Lakewood National Golf Club: A Luxurious Florida Golf Community Review

Nestled within the vibrant Lakewood Ranch community in Florida, Lakewood National Golf Club stands as a testament to luxury living, championship golf, and an active, resort-style experience. This exclusive gated community, meticulously designed around two unparalleled golf courses by the legendary Arnold Palmer, offers residents and members an extraordinary blend of elegant homes, world-class amenities, and a thriving social scene. Like Celebration Golf Club, it is a destination where the pursuit of an exceptional lifestyle converges with the timeless appeal of the game of golf. It is a destination where the pursuit of an exceptional lifestyle converges with the timeless appeal of the game of golf.


The Legacy of Arnold Palmer: Championship Golf at Its Finest

At the core of the Lakewood National experience are its two magnificent 18-hole championship golf courses, totaling 36 holes of master-planned design by the immortal Arnold Palmer. Palmer’s distinctive vision seamlessly integrated the natural Florida landscape, creating a challenge that evokes the “Golden Age” of golf course architecture. Each course gracefully blends with serene ponds, protected wetland preserves, and natural rolling terrain, offering breathtaking backdrops for every swing.

With six distinct tee options on each hole, these courses cater to golfers of all skill levels—from the seasoned professional seeking a demanding round to the developing amateur looking for a satisfying yet friendly experience. The meticulously manicured fairways unfurl like emerald ribbons across the property, providing a playing surface that is both aesthetically pleasing and technically precise.

Strategic Insights for Navigating the Courses:

  1. Embrace and Respect Water Hazards: Water features are integrated prominently throughout both courses. Rather than fearing these hazards, learn to respect them. Develop a strategy for playing around them, making conservative choices when necessary, and always have a clear drop zone plan in mind should an errant shot find its way into the water.
  2. Prioritize Course Management Over Power: Arnold Palmer’s designs consistently reward smart play and accuracy. Attempting to overpower the course can often lead to trouble. Instead, focus on precise shot-making and strategic course management. A well-placed, controlled shot is frequently far more effective than an aggressively long one.
  3. Cultivate Short Game Wizardry: The greens at Lakewood National are receptive but can present subtle challenges. Honing your short game skills, particularly your putting, is vital. Mastering lag putting—controlling the distance of long putts—is a key to avoiding frustrating three-putts and maintaining a competitive score on these pristine surfaces. The club also offers full-time, onsite golf professionals available to assist members in refining their game.

Resort-Style Amenities: A Life of Unrivaled Leisure

Lakewood National fees image shows golf course costs, memberships, and associated pricing.

The allure of Lakewood National extends far beyond its exceptional golf courses, cementing its reputation as a symbol of luxury living. The community is a masterpiece of leisure, designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life combined with an active, engaging lifestyle.

The magnificent grand clubhouse serves as the social epicenter, offering elegant indoor dining experiences and casual options at the poolside café, where residents can connect and forge lasting friendships. Beyond dining, the community boasts a new, state-of-the-art activity center designed to foster engagement and wellness.

The impressive array of amenities includes:

  • A expansive resort-style swimming pool with a beach entry lagoon, perfect for relaxation and recreation.
  • Eight lighted Har-Tru tennis courts for both casual play and competitive matches, supported by onsite racquet sports professionals.
  • Four pickleball courts, catering to the rapidly growing popularity of this exciting sport.
  • A comprehensive fitness center equipped with modern machinery and enhanced by the presence of an onsite Fitness Director and a TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Personal Trainer, ensuring residents have access to expert guidance for their wellness goals.
  • A full-service spa, offering a sanctuary for rejuvenation and self-care.

These meticulously maintained facilities and professional staff transform daily life into an ongoing vacation, ensuring there’s always an opportunity for recreation, relaxation, and social interaction.


Exclusive Living: Homes Tailored to the Fairway Lifestyle

Lakewood National Golf Club: A premier Florida golf community offering luxury and championship courses.

Spanning over 900 lush acres, Lakewood National Golf Club boasts a collection of 1,547 dwellings across five distinct home styles, each expertly positioned to maximize views of the stunning golf courses or serene water features. This thoughtful planning means that nearly every residence offers a captivating vista, integrating the beauty of the greens into daily life.

Prospective residents can choose from a range of elegant options, including:

  • Spacious estate homes, offering expansive layouts and premium finishes.
  • Well-appointed executive homes, designed for comfort and modern living.
  • Convenient Verandas, providing a low-maintenance lifestyle with beautiful views.
  • Comfortable coach homes, offering flexible living spaces.
  • A variety of single-family homes and condos, ensuring a style that caters to a wide spectrum of tastes and financial plans.

As one of the few gated golf communities offering new construction properties, Lakewood National provides residents the unique opportunity to acquire a brand-new home tailored to their preferences. Imagine waking each morning to the captivating sight of rolling greens right outside your window, a testament to a life where golf is not just a hobby, but an integrated part of your daily scenery. This intrinsic connection to the course fosters a strong sense of community among like-minded individuals who share a passion for the game and luxurious living.


Understanding the Investment: Fees, Memberships, and the Full Picture

For those considering the Lakewood National Golf Club lifestyle, a clear understanding of the financial commitment is crucial. While older public information might suggest daily green fees ranging from $89 to $129, it’s vital to recognize that such figures are often outdated by over 18 months. For this exact reason, relying on directory websites for pricing, which frequently do not reflect current costs, could lead to a significant discrepancy. Always verify current pricing by contacting the clubhouse directly to avoid any surprises. This direct approach ensures you receive the most accurate and up-to-date information, as Lakewood National is not affiliated with third-party directory sites providing fee details.

Key Insights into Lakewood National Fees and Membership:

  • Bundled Membership: Club membership (golf or social) is typically bundled with home purchases, meaning property ownership often includes certain levels of access to the club’s facilities. The specific type of membership and its inclusions can vary based on the chosen property and neighborhood.
  • Annual Dues and One-Time Fees: Residents should anticipate annual recurring dues and potentially one-time purchase fees, which differ based on the specific neighborhood and membership tier associated with their home. These fees cover the maintenance and operation of the extensive amenities and services.
  • Direct Contact for Accuracy: Given the dynamic nature of pricing and membership structures, direct communication with the Lakewood National Golf Club’s administration is the most reliable method to obtain current and comprehensive financial details.

Lakewood National: Your Ideal Florida Haven?

Considering the harmonious blend of dedicated golfing and a high-end, active lifestyle, Lakewood National Golf Club is generally best suited for specific demographics. Avid golfers will find their paradise on the meticulously designed Arnold Palmer courses, offering endless opportunities for challenging play and refinement. Active retirees seeking a vibrant and engaging community will appreciate the extensive social and recreational opportunities, fostering a strong sense of belonging. Furthermore, families aspiring to a luxurious, amenity-rich lifestyle will discover ample resources for recreation, wellness, and community engagement. If your ideal living scenario involves premier golf, exceptional amenities, and a strong sense of community, this destination may very well align with your aspirations.

To provide a comprehensive perspective, here’s a balanced look at the benefits and considerations of choosing to reside at Lakewood National:

Benefits of Lakewood National Living:

  • Championship Golf: Access to 36 holes of Arnold Palmer-designed golf, offering diverse challenges for all skill levels.
  • Extensive Resort-Style Amenities: A wide array of facilities including a grand clubhouse, multiple dining options, a large resort pool, tennis, pickleball, a state-of-the-art fitness center with personal trainers, and a full-service spa.
  • New Construction Opportunities: The chance to purchase a modern home with contemporary designs and features in a sought-after community.
  • Active and Engaged Community: A strong emphasis on social interaction, wellness, and a vibrant lifestyle, supported by onsite professionals for various sports and fitness goals.
  • Picturesque Environment: Homes strategically placed to offer stunning views of fairways and tranquil water features across 900 lush acres.

Considerations for Prospective Residents:

  • Membership Commitment: While bundled with homes, understanding the specific membership type, annual dues, and one-time fees is crucial for financial planning.
  • Potential for Future Private Status: The community is expected to transition to a fully private membership, which might alter access policies for non-residents or future members.
  • Location: While part of the thriving Lakewood Ranch area, its specific location might be considered distant from certain major urban centers or particular attractions depending on individual preferences.

Ultimately, Lakewood National Golf Club offers a curated living experience that embodies luxury, athletic pursuit, and community connection, making it a truly premier destination in Southwest Florida.

Rony Poepka