The Meadows Country Club: Meadows Course
Short Holes that Bite.
Posted by Alistair Orr
The Meadows Country Club is a private member owned facility located in the heart of Sarasota that includes 54 holes of golf (18 holes private and 36 holes public), 17 Har-Tru tennis courts, a 5000 sq. ft. fitness centre, junior olympic size pool, outdoor spa and three different formal-to-casual dining options on site.
The Club’s signature course, The Meadows, is the member’s only course redesigned by Ron Garl in 2003 and its TifEagle putting services are the envy of the neighbourhood. Featuring five sets of tees ranging from 5245 to 6716 yards, the Meadows offers both the high and low handicappers an enjoyable test of golf. Measuring 6669 yards from the tips and 5090 yards from the front the Meadows sister championship course, the Highlands, is in contrast to her sibling featuring narrow fairways lined with pines and old oaks and presents some minor elevation changes not seen on the Meadows. The clubs third layout is the par 65 Groves Course designed by Arthur Hills. Hills created a very walkable routing that is a favourite for those whose golfing experience still includes putting one foot in front of the other. Although the course only ranges from 3269 to 4182 yards a premium is placed on accuracy off the tee and distance control is required to attack the pins on the small undulating greens.
Course Stats:
Meadows Course: Private
Par 72, 4586 - 6716 yards, rated 67.7 -73.4, slope rating 119 - 136
Highland Course: Public
Par 72, 5090 - 6669 yards, rated 67.4 -72.8, slope rating 122 - 131
Groves Course: Public
Par 65, 3268 - 4182 yards, rated 58.8 - 61.2, slope rating 98 - 105
Location:
Sarasota, Florida.
Editor's Shot-Makers Picks:
| Hole 12 | Hole 15 | ||
| Par 4 | HCP 8 | Par 5 | HCP 12 |
| Gold | 341 | Gold | 485 |
| Blue | 329 | Blue | 471 |
| White | 320 | White | 450 |
| Green | 273 | Green | 382 |
| Red | 233 | Red | 382 |
| Silver | 225 | Silver | 326 |
Feature Holes Descriptions:
An unfortunate trend in golf course design over the past quarter century or so has been a "longer is better" mentality. It can be argued that advances in technology have created this grand movement out of necessity. However, the 2013 US Open at Marion showed us that a well designed course that is shorter in stature can still humble the best players in the world. It is in this spirit that two holes, of less than staggering yardage, at the Meadows were named to our shot maker's list.
To conquer the dogleg left 12th hole the player whose strategy employs a little finesse may walk away happier than player who tries to bludgeon the hole by force. The prudent player’s tee ball will find the fairway right of centre, avoiding the left side water and stand of trees that pinch the landing area. The brave sole who pulls the driver risks blasting through the fairway finding trouble in the tree line or pond that lies beyond. Careful consideration to club selection on the approach must be taken for the short ball will drown in the pond or find one of the two fronting greenside bunkers.
The heavy hand, however, is a viable option on hole #15. At 485 yards this fairly sharp dogleg right is guarded by overhanging trees and a large pond at the inside corner of the bend while through the fairway features two bunkers and a pond. Whether the decision is to go at the green in two, or lay-up to a comfortable distance, care must be taken on the approach for the buttressed green complex is fronted by a large pond and wide bunker. If you have the power long and left is the play setting up an up-and-down birdie opportunity. However, if you are forced to lay-up a nerve wracking wedge shot across the pond will test your mettle.
Contact:
The Meadows Country Club
3101 Longmeadow
Sarasota, Florida 34235
941-378-5153
ENEWS