Waterlefe Golf & River Club: #16
View of the 16th green at Waterlefe Golf & River Club
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Rating Index Rating
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4.7
2304 Reviews (2304)
5 Stars
1505
4 Stars
676
3 Stars
83
2 Stars
22
1 Stars
18
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.4
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.8
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.2
97.7%
Recommend this course
2213 out of 2304 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.7
37 Reviews (37)
5 Stars
30
4 Stars
6
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.5
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.8
97.3%
Recommend this course
36 out of 37 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.8
121 Reviews (121)
5 Stars
99
4 Stars
20
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.8
Value
4.5
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.6
Amenities
4.4
StaffFriendliness
4.8
99.2%
Recommend this course
120 out of 121 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 72
Length 6892 yards
Slope 146
Rating 73.9

Inspired by the backdrop of the Manatee River, Ted McAnlis has created the ultimate golf experience with the perfect combination of beauty and challenge. Waterlefe Golf & River Club is built along a particularly beautiful section of the Manatee River, complete with wide expanses of pristine marshes and pleasant coves. Don't be surprised if on the 15th tee you spot a family of manatees poking noses up for a breath of air. The golf course was designed with a great deal of time, effort and expense going toward protecting and resorting the natural environment that gives the course it unique character. The gently sloped greens with the newest Tifteagle Bermuda offer the ultimate in putting. From a lazy start on the par-5 first hole to the big finish on the 18th hole island green, golfers love Waterlefe Golf & River Club!

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Course Details

Year Built 2000
Greens Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Ted McAnlis (2000)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
GPS Yes
Pull-carts No
Caddies No
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Bunker No
Golf School/Academy Yes
Golf Simulator No
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area No
Putting Green Yes
Practice Hole No

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted Major credit cards are accepted.
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code Proper golf attire required

Food & Beverage

Bar, Grill, Beverage Carts

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Meeting Facilities, Banquet Facilities, Spa

Available Activities

Swimming, Billiards

Available Sports

Fitness, Tennis

Accolades

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Reviews

4.7
2304 Reviews (2304)

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 16
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Reputation is justified

From the bag drop to Josh cleaning our clubs, it was a high end private club experience. Unhurried time on the range, great tee box choices and condition and generous fairways to keep out of trouble. The greens were pliant enough to hold short iron approach shots and fast enough to accept long bump and runs. The players here respect the course as very few pitch marks and divots unrepaired. Also thanks to Trevor, a new friend who helped make the round more fun. This course is beautiful and we will definitely return.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

9.5/10 highly reccomend

Tough course but a beautiful layout. Have played a lot of public courses in the Sarasota/Tampa area and this is Top 3 easily… bring extra balls

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Response from on 12/22/2025:
We really appreciate the five-star rating! It’s great to know you enjoyed your visit — we’ll keep working to make every experience just as good.
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 43
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great Course with lots of challenges

Waterlefe is the most challenging golf course in the Sarasota/Bradenton area and it is always in good shape. The course was packed but we still finished all 18 in 4 hours 10 mins!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Response from on 11/17/2025:
We’re thrilled you had such a great experience! Thanks for the support — we’ll be here ready to welcome you back for another great round.
Played On
Reviews 45
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Nice track

Beautiful place to play.Lots of water but fairways are plenty wide.Fast greens that don’t break as much as it looks.Highly recommended playing here.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 11/14/2025:
We really appreciate the five-star rating! It’s great to know you enjoyed your visit — we’ll keep working to make every experience just as good.
Played On
Reviews 95
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 11
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Challenging course in great condition

We come to the area every year and always try to play this course. Staff is always very friendly. Course in great condition. It is a challenging course. Lots of water. The layout is very nice and pace of play is good. For us a must play course if you are in the area.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 10/28/2025:
Thank you for the awesome review! We're so glad to hear you had a great experience and look forward to having you back again.
Played On
Reviews 16
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Wonderful Golf Course

This is a great way to spend an afternoon

Course conditions have always been great. My favorite course when I'm through that area.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 10/21/2025:
Thank you for the awesome review! We're so glad to hear you had a great experience and look forward to having you back again.
Played On
Reviews 30
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Worth the Drive!

This course is as beautiful as advertised! The coolest thing was the driving range into a lake! So much fun!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 43
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Love this place!

It’s been 2 years since we played there and it’s better than ever. Excellent customer service. The course conditions were excellent. We played in just under 4 hrs. Can’t wait to return. Great value with our Hotdeal

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 10/10/2025:
We’re thrilled you had such a great experience! Thanks for the support — we’ll be here ready to welcome you back for another great round.
Played On
Reviews 19
Skill Beginner
Plays Twice a year
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 73
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Course in excellent condition

Course in excellent condition great pace of play the most unfriendly staff I've seen in years

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 62
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 13
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Exceptional Course!

This was my second time playing. The driving range was closed but the course is fantastic! It’s one of my favorites in the area and there’s a lot of courses around here. I’ll be back

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Response from on 09/15/2025:
We’re thrilled you had such a great experience! Thanks for the support — we’ll be here ready to welcome you back for another great round.
Played On
Reviews 62
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
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