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Waterlefe Golf & River Club
Rating Snapshot
5 Stars
1555
4 Stars
686
3 Stars
85
2 Stars
22
1 Stars
18
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.4
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.8
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.4
5 Stars
54
4 Stars
10
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.3
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.8
5 Stars
93
4 Stars
18
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.4
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.8
AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
Course Highlights
Waterlefe's stunning subtropical layout features water hazards on nearly every hole, consistently earning top marks for both design and well-maintained conditions. Friendly staff, smooth pace of play, and outstanding value make this a must-play course in the Tampa-Sarasota region.
About
Holes 18
Type Public
Par 72
Length 6869 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!
Book a Tee Time at
Waterlefe Golf and River Club
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| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 72 | 6869 yards | 73.9 | 146 |
| Blue | 72 | 6449 yards | 71.7 | 145 |
| Black Ball | 72 | 6196 yards | 70.4 | 137 |
| White | 72 | 5909 yards | 69.2 | 132 |
| White (W) | 72 | 5909 yards | 74.7 | 143 |
| Silver | 72 | 5407 yards | 67.1 | 122 |
| Silver (W) | 72 | 5407 yards | 72.0 | 136 |
| Green | 72 | 5122 yards | 65.7 | 118 |
| Green (W) | 72 | 5122 yards | 70.4 | 134 |
| Red | 72 | 4722 yards | 64.1 | 115 |
| Red (W) | 72 | 4722 yards | 68.5 | 129 |
| Family | 72 | 3961 yards | 61.0 | 109 |
| Family (W) | 72 | 3961 yards | 64.1 | 119 |
Scorecard for Waterlefe Golf & River Club
Metrics:
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold M: 73.9/146 | 554 | 404 | 348 | 198 | 385 | 545 | 448 | 383 | 231 | 3496 | 561 | 199 | 413 | 399 | 484 | 176 | 351 | 391 | 427 | 3401 | 6897 |
| Blue M: 71.7/145 W: 77.6/150 | 491 | 388 | 333 | 165 | 379 | 504 | 414 | 367 | 198 | 3239 | 542 | 182 | 392 | 375 | 462 | 161 | 340 | 377 | 392 | 3223 | 6462 |
| Blue/White M: 70.4/137 W: 75.9/146 | 491 | 361 | 333 | 165 | 349 | 504 | 389 | 367 | 154 | 3113 | 475 | 170 | 392 | 375 | 462 | 149 | 340 | 364 | 352 | 3079 | 6192 |
| White M: 69.2/132 W: 74.7/143 | 426 | 361 | 311 | 141 | 349 | 494 | 389 | 331 | 154 | 2956 | 475 | 170 | 360 | 353 | 449 | 149 | 323 | 364 | 352 | 2995 | 5951 |
| Silver M: 67.1/122 W: 72.0/136 | 405 | 325 | 280 | 117 | 275 | 455 | 363 | 313 | 147 | 2680 | 463 | 149 | 324 | 325 | 421 | 138 | 305 | 348 | 321 | 2794 | 5474 |
| Green M: 65.7/118 W: 70.4/134 | 405 | 285 | 280 | 101 | 275 | 455 | 363 | 313 | 147 | 2624 | 463 | 149 | 324 | 325 | 421 | 90 | 228 | 268 | 321 | 2589 | 5213 |
| Red M: 64.1/115 W: 68.5/129 | 372 | 285 | 255 | 92 | 253 | 417 | 336 | 286 | 119 | 2415 | 406 | 123 | 292 | 295 | 382 | 82 | 228 | 268 | 291 | 2367 | 4782 |
| Orange M: 61.0/109 W: 64.1/119 | 317 | 198 | 220 | 84 | 245 | 373 | 268 | 249 | 94 | 2048 | 347 | 83 | 229 | 217 | 293 | 75 | 222 | 214 | 233 | 1913 | 3961 |
| Handicap | 11 | 5 | 13 | 17 | 9 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 15 | 6 | 18 | 14 | 4 | 2 | 16 | 8 | 10 | 12 | |||
| Par | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 36 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap (W) | 9 | 1 | 11 | 17 | 13 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 15 | 6 | 18 | 14 | 4 | 2 | 16 | 8 | 12 | 10 |
Hot Deals at Waterlefe Golf and River Club
Hot Deals at Waterlefe Golf and River Club
Tue 5/26
No Hot Deals for this date.
Wed 5/27
No Hot Deals for this date.
Thu 5/28
No Hot Deals for this date.
Fri 5/29
sold
$7299
1-4
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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 CartsAvailable Facilities
Clubhouse, Meeting Facilities, Banquet Facilities, SpaAvailable Activities
Swimming, BilliardsAvailable Sports
Fitness, Tennis
Reviews
4.7
Reviewer Photos
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Photo submitted by Twitt423 on 05/05/2026
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Photo submitted by Twitt423 on 05/05/2026
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Photo submitted by Twitt423 on 05/05/2026
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Photo submitted by K33VUK on 01/04/2025
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Photo submitted by witor101 on 11/29/2024
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Photo submitted by Hibees1963 on 11/21/2024
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Photo submitted by Hibees1963 on 11/21/2024
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Photo submitted by nabuster on 07/01/2024
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Photo submitted by OBulldogs on 03/15/2024
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Photo submitted by zog214 on 04/02/2023
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Photo submitted by zog214 on 03/26/2023
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Photo submitted by DesbiensCarole on 03/26/2023
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Photo submitted by u690440783 on 03/10/2023
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Photo submitted by bmwhit on 02/14/2023
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Photo submitted by bmwhit on 02/14/2023
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Photo submitted by u220912277 on 05/25/2022
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Photo submitted by Icanhackit on 05/12/2022
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The 10th @Waterlefe Photo submitted by Heronscourt on 05/10/2022
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#18 Photo submitted by ironwood5757 on 01/14/2022
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Photo submitted by u7326787 on 12/15/2021
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Photo submitted by pthullen109 on 10/22/2021
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Photo submitted by pthullen109 on 10/22/2021
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Photo submitted by u314161618346 on 05/27/2021
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Photo submitted by u314161618346 on 05/27/2021
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Photo submitted by u314161618346 on 05/27/2021
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Photo submitted by Magic18 on 11/27/2020
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Photo submitted by Magic18 on 11/27/2020
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Beautiful morning at waterlefe Photo submitted by u000003898409 on 09/19/2020
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Photo submitted by waxpoetix1 on 09/06/2020
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Photo submitted by ChrisW5226 on 02/14/2020
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Photo submitted by roodhistory on 11/03/2019
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Water and sand are challenging Photo submitted by u4850896 on 07/05/2019
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Tee Shot #1 Photo submitted by BryanTweed16 on 04/01/2018
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Approach #2 Photo submitted by BryanTweed16 on 04/01/2018
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Tee Shot #3 Photo submitted by BryanTweed16 on 04/01/2018
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Par 3 #9 Photo submitted by BryanTweed16 on 04/01/2018
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Approach #13 Photo submitted by BryanTweed16 on 04/01/2018
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Photo submitted by dinoerding on 01/17/2018
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Captivating and daunting par 3 Photo submitted by Takeme2ireland on 09/02/2013
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Photo submitted by Beaudel on 04/23/2013
I Recommend This Course
Great track
A little slow on back but not bad. Great layout with many beautiful holes. Challenging. Excellent condition.
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 05/20/2026:
Thank you for the great review! We’re thrilled you had a positive experience and look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
I Recommend This Course
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
I Recommend This Course
Conditions were perfect
Great track, greens were excellent, course was challenging but very playable
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Response from on 05/15/2026:
Thanks for the wonderful feedback! Hearing this makes our day, and we can’t wait to have you back again soon.
I Recommend This Course
Best Course in Bradenton
Waterlefe is always in good shape and a Fun course to play that will challenge all levels of golfers. With the area being in a drought, the conditions were still very favorable and the greens were quick and true. We Will Be Back!!
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Response from on 05/15/2026:
We’re so glad you had a great experience! Thank you for the support — we’ll be ready to welcome you back for another great round.
I Recommend This Course
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
I Recommend This Course
Beautiful course
A really pretty course with some challenging holes, loved it.
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 05/13/2026:
We’re so glad you had a great experience! Thank you for the support — we’ll be ready to welcome you back for another great round.
I Recommend This Course
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
I Recommend This Course
Great Course
Thoroughly enjoyed the course. Nice balance of views and difficulty. Will definitely be playing Waterlefe again.
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Response from on 05/12/2026:
We truly appreciate the five-star rating! It’s great to hear you enjoyed your visit — we’ll keep working hard to make every experience just as memorable.
I Recommend This Course
Great course
Great in every way. A little slow midway through.
Greens were perfect and fairways very nice with just enough grass under the ball.
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
I Recommend This Course
Great course - well worth the value!
Course was in very good shape - we've been in a drought, so I expected some dry spots, but overall the tee boxes were flat and well maintained, the fairways were green and managed well, and the greens were in great shape with good speed to them. GPS on carts were spot on and the cart girl was friendly and made a mean bloody mary!!
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Response from on 05/11/2026:
Thank you for the great review! We’re thrilled you had a positive experience and look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
I Recommend This Course
Great condition - fun challenge!
The greens are running really nicely - quick and true. Course overall in pretty good condition. Will definitely be back soon.
Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Response from on 05/11/2026:
We truly appreciate the five-star rating! It’s great to hear you enjoyed your visit — we’ll keep working hard to make every experience just as memorable.
I Recommend This Course
One of my favorites
Course was in great shape, greens were running. Played in just under 4 hours. Great day
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 05/06/2026:
We’re so glad you had a great experience! Thank you for the support — we’ll be ready to welcome you back for another great round.
I Recommend This Course
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
I Recommend This Course
great experience
superb course, conditions are great, design is fabulous, everything was perfect from tee to green, do not miss the Waterlefe experience
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Response from on 05/06/2026:
Thanks for the wonderful feedback! Hearing this makes our day, and we can’t wait to have you back again soon.
I Recommend This Course
Extremely Nice
Maybe not an everyday course for the average golfer, but worth the treat. Beautiful shape, great layout, LOTS of water and sand. This is not an easy course, but amazing. Lightning fast greens.
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Response from on 04/24/2026:
Thank you for the great review! We’re thrilled you had a positive experience and look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Played On 04/21/2026
Reviews 11
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
a favorite
great course, played even harder with the wind. A must play
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Response from on 04/24/2026:
We’re so glad you had a great experience! Thank you for the support — we’ll be ready to welcome you back for another great round.
I Recommend This Course
One of the nicest
Really nice, everything you except, challenging no doubt 👌
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 04/22/2026:
We’re so glad you had a great experience! Thank you for the support — we’ll be ready to welcome you back for another great round.
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Featured Content
Course Layout