Our Beginning
During the nearly 50 years since the inception of The Meadows Country Club, there has been a universal agreement that the Club's most important and best assets are its members and the friendships that are created. Our history began in the early 1970s in the United Kingdom, when a 17-year-old visionary named Frank Taylor, decided to venture into the construction business. Alongside his Uncle Woodrow, they founded the "Taylor-Woodrow" construction company, which would later gain worldwide recognition.
Frank Taylor then brought this vision to Florida with the intention of developing a planned community where people of all backgrounds could live and play together. Construction for The Meadows Association commenced in 1975, which was widely known as the first Master Planned Community in the country.
Our Golf Courses
The Meadows Country Club opened its first eighteen-hole golf course in December of 1976 (currently holes 1-3 and 13-18 on The Members' course, affectionately known as "the inner loop"). It was originally designed by Frank Duane, who had previously been the chief designer for Robert Trent Jones. Initially, the golf pro shop was located in a small room of the current Meadows cart barn until the clubhouse was eventually completed in 1978. As The Meadows community continued to grow, an additional 9-holes were constructed and opened in 1981 (currently the back nine of The Highlands Golf Course). Subsequently, another 9-holes were added, and the Highlands Golf Course's 18-hole championship layout officially opened for play in January of 1984. In 1985, it was decided that a "short course" would make a valuable addition for families in The Meadows, so the Club reached out to the renowned architect Arthur Hills for the project. Upon completion in 1987, The Groves Golf Course opened and remains a community and family favorite at The Meadows Country Club.
Our Racquet Club
The original tennis facilities consisted of three Har-Tru courts constructed in 1977. The tennis program was ultimately added to the membership offering, and the tennis program officially started in 1979. The first tennis pro shop was located in what is now the snack bar, located in the main cart barn building. Over the next several years, additional courts were added, and all 17 courts were completed by 1985, along with the construction of the new tennis facility, now known as "The Racquet Club."
Our Clubhouse
The original clubhouse complex, which included the golf pro shop, locker rooms, the Copperfield Inn, and the Grille Room, opened in November of 1978. This entire complex was designed by James Holiday, an eminent Florida west coast architect. The Copperfield Inn was renowned in Sarasota for its elegant dining and was celebrated for its setting, service, and cuisine. After the renovation in 1992, The Grille Room was located in the same area and is now known as The Regency Room, which hosts multiple private events open to the members and the community for weddings and parties.
Renovations
In 2020, the "Member's Course" underwent its latest renovation. A 1.5 million dollar project that ushered in new tees, green complexes, bunkering and design. This project was completed in February of 2022. Subsequently, the tennis deck, pool, and spa complex were renovated in 2023. The Fitness Center was built and opened in December of 2022.
As we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2027, the Club remains committed to its traditions, history, and the original vision that was created 50 years ago. The Club's greatest asset is its members, providing a casual and comfortable environment to create lifelong friendships. .