the-art teaching facility and golf shop are staffed with a roster of seasoned professionals who help each Member reach for the top of his or her game. See above for a hole-by-hole introduction to [Robert Trent Jones, Jr's masterpiece](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/our-course/robert-trent-jones-jr-?hsLang=en)at The Founders Golf Club. ![Hole\_\_1](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__1.webp?width=320&height=337&name=Hole__1.webp) ### Hole 1 Optional back tees make for an interesting opening tee shot. From the back tee across the wetland the hole plays shorter, but much more difficult from this starting point. The player is faced with a forced carry over the expansive wetland with a large sentinel oak tree standing between the tee and safe ground beyond. This will require precise shotmaking to negotiate this obstacle. An aggressive play between the tree and fairway bunker along the wetland edge will be rewarded with a short iron to the green. Bailout right around the tree and a mid to long iron approach to a green tucked on the wetland edge will be the result. The alternate tee positions around the wetland provide the mid-to-high handicap player a less daunting route to the hole. With the added length from this position, distance off the tee will be justly rewarded. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_2](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__2.webp?width=320&height=355&name=Hole__2.webp) ### Hole 2 This medium length par-3 plays across the first of many water hazards to a narrow, undulating green. Multiple tees are staggered around the lake edge providing varying angles and reducing the degree of difficulty for the higher handicap player. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![3rd\_Hole](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/3rd_Hole.webp?width=328&height=400&name=3rd_Hole.webp) ### Hole 3 A fairway metal or long iron will be a wise play from the tee on this short and tightly guarded par-4. At 370 yards length is not an important factor in playing the hole. The tee shot is over an existing wetland and guarded left and right by water and wetlands, so accuracy off the tee is a must. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![4th\_Hole](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/4th_Hole.webp?width=278&height=400&name=4th_Hole.webp) ### Hole 4 This short par-5 will entice most to go for the green in two; however, wetlands, 270 yards directly off the tee, will keep the long hitters in check. A wide fairway at the first landing area provides ample room to negotiate a large oak tree along the right side off the tee. Whether playing for position or going for the green in two on the second shot, water greenside sets a premium on this pivotal shot. Negotiate your way around the water and birdie or eagle is a definite possibility. Find the water and bogey or worse is a certainty. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_5](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__5.webp?width=320&height=480&name=Hole__5.webp) ### Hole 5 With limited trouble off the tee this medium length par-4 offers the opportunity to play driver for maximum distance off the tee. Longer hitters may be as bold to play for the upper level fairway off the tee, which affords the optimum approach position. If the tee shot fails to make this upper terrace, an awkward uphill lie to a slightly elevated green will make the approach shot interesting. High handicappers will find the ample fairway area and a birdie opportunity to their liking. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_6](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__6.webp?width=320&height=480&name=Hole__6.webp) ### Hole 6 This long par-4 hole places a premium on both accuracy and length off the tee. The landing area is bracketed with water left and bunkers right. The staggered fairway bunkers along the right come into play for the medium to long ball hitter. The high handicap player will find the wide fairway short of these bunkers as an inviting target zone. A long iron approach to a green set at the waters edge makes this hole the most demanding from tee-to-green. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_7](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__7.webp?width=320&height=440&name=Hole__7.webp) ### Hole 7 This long par-4 hole places a premium on both accuracy and length off the tee. The landing area is bracketed with water left and bunkers right. The staggered fairway bunkers along the right come into play for the medium to long ball hitter. The high handicap player will find the wide fairway short of these bunkers as an inviting target zone. A long iron approach to a green set at the waters edge makes this hole the most demanding from tee-to-green. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_8](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__8.webp?width=320&height=467&name=Hole__8.webp) ### Hole 8 This is the longest of the par-3’s on the course and at 215 yards will require a precise long iron to find a green surface guarded along the right side by water. Forward tees provide a much less demanding mid iron tee shot for the higher handicap player, who will appreciate the bailout areas found short right in the greenside bunker or fairway hollow to the left side of the green. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_9](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__9.webp?width=320&height=366&name=Hole__9.webp) ### Hole 9 This medium length dogleg right par-4 provides a good chance to make the turn with a birdie. At 395 yards and an ample fairway area there are a multitude of options off the tee. The best play will be to the left fairway edge, as close as possible to the fairway bunkers guarding this side of the hole. This position affords the optimum angle of approach to a green guarded along the right side by an expansive bunker. Cutting the dogleg will shorten the hole, however the greenside bunker must be negotiated from this vantage point to insure success. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_10](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__10.webp?width=320&height=449&name=Hole__10.webp) ### Hole 10 For those who love to gamble the tenth hole will be well suited to your game. This straightforward par-5 of 515 yards provides the classic risk /reward option off the tee. Mid to high handicappers can choose the safe option off the tee and play left for position, setting up the hole as a relaxing three shot par-5. Those risk takers will look for the option over the trees and creek to the right fairway area. From this vantage point birdie will most certainly be yours. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_11](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__11.webp?width=320&height=317&name=Hole__11.webp) ### Hole 11 This demanding par-3 of 200 yards over an expansive wetland area will either make or break the best of rounds. The tee shot to an ample green must carry the full distance of the wetland in order for success. Multiple tees shorten the hole for the higher handicap players, but they too must carry the wetland in order to succeed. Shot values are high and so is your score if you fail to succeed. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_12](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__12.webp?width=320&height=433&name=Hole__12.webp) ### Hole 12 This is the third in a series of strong holes to open the back nine. At 440 yards it is the longest par-4 on the course and requires not only length, but also accuracy for success. While mere mortals will seek the comfort of the ample fairway area along the left side, the sprawling fairway bunker along the right teases you to take the daring line over it and hug the wetland edge. This right center fairway position offers the optimum approach angle to a deep green. A prominent mound at the front left edge of the green will challenge an approach from nearly every other angle. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_13](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__13.webp?width=320&height=480&name=Hole__13.webp) ### Hole 13 The thirteenth offers a slight breather coming down the home stretch. At 365 yards accuracy will again prove to be a reliable allied over brute force. The reverse angle green creates some very interesting choices from the tee. The boldest of player will take the most aggressive line along the lake edge, which will be handsomely rewarded with a full view of the deep green and no obstacles in your approach path. A play away from the lake to the right side of hole will set up an open approach to this multilayered green. If the pin is up front, lay up carefully since you do not want to roll to the back of the green. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_14](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__14.webp?width=288&height=432&name=Hole__14.webp) ### Hole 14 Playing from a narrow chute of trees, the tee shot will set the tone for the remainder of the hole. This 570-yard par-5 plays along water for half the length of the hole, and a mistake off the tee will make getting home in three or even four a difficult task. The large green provides for plenty of contour, so par will be well earned here. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_15](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__15.webp?width=320&height=423&name=Hole__15.webp) ### Hole 15 The third in a series of long demanding par-3’s again sets a premium on long, accurate iron play. Guarded in front and right by greenside bunkers and bracketed against a stand of large oak trees, finding the green surface off the tee is a must if par is to be achieved. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_16](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__16.webp?width=320&height=480&name=Hole__16.webp) ### Hole 16 This hole combines precise shotmaking with length for the recipe to success. From the back tee position the expert player must play over a lake, which hugs the hole the entire left side off the tee. The forward tee positions are staggered around the lake edge leaving a fairway path open to the hole. Playing close to the waters edge will provide the best angle approach to a multi-tiered green guarded by bunkers front and back right. Find one of these greenside bunkers and a late round bogey may be the result. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_17](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__17.webp?width=320&height=370&name=Hole__17.webp) ### Hole 17 This short par-3 threads the needle between a stand a large oaks, but don’t let the 140 yards of length fool you into thinking this hole won’t challenge you. The small green guarded in front by an expansive bunker will be intricately contoured. The player with a deft touch and precise shot making will enjoy success. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* ![Hole\_\_18](https://thefoundersgolfclub.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/hole%20tour/Hole__18.webp?width=320&height=393&name=Hole__18.webp) ### Hole 18 The home hole is an exciting test that demands you finish your round with a series of strong shots. Bordered along the left by water off the tee the large lake challenges the player to bite off as much as they think they can chew. Forward tees positioned around the lake edge give the high handicap player a full view of the wide fairway from this angle. An aggressive play over the far end of the lake will shorten the hole considerably and setup an attempt to go for the green in two. Bailing out right off the tee doesn’t necessarily mean the green is out of reach in two, but a second shot into this short par-5 from this angle must negotiate both trees and bunkers to find the green surface. A tight landing area for a lay-up second shot sets a premium on accuracy. Those who choose their path wisely and execute the shots at hand will most certainly have a successful finish to their round. *Hole Graphics Produced By Players' Book Publications, Copyright 2005* 941-371-9720 The Founders Golf Club 3800 Golf Hall Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240 © 2026 Copyright © The Founders Golf Club [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/thefoundersgolfclub)[X](https://twitter.com/FoundersGolf) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://244061362.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hubfs/244061362/video_assets/390079302389/inherited/web_optimized.mp4", "dateModified" : "2026-09-02T06:19:24.717Z", "duration" : "PT6M41S", "height" : 720, "name" : "founders-club-overview", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://244061362.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hubfs/244061362/founders-club-overview.mp4/medium.jpg", "uploadDate" : "2026-09-02T06:19:24.715Z", "width" : 1280 } ```