Waterlefe Golf & River Club: #16
View of the 16th green at Waterlefe Golf & River Club
GolfPass Icon
Rating Index Rating
Tooltip Information Icon
4.7
2379 Reviews (2379)
5 Stars
1562
4 Stars
690
3 Stars
87
2 Stars
22
1 Stars
18
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.3
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.8
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.5
97.6%
Recommend this course
2286 out of 2379 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.7
70 Reviews (70)
5 Stars
53
4 Stars
13
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.2
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.8
97.1%
Recommend this course
68 out of 70 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.7
101 Reviews (101)
5 Stars
80
4 Stars
16
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.3
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.8
97.0%
Recommend this course
98 out of 101 reviews
Read Reviews
frame.svg
AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
circle-star.svg
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
Powered by GolfNow.com

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

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

4.7
2379 Reviews (2379)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 56
Brunch 17
19th Hole Specials 15
Course Challenges Include:
Water Hazards 159
Forced Carries 106
Bunkers 94
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 126
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 113
Locals 48
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 106
Convenient to the City 51
In the 'Burbs 43

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Reviewer Photos

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 79
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Great course with excellent staff

The wife and I were looking to play a nice course in Sarasota. Waterlefe is just that! Great course layout, excellent greens, and the staff was very nice. It is worth the money.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 21
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Still the best

I’ve been visiting Sarasota for 30+ years and have played most courses in the this area. This is still the best layout, despite the new rood and bridge impacting the 13th/15th holes.

A must play!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course

Don’t let the water fool you! Great layout, great conditions, and friendly staff! Would recommend playing if you are looking for a challenging course with great views

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 17
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Awesome track!

Waterlefe lived up to its name with water as the main trouble on the course. But the course layout is fair and all the trouble is right in front of you- no surprises. The course was in phenomenal shape with lush fairways and speedy greens. A must play!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Awesome

First time playing here and was very impressed. Extremely tough course and in very good condition. Employee said they had recently renovated the bar/dining area and I was very impressed. Will play again

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
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 Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Windy weather
Used cart

This course is in great condition

This course is one of the very best golf courses in Bradenton, it may even be the best. Excellently maintained and perfect fairways and greens. It's fun to play in the immediate vicinity of the Manatee River with many great water hazards. The service staff, starting with the bag drop on arrival, through the very friendly and professional starter to the courteous people when returning the cart. Not to forget the perfectly renovated clubhouse. You feel like you're at home. Thank you for this fantastic round? I will come back as soon I can!

Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 15
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times 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 15
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 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 40
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

SLOW Greens

The greens at this course are easily the slowest in the entire area. Ridiculously slow. Greens collars are not able to be putted from. They used to be very fast and awesome, but no longer. Fairways should be mowed much tighter than they are...you sometimes don't know if you're in the rough or the fairway.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 11
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Really enjoyed my round

Staff was very friendly and attentive. Course was in good shape. I did like the layout and felt it was a somewhat tough but a very fair course. The 18th hole is a nice finish to this course. Greens rolled true. It wasn't as busy during the time I played so the pace of play was good. I would definitely play again at this course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 44
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Very nice club house , new

Course was beautiful. The new clubhouse was very attractive, and the people were fantastic to deal with.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 79
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
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Nearby Courses
Bradenton, Florida
Semi-Private
4.4977375566
221
Parrish, Florida
Semi-Private
2.868723262
1104
Bradenton, Florida
Public
4.2049154865
1296
Bradenton, Florida
Semi-Private
4.4977375566
221
Bradenton, Florida
Public
3.8917380067
2969
Bradenton, Florida
Semi-Private
4.4977375566
221
Parrish, Florida
Public
1.0
2
Bradenton, Florida
Private
5.0
1
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Resort/Semi-Private
4.4372881356
590
Bradenton, Florida
Semi-Private
4.5437583921
1790
Palmetto, Florida
Public
3.4365046036
3418
Golf Packages

The Copperhead Cup Package

Click Below
PALM HARBOR, FL | Feel the thrill of a true PGA TOUR experience in our Inaugural Copperhead Cup, playing the famed Copperhead Course, home of the PGA TOUR's Valspar Championship, just two weeks before the pros take the stage. Be part of a world-class tournament with two unforgettable rounds of competition on this prestigious championship course favored by the pros.

Innisbrook Golf Resort Stay & Play Package

FROM $237 (USD)
PALM HARBOR, FL | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at Innisbrook Golf Resort and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Innisbrook – Copperhead Course, Innisbrook – Island Course, and Innisbrook – South Course.

Encore Resort At Reunion Stay & Play Package

FROM $187 (USD)
REUNION, FL | Enjoy up to 7 nights’ accommodations at the Encore Resort at Reunion and up to 5 rounds of golf at your choice of ChampionsGate - International Course, ChampionsGate - National Course, Hawk's Landing Golf Course, Celebration Golf Course, and Southern Dunes Golf Course.

Best of Disney Golf Package

FROM $107 (USD)
ORLANDO, FL | Enjoy 2 nights' accommodation at Tuscana Resort Orlando and 3 rounds of golf at Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course, Palm Golf Course and Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.

Orlando Ironman Golf Package

FROM $157 (USD)
ORLANDO, FL | Enjoy 4 nights' accommodation at The Fountains Resort Championsgate and 6 rounds of golf at Orange County Panther Lake, Orange County Crooked Cat, Omni International, Omni National, Celebration Golf Club and Falcons Fire Golf Club.
Now Reading
  • Home

  • Memberships

  • Library

  • Account