Vacationing to Anna Maria Island

[jkelley9]

I'll be vacationing with my wife and my family (my parents and siblings) in Anna Maria island mid-August for a 8 days. Since we all work (my brothers and I are in our early to late twenties) and all live apart every couple of years we vacation together to spend some time together which is nice.

I'm an early riser and nobody else really is, especially my wife (Lord have mercy). So she's already told me she has no problem with me golfing in the morning if I'm back around 1-2pm. I told her I'd like to play twice that week.

I'm thinking of playing at University Park CC. It looks like it's semi-private so I'll try to get a tee time. Hopefully it pans out because that course looks really nice.

We may all go out and do a par 3 for a fun activity together. That's kind of a thing we do, even before I played any golf. 

Anyone have any recommendations on executive courses and par 3 courses in the area? Within say 1 hour driving distance of Anna Maria Island?

I wouldn't have an issue paying say up to $150 for a nice course. I don't play on a lot of nice courses so it would be kind of cool to experience while on vacation. 

Thanks!

[David in FL]

Two good little executive courses right there are Peridia (par 60), and The Groves (par 63),  Both fun, and generally in very nice shape.  I'm visiting my dad this week.  He lives at Peridia and we're actually playing The Groves tomorrow.  

You'll enjoy University Park too, as well as AMI itself.  Have fun!  

[kpaulhus]

I played Water Lefe golf club on m wedding day as my wife is from Bradenton and Im from Tampa. I thought it was a great course. Ive also played Lakewood Ranch and the Ritz course. 

You wont find anything decent out towards the beaches for golf so you will need to head back towards I75 for anything decent. University Park is pretty good as well. Enjoy AMI. Its a beautiful area and I dearly miss it living in Arkansas.