Longboat Key Club

The Links on Longboat is one of two courses at Longboat Key Club, situated on a barrier island along Florida's Gulf Coast between Sarasota and Bradenton. William F. Mitchell designed this layout, which opened in the early 1960s as part of the resort's original development. The course occupies the flatter, more open terrain on the island and takes its name from the links-style characteristics Mitchell incorporated into the design, though the setting is distinctly Floridian rather than seaside Scottish. The routing works across relatively level ground with strategic bunkering and water hazards that come into play on several holes. Palm trees, tropical vegetation, and views toward the Gulf of Mexico define the landscape. The course requires thoughtful club selection and course management, as the wind off the water can be a significant factor. Mitchell's design emphasizes accuracy over distance, with fairways that reward proper positioning for approach shots into greens protected by sand and occasional water. Longboat Key Club operates as a private club with an active membership that includes both year-round residents and seasonal members drawn to the island's resort atmosphere. The club has long been a fixture in the Sarasota area's golf community, offering members access to both the Links course and the Harbourside Course, which was added later. The facility includes traditional club amenities and dining, reflecting its role as both a golf destination and a social center for the island's residential community.