Golf has long been a popular pursuit for Floridians and visitors. Recognizing this, the State of Florida provides a plethora of golfing opportunities throughout its sun drenched territory for golfing enthusiasts to enjoy, and the Tampa Bay area of Florida is no exception.

With more than 70 golf courses located throughout the Sun Coast of Florida, tourists and residents can utilize the wonderful sand and surf to get in a round of golf like none other. The sights, sounds, and scents that surround you will add depth to your golf game, whether you are taking in a quick 9 holes, or enjoying a full 18.

After you've had a relaxing round of golf, head to the water's edge for a refreshing swim in the warm gulf waters. Then catch a game of beach volleyball, either as a spectator, or get in on the fun yourself. The Tampa Bay area of Florida gives you the best of two worlds, with premier golfing facilities and pure beachfront properties.

The influx of golfing enthusiasts, who have relocated to Florida's Sun Coast, has given birth to several golf communities near these beach communities. This is indeed the uniting of two incredible pursuits in one. Do you like the idea of awakening to brilliantly colored sunrises, leisurely meals, and the excitement of a good round of golf? And then heading to the beach for a sunset? If you do, you might be interested in moving into one of the golf communities conveniently located near the beaches of the Sun Coast.

Here are just six examples of the kind of golf communities that are available to you in the Tampa Bay Florida area. You can choose from these and many other quality golfing communities to find the right place to settle in where you can easily play golf whenever you want, and then choose to spend the rest of the day at the beach relaxing.

Champions Club: The Champions Club, in Trinity, is in the heart of the tri-county area, which encompasses Pasco, Pinellas & Hillsborough Counties. It is made up of seven premier villages, all with a Mediterranean theme. Each village here is entered through their own private gate. The luxury of the Champions' Club is centered around a $4 million Mediterranean-style club house. More than half of the homes here border the championship golf course at Fox Hollow Golf Club. Fox Hollow Golf Course is the last course designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones.

Cove Cay: As you drive over Bayside Bridge, you will see the magnificently manicured grounds of this beautiful golf community situated along Tampa Bay. This community offers residents condominium living at its finest. 24 hour security is provided at this gated community. You can take in a good round of golf while inhaling the spectacular views provided by the landscaping and the Bay. Residents are sprinkled among four villages and each has its own club house and other amenities. Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment is just minutes from this community.

Crescent Oaks: This Pinellas County gated golfing community is a committed golfers dream come true! Beautiful homes are situated along this community's Private 18 hole golf course. Residents will also find a pro shop, clubhouse, pool, tennis, and both Fitness and Dining centers on its well-maintained grounds.

Lansbrook: Situated in the East Lake area of Tarpon Springs, Lansbrook is one of the finest daily fee golf clubs offering an exciting and challenging course design. Lansbrook is a first rate golf club surrounded by lush Florida landscaping and some of the most exquisite single family homes in Pinellas County. Visit the Lansbrook Lakefront Park directly on Tarpon Lake after a round of golf and enjoy boating and fishing as well.

Cypress Run: Nestled among Cypress and Oaks, this course is definitely one of the best maintained and designed golf courses in all of Tampa Bay. With extra wide fairways and fast greens, even the most seasoned player will consider a day on this course a challenge. It's no wonder that two professionals of the PGA Tour (John Huston and Skip Kendall) have memberships here. Homes in Cypress Run can have panoramic views of the golf course that are unmatched in any other golf course community.

East Lake Woodlands: Centrally located between Tampa and Clearwater, East Lake Woodlands is more than just a golf course community. Not only does it offer two 18 hole championship courses but also a full service country club elegant enough for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and many other formal celebrations. The golf course is broken down into a north and a south course with large fairways and oversized greens. There are also multiple lighted tennis courts and a full service pro shop. Homes in East Lake Woodlands range from condos and villas to large executive style estates on preserve or with golf course wide open views.

Your local real estate agent is available to help you locate and tour the different golf communities and explore golf course real estate in the Tampa Bay area. Ypu are certain to find one to call ....home.