I have flown back and forth to the Sarasota area over the past 15 months, scouting office locations as we continue to grow our footprint even through the pandemic. I try my best to squeeze in a few rounds of golf here and there to keep my game in somewhat decent form. On one of these trips I was lucky to find a displaced golfer from Boston (via Ireland) spending the COVID period in Florida while transitioning to a new position in the U.A.E. It is always good to have a fellow golfer to tee up and play some new courses with. We have played early in the morning and late in the afternoon, and it has worked well around my schedule. This morning, we secured an early tee time at Esplanade at Azario, part of the Lakewood Ranch complex.
The 18-hole Esplanade is an above-par facility designed by Chris Wilczynski and his relatively new company, CW Golf Architecture, hired by leading national homebuilder Taylor Morrison. Chris’ two courses — Esplanade Golf & Country Club in Naples and Lakewood Ranch — earned a place on Golf Digest’s 2014 “Best New Courses” list.
GPS took me to a parking lot of a shopping center, and after talking to my golf partner, I was directed about another mile to the course entrance. The team at the course, friendly and helpful, said this happens to everyone. A lot of homes remain under construction; as with many Florida developments, the course is built first and the homes follow. I learned the housing market is so hot, Lakewood does not even confirm final prices for lots when buyers place their down payment.
Aiden McNulty, my partner in crime, decided we’d play a little side game for the round. I was offered a few strokes, fine with me, as Aiden is a better player and able to find his way out of some sticky situations. We decided on five a side as the wager and off we went as a twosome for the round. We were considerably pleased with each other, as we had both secured our second COVID vaccine shot, and even though we had played a few times prior, we always rode in separate carts. This was a big change!
HOLE 1
410 yards, par 4
Out of the gate, Hole 1 is a beautiful hole, and it helped it was one of those clear Florida West Coast days with lots of sun and blue sky. Competitive as ever, Aiden slammed his first tee shot down the fairway, avoiding the water on the left and setting himself up for a great approach. Wilczynski prides himself on designing a course that is both playable and challenging. Using the flat topography of the region, he mounded and sculpted (often by hand) the course to its current rolling shape. On this dogleg left I decided I needed an edge to keep up with Aiden. I cut my ball over the corner of the water, offering a little more advantage — this type of shot can easily end in disaster … and wet. Next shot I landed in the front of but off the green, then chipped on and into the cup for a bogey. Aiden had a miss hit and bad chip, securing a double bogey and putting me, the underdog, in the lead.
HOLE 3
424 yards, par 4
By now I was firmly in place, having won the first and second holes. Glory was in my grasp! I felt confident and in control. Hole 3 is the No. 1-ranked handicapped hole on the course, so we were ready to tackle it into submission, and we secured two massive drives. Once again there is water on the left of the hole, but this should not come into play. A straight shot favoring the right side of the fairway should bring you into striking distance as the hole turns slightly left to the green. Clumps of trees stand to the left as you approach the green, and another pond lies on the right. A textbook approach allowed each of us to card a par, keeping me in the lead.
HOLE 16
401 yards, par 4
Water, water everywhere — that is, if you land right, as the pond extends along the length of the right side. The best position is slightly center left of the fairway, offering a great approach to the green. My drive dribbled right and slowed down, nearly rolling into the pond. Aiden took a more leftward route but landed in a clean position. We both ended up with some issues in the trap, but Aiden got out and carded a “sandy par,” closing out the match.
HOLE 17
200 yards, par 3
By any standards, this par 3 is on the longish side, and with water cutting to the left, makes your shot directly to the hole a little concerning. The hole requires a little accuracy and finesse as it is well-bunkered and has a significantly marshy area cutting across the front of the green. Aiden and I both shot strong drives but not quite enough to make the green. Chipping up came easy; our putting skills left us, and we walked away with bogeys.
HOLE 18
571 yards, par 5
Nothing like ending your round on a significant par 5! With nothing to lose, I offered a wager of double or nothing on the last hole. I had lost the front and back to Aiden, so I was out $10. Off the tee box, water lies to the right, but this would only come into play on a miss hit drive. We both sent our balls sailing out to the fairway, mine a little too far right and landing in a palm tree cluster — or as Aiden calls them, “paam trees.” This added a stroke to my score and left me offering the game to Aiden on a silver platter. He hit a worthy second shot with his 3-wood and then a decent ball to the green, threading his way up the fairway. A great finishing hole and a well-maintained course. I look forward to testing the sister course in Naples.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 21, 2024Hotel Saint Augustine to Open in Houston’s Museum District Neighborhood
Hotel Saint Augustine, expected to open in Houston this December, is a design-savvy boutique hotel from Austin-based hospitality group Bunkhouse.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
November 2024
Nov 21, 2024Immerse in an Invigorating Thermal Journey at Scandinave Spa Whistler
The glittering green pines and burst of jasmine lake beyond almost made me forget about the aches in my legs that slowly developed after the promised hour-long hike ran into the third hour. And, oh, there were my hips, showing up to remind me I was no longer in my 20s. I didn’t mind, though, because the vision that surrounded me during our guided walk through Garibaldi Park to Cheakamus Lake in Whistler, British Columbia, with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures proved worthy of a thousand postcards.
Daily
Nov 21, 20245 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Plan to shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Add these deals from hotels around the country to your shopping list.
Sponsored Content
Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Belmond Unveils First Luxury Sleeper Train in England and Wales
The first luxury sleeper train officially debuts in England and Wales next July thanks to the new Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train. This pioneering train seamlessly blends timeless rail heritage with contemporary British cuisine, culture and style. Guests will enjoy fine-dining experiences designed by Chef Simon Rogan and an on-board wellness suite offering therapies to relax and revive.
Château des Fleurs Review
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Save Up to 50 Percent Off HX Expeditions
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024Xanterra Launches Thankful for Travel Sale
Xanterra Travel Collection’s Thankful for Travel Sale is finally here! This travel company’s sale, through Dec. 2, offers the biggest savings on national park stays, yacht-style cruises, historic train rides, legendary resorts, and walking and biking tours.
Sponsored Content
Pick Your Paradise: Experience Bali at 3 Incredible Hotels
Bali is a name synonymous with island bliss. But there is more than just one side to this incredible place. Get a sense for the variety of experiences Bali offers by learning about three hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with distinctive opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, earn points for free nights at each of these properties.
eFlyer News
Nov 20, 2024Orient Express Reveals World’s Largest Sailing Yacht
Orient Express just unveiled the design of its first yacht and the world’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian. Set to hit the waves in summer 2026, this yacht will sail across the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean.
ShareThis