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
2345 Reviews (2345)
5 Stars
1536
4 Stars
684
3 Stars
85
2 Stars
22
1 Stars
18
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.4
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.8
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.3
98.0%
Recommend this course
2253 out of 2345 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.8
50 Reviews (50)
5 Stars
40
4 Stars
8
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.3
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.8
98.0%
Recommend this course
49 out of 50 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.7
105 Reviews (105)
5 Stars
80
4 Stars
21
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.4
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.4
StaffFriendliness
4.8
98.1%
Recommend this course
103 out of 105 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 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

The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+ Annual
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10 rounds of waived fees
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$120 in tee time credits
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Reviews

4.7
2345 Reviews (2345)

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 14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great day

Pace of play was only due to the one group in front of ya… nobody within 3 holes of them… 4:30 time wasn’t the worst… otherwise a great day, very good greens, nice layout.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 11
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Christmas eve golf.

From start to finish a top notch track. Conditions where excellent, Country club type track. Back nine more beautiful than the front. Would definitely recommend and will play again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Challenging

I’m an 11 index from Illinois This is a tough but fair track with maybe one or two squirrely holes

The blue tees bring lots of trouble into play, the black ball ( hybrid) tees not so much Greens are fine, not overly undulating or fast Feels a little cramped with some holes close to busy traffic and there are homes on almost every hole, so not the best vibe But overall, a good test but don’t pay more than a hundo if you can help it

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Exceptional golf course

The course conditions were great from tee to green. This was my first round at Waterlefe, I plan on returning soon.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Highly Recommend

While being challenging and requiring accurate placement and length at times Waterlefe I thought was fair a fair and fun course. There is plenty of water which isn’t in play too much,bunkers to avoid, and some waste areas to either hit over or lay up. The range is nice with complimentary balls and a decent putting green. Fairways and greens are above average. It’s laid out in a beautiful setting. Outside staff was friendly and attentive. If you can catch a deal on the app like I did you should definitely add it to your list of courses in the area to play.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 49
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Always Solid

Waterleaf definitely has the feel of a private club, that is not only open to the public, but welcoming. Range balls are included. The course under went a replacement of the greens a few years ago and have softened up enough to hold your approach shots and are fast abs true. Layout is unique, beautiful, and fair. Course conditions rival any nice course from Tampa to Fort Myers. Clubhouse renovations are complete for the restaurant, but the Pro Shop is still in the cart barn. I highly recommend Waterleaf.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 18
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Excellent golf course

Course is pretty , hard course but fair . Staff is friendly ans polite .

Enjoyed my round .

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 26
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great Golf Course

Love everything about this place, it is really nice can’t wait to play it again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 19
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Always Play Waterlefe

I love this course. My family does spring break in St Pete every year and since finding this course in 2017 I have played it every year since then. The layout is the best I've seen in Florida. Being a native Michigander, I generally don't like Florida course but Waterlefe is brilliantly designed around a very special property. There is a network of navigable canals/ponds on the property with bridges so that you are playing right alongside boats on a few of the holes. The conditions have always been perfect and the surrounding homes and clubhouse as you near the end of the round make for a dramatic and memorable backdrop to a great finish. The staff was friendly and helpful and I've never had a bad experience here. I will always return to Waterlefe when I'm in the area.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 25
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Windy weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 32
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

One of the best I’ve played.

Excellent condition, very good greens, fun and interesting layout, nice variety.

Will play here again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Windy weather
Used cart

Overall Review

Course was in great shape. Pace of play was very good - entire round took 4 hours and 10 minutes. Greens were in excellent shape despite that they had been needle punched within the last two weeks. Course is more challenging on the back 9, especially holes 14,15 and 16.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Beginner
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Amazing Scenery and Service

I highly recommend this course be played just for the scenery and difficulty of the course. Given the lack of rain recently the course was still playable and still was a great time overall.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 50
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 65
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Worth the drive

Drove from Treasure Island and the conditions of the course were great

Really great challenge

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Waterlefe golf course

Course in great shape, just unfortunate that ranger did not speed up the two foursome in front of us.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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