Plan Your Golf Getaway on Anna Maria Island

Serendipity is here to help plan the perfect golf getaway on Anna Maria Island.

It is no surprise that Florida and golf are synonymous. With temperate weather during the winter months and unbeatable summer beauty, Florida and the great game of golf are a match made in heaven. Florida boasts the highest number of golf courses over any other state, hosting over 1,250 courses throughout. The next closest state, New York, doesn’t even come close, with just around 1,000 courses. Anna Maria Island will surely be a hole-in-one Florida dream vacation destination for players of all skill levels.

Golf Courses on AMI

Only one course is located on Anna Maria Island; that honor goes to the Key Royale Golf Club. 

Key Royale Golf Club

The Key Royale Golf Club is a par 32 nine-hole walking course. According to their website, the course “provides the opportunity to use every club in your bag. For the 18-hole experience, playing from the front and back tees allows 3768 yards to test all your skills. For the higher handicappers, generous fairways are less intimidating, ensuring an enjoyable time for all.The Key Royale course has a USGA rating of 61.7 with a slope of 101 from the Men’s Black Tees.” 

The Key Royale Golf Club is a private club and requires membership both for golfing and using the clubhouse. There are three different types of memberships available to best suit your needs. 

Annual Golf Memberships 

Enjoy both the beautifully crafted course as well as all of the social offerings a private club has to offer.

Social Memberships

Perfect for those looking for the social aspect of a club with added amenities. 

Summer Golf Memberships 

Get in some extra golf during the summer season! 

More information on Key Royale Membership Application and membership fees here.

Bradenton Golf Courses to Visit

While the Key Royale Golf Club may be home to the only golf course on the island, your golf adventure doesn’t need to stop there. Just over the bridge, on the mainland of the Sunshine State, in Bradenton,(the town, not the beach), there are 24 different courses. Of the 24 courses, 15 are public, 1 is a municipal course, and 8 are private courses. 

Bradenton Country Club

This beautiful private club has been a Bradenton Staple since 1924. The 18-hole course was originally designed by golf architect Donald Ross and was redesigned by golf legend Tony Jacklin. From a proud heritage to a celebrated space in the golf community, the Bradenton Country Club has played host to many of the Florida State Golf Association Championships, including: 

• 2013 Boys Junior Championship
• 2017 Senior Amateur Championship
• 2019 Women’s Senior Amateur Championship
• 2020 Girls Junior Championship
• 2020 Super Senior Championship
• 2020 Florida Women’s & Senior Open
• 2021 72nd Men’s 4-Ball Championship
• 2022 Florida Hickory Open
• 2022 76th Florida Open
• 2022 & 2023 US Four-Ball Qualifying Site 
• 2023 FSGA Mid-Amateur Championship 

According to the website, this club has a “walking-friendly course … which provides smooth and firm putting surfaces” and offers amenities such as : 

• Men’s Golf Association
• Women’s Golf Association
• Youth Golf Association
• Driving Range
• Pro Shop
• Tennis & Pickleball Courts
• Fitness Center
• Fine dining 
• And more! 

Like the Key Royale, the Bradenton Country Club offers different membership tiers. Check out which one best fits your needs here.

Manatee Golf Course 

Manatee Golf Course is a public course in Bradenton that features winding paths through natural wetlands. Featuring 18 holes, this course is designed to be fun for players of any skill but still challenging for those more practiced. Manatee Golf Course also offers lessons, practice slots, a relaxing clubhouse, and a chill cafe for the complete golf experience. 

Book your tee time here or check out season passes here.

To explore more golf courses just a short drive from AMI, check out this list by Golf Digest.

Take in a Tournament

Do you have a love for the game that goes beyond playing a round or two yourself? Our little corner of paradise is also host to a handful of golf tournaments sure to have you practicing your golf clap. 

Lecom Suncoast Classic

LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL | April 18-21

The Lecom Suncoast Classic is hosted by the Lakewood National Golf Course, a 36-hole twin course designed by golf legend, Arnold Palmer.  This year, the tournament runs from April 18-21 and expects 156 players to compete for a $1,000,000 purse and a chance at 30 PGA TOUR cards. Tickets are available for purchase here. Want to get closer to the action? The tournament is currently accepting volunteers to make sure everything runs smoothly. 

Valspar Championship

PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA | March 21-24

This year the Valspar Championship will be running from March 18-24 at the Innis Brook Resort’s Copperhead Club and is just over an hour’s drive from AMI. This PGA tournament has previous winners like Vijay Singh, John Daly Fred Couples, and so many more since the tournament’s debut in 1977. This year, Taylor Moore will be defending their 2023 win with a score of 10 under par (274).  2024 tickets are available here now. 

Looking for something for the whole family? Bonus Golf: Putt-Putt

Start the love of golf early or practice your short game with an extra spot of whimsy with these mini-golf courses near AMI. 

The Fish Hole Miniature Golf 

Bradenton Beach on AMI is the home to The Fish Hole, an 18-hole mini golf course on Historic Bridge Street. Featuring lush landscaping and koi ponds (yes, you can feed the fish), this delightful spot is sure to be a family favorite, and with game prices under $10, you’ll be itching to go back over and over again. The Fish Hole has you covered on snacks and drinks and is open from 9 am-10 pm. 

Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf (Bradenton, FL) 

This pirate-themed mini-golf has it all! Located in Bradenton and just a short drive from AMI, you will want to take advantage of this mini-golf course. Putt your way through 18 holes, feed gators at the American alligator habitat, and treat yourself to a sweet ice cream treat. Can life really get any better? 

Anna Maria Island is the perfect escape for every type of golfer, from the tiny tot learning at putt-putt for the first time to PGA professionals ready to take home a tourney win.