GolfPass Icon
Rating Index Rating
Tooltip Information Icon
3.9
486 Reviews (486)
5 Stars
145
4 Stars
175
3 Stars
95
2 Stars
37
1 Stars
34
Conditions
3.7
Value
3.8
Layout
4.4
Friendliness
4.4
Pace
3.6
Amenities
3.9
81.2%
Recommend this course
384 out of 486 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.0
22 Reviews (22)
5 Stars
8
4 Stars
9
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
3.8
Value
3.9
Layout
4.3
Pace
3.3
Amenities
3.8
StaffFriendliness
4.7
86.4%
Recommend this course
19 out of 22 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.0
32 Reviews (32)
5 Stars
12
4 Stars
12
3 Stars
5
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
2
Conditions
3.9
Value
3.9
Layout
4.4
Pace
3.5
Amenities
3.9
StaffFriendliness
4.5
87.5%
Recommend this course
28 out of 32 reviews
Read Reviews
frame.svg
AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
circle-star.svg
Course Highlights
The course layout earns high marks, featuring tree-lined fairways with generous shade and a driving range equipped with top-tier ball-tracking technology. Friendly staff, clean carts, and a smooth pace of play make each round consistently enjoyable.

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 72
Length 6781 yards
Slope 130
Rating 72.9
Book a Tee Time at
The Links at Riverlakes Ranch
Powered by GolfNow.com
Hot Deals at The Links at Riverlakes Ranch
View more Hot Deals on

Course Details

Year Built 1999
Greens Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Ron Fream Kevin Ramsey (1999) David Dale (1999)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Pull-carts Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Bunker Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes

Food & Beverage

Bar

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities
The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+ Annual
golf ball.svg
$120 in monthly tee time promo codes
waivedfees
12 rounds of waived fees
redeemtrophy
GolfPass Member Pricing
teetime protection.svg
Tee Time Protection

Reviews

3.9
486 Reviews (486)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 12
Watching the Game 9
Patio Dining 7
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 20
Water Hazards 19
Undulating Greens 12
This course/club is great for:
Locals 15
Advanced Golfers 8
Entertaining Clients 6
This Course's Location is:
Convenient to the City 22
In the 'Burbs 7

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Play and conditions

Great shape! Punched greens in past few weeks so putting was bumpy and slow! Soon the play will be perfect! My only complaints are high prices for range balls, grass to long on driving range and mud duck waste all over the signature 18th hole! Grounds crew can spend 20 minutes with blower and it would be sweet!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

River lakes.

Greens are finally smoothing out from the aeration about. 3 months ago.

18 hole needs some attention. Goose remains covers the green which makes putting impossible from any direction and junk on your shoes and ball to finish the round. Just hose off the green every few days.. The birds can stay.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Ok, but carefull on the sales

If they have a sale or cheaper tee times, something may be going on. In this case they were having a high school tournement. Good thing they let us jumpr ahead. The course is nice right now an for the price i got it was really nice. Play peacefully. Nice day

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 19
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Not what I expected

The layout of this course is very good and will challenge you on every hole. The course was not well maintained at all. The greens were in good shape except almost every hole had a portion to the green that was unplayable. Bunkers had some sand, but the faces had eroded leaving for shots over two and three foot high lips. The green on the last hole was completely unplayable because it was covered in bird droppings. If you can get a good deal on the course (under $25) then I would play it.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

We had a great time!

My son and I had a great day on this course. He was married here at the clubhouse 3 years ago, so it's a special place to us.
I am a club champ in Florida and find this course challenging yet fun to play

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 19
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Sorry I wasted our day at this golf course

The greens were full of huge punch holes like i've never see before. The bunkers were ALL dirt only, not a grain of sand left in them. The bermuda portion of the fairways were all dormant and in many places just plain dirt. Extraordinarily crummy round of golf. my score was fine but would have been much lower with a better maintained course. I will never return and if asked will recommend others play somewhere else.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Friendliness Poor
Pace Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

This course is overrated.

I'm definitely not a big fan of this course. The greens terrible and punched horribly. The drainage system is bad. We had rain the day before so many parts of the course were flooded. We were told by staff to rush while we played.

Conditions Poor
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Needs a little TLC

The greens had just been punched 2 weeks ago which made putting in a straight line comical. The overall condition of the course was not up to par. It definitely needs some TLC. This course, when in good shape, is an amazing layout with the final hole entirely surrounded by water. It is a short course. I played the BLUE tees. I was able to grab an exceptional rate through GolfNow for only $14 which included a cart. So that made everything a pleasant day on the links all in all. I would recommend this course to anyone visiting the area. Fun course. And typically has some incredible greens.

Conditions Poor
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 25+
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Great course

My first time going to RiverLakes, im resident of bakersfield and i think they still have problems with the greens but already fixing it. i think in like 2 weeks it will be in great conditions..

Conditions Poor
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

CC FEEL FOR MUNI $$

Played this course for first time Saturday. The grounds, practice area, putting green and clubhouse immediately make you feel as though you're at the local Country Club instead of a public course. Playing as a single, when arriving at starters hut, I was paired up with a twosome that could not have been more nice or friendly. We were all about even in skill at about 10 HC. The course was in exceptional shape and well maintained, with the usual exception of a few areas under repair, but definitely one of the nicest muni courses I've played. Having booked thru Golfnow with a hot deal the Saturday rd was an exceptional value at only $26.00 bucks. One tip for sure...Get a cart!! Course layout is quite spread out.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Beginner
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Under Repair

Some of the greens are under repair for the time being but a majority of them are still playable. Once the proper repairs have been made this course will still remain as one of Bakersfield more challenging and unique courses.

Conditions Poor
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Don't Bother

Most of the greens are dead or are dying. Not even the worth the $20.00 Hot Deal green fee that I paid.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

15 Greens

There are only 15 puttable greens at the moment out of 18, who knows what happened. Rest of the course is Fair, Never pay more than $25 to play this course. You get what you pay for at the moment, would like to see those greens up again and some SAND in those Bunkers! But it looks like they're starting to take action. I believe everything will by fine n' dandy within a couple months.

Conditions Poor
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 25+
Skill Beginner
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Challenging Course

Really enjoyed playing this course. I haven't been golfing long but this was the most challenging course I have played yet. The are currently having some issues with a few of thier greens but other than that its a great course. Once they get the greens back in order everything will be perfect.

Conditions Poor
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 35
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Goat Ranch

Nice layout, given what the terroir they had to work with. But the course maintenance is horrendous! At least 6 greens unluttable, no sand in the bunkers and the fairways spotty. I would not recommend and I'm driving 95 miles to play today.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

half the greens are painted DIRT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fairways are nice but half the greens are in horrible condition not sure if I will play again till next spring

Conditions Poor
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 33
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Fun course

Nice layout. Pace was slow due to people not playing with the skill level they think they have. Back tees are for players. Several holes greens were burned on and others fuzzy. Putting very slow. If they can get the greens fixed its a great course. Need to post t boxes based on handicap and this needs to be enforced.

Conditions Poor
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 19
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Greens are disasterous, basically playing on dirt painted green.

Don't know who screwed up but the greens are terrible. Number 3 hole the cool par three, the green is totally shot. It is basically dirt sprayed with some green stuff. The 18th hole is the par five which you carry over the water if you want to get on in two, doesn't even have much of the fake green paint on it, just dirt. The course was almost empty so we played fast. Go to BV or Kern River if you want some greens to putt on, very disappointing at this course.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Terrible greens & no marshall to assist with pace.

I've played this course in the past with no complaints, but could not believe how chopped up the greens were & how very very slow they played. The greens had bumpy holes all over them in terrible condition and basically dirt not grass on almost all 18 holes. Very hot day & hardly any water was set out for drinking nor did we see a refreshment cart come around. No marshall was ever seen to help with pace of play. Will never play Riverlakes again.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Friendliness Poor
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

rough terrain

Some of the greens are terrible...physically saw the groundskeeper painting the greens..rather then fixing them..wont go back until they are fixed..not worth it...

Conditions Poor
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Nearby Courses
Bakersfield, California
Private
5.0
1
Bakersfield, California
Semi-Private
3.9097744361
21
Bakersfield, California
Private
5.0
2
Bakersfield, California
Private
5.0
2
Bakersfield, California
Private
5.0
2
Bakersfield, California
Public
4.0246695169
231
Bakersfield, California
Private
5.0
1
Bakersfield, California
Public
4.2364161882
404
Bakersfield, California
Private
3.6639670361
124
Taft, California
Public
3.7827829377
119
Golf Packages

The Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
MONTEREY, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Poppy Hills Golf Course, Bayonet Course, Black Horse Course, and Del Monte Golf Course.

The Inn At Spanish Bay Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
PEBBLE BEACH, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The Inn at Spanish Bay and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and Del Monte Golf Course.

La Quinta Resort & Club Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
LA QUINTA, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at La Quinta Resort & Club and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of PGA WEST - Nicklaus Tournament Course, PGA WEST - Pete Dye Mountain Course, PGA WEST - Greg Norman Course, PGA WEST - Pete Dye Dunes Course, and PGA WEST - The Pete Dye Stadium Course.

The Casa Palmero – Pebble Beach Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
PEBBLE BEACH, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The Lodge at Pebble Beach and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and Del Monte Golf Course.

The Lodge At Pebble Beach Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
PEBBLE BEACH, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The Lodge at Pebble Beach and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and Del Monte Golf Course.
Now Reading
  • Home

  • Memberships

  • Library

  • Account