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
2369 Reviews (2369)
5 Stars
1556
4 Stars
687
3 Stars
86
2 Stars
22
1 Stars
18
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.4
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.8
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.4
97.6%
Recommend this course
2276 out of 2369 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.8
69 Reviews (69)
5 Stars
55
4 Stars
11
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.3
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.8
97.1%
Recommend this course
67 out of 69 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.8
113 Reviews (113)
5 Stars
91
4 Stars
18
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.4
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.8
97.3%
Recommend this course
110 out of 113 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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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!

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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

The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+ Annual
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$120 in monthly tee time promo codes
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12 rounds of waived fees
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GolfPass Member Pricing
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Tee Time Protection

Reviews

4.7
2369 Reviews (2369)

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

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 9
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Tough Florida Golf

Great course! Very difficult if you are not a straight hitter. Back 9 was more senic than front. Overall I liked the challenge and would definitely play again.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Response from on 03/23/2026:
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.
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great course

This was the second time playing at this course. It is a challenging course but well maintained and playing it recently we remembered where not to try and hit it. The back nine holes are so scenic with the homes on the water and then some of the holes have a view of the Mantee River. We hope to return.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Response from on 03/23/2026:
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
Reviews 9
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great course and experience

Played with three members who were excellent and friendly. Fun course to play with excellent amenities.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 12
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Excellent golf course

From the time we arrived until we left the parking lot our experience was positive. Bag drop, practice areas, Pro Shop, locker rooms, restrooms on the course, condition of carts, etc was great.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 03/11/2026:
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.
Played On
Reviews 21
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great course

We were fortunate to get in the course under a GolfNow special. Everything about the course is awesome. If you can afford the price, it is worthwhile. This course has been used 8 times as a US Open qualifying course and if you play it, you’ll understand why. I want to thank Waterlefe for allowing the hit deal which allowed us to enjoy such a spectacular course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 03/04/2026:
Thanks for the wonderful feedback! Hearing this makes our day, and we can’t wait to have you back again soon.
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 110
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Wasn’t fun

The course was nice but the greens were way way to fast for us and that is why i rated it the way I did. There is a reason the PGA qualifiers have been held here 8 times. Not a course for average/ high handicappers. IMO. We would not return. Just wasn’t fun.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great Track

Great condition. Tough track. Very friendly staff. Need a second beverage cart on the course.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Response from on 02/23/2026:
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.
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Nice course!

The course was in good shape from tee to green. The greens were very firm and rolled true...too firm for someone like me who can't spin the ball ha. The fairways and tees were in good shape for a Florida course, no lush but nice. It's a challenging course with lots of water and great character. I would play here again when back in town, especially if I found another discounted rate.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Response from on 02/23/2026:
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.
Played On
Reviews 11
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Challenging, but worth it

Unless you're dead straight with your driver, you can feel good about putting it away and playing target golf. 5 or 6 times you could hit too far and get yourself into trouble. There's hidden water and danger around several turns. But if you play a couple hundred yards off the tee you're going to be just fine. Greens run real nice, bunkers played true. Take an extra club on par 3s. Staff was A+ when I visited. Can't wait to play again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 02/23/2026:
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.
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beautiful course

The course is in great shape and has beautiful signts

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 02/20/2026:
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.
Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Wet ‘n Wild

A zany course that has many twists and turns through the waterways of the Manatee river. A unique layout that will challenge any level of play. The conditions were exemplary with fast fairways and greens. The staff was great. The price was slightly inflated for the course but overall was very enjoyable.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Course was in great condition! Would highly recommend

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 02/13/2026:
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.
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Fun course

Very fun course to play and very scenic. Course in good shape. Was a 4 hour and 50 minute round, which ruined the day.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
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