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2.6
86 Reviews (86)
5 Stars
5
4 Stars
17
3 Stars
20
2 Stars
27
1 Stars
17
Conditions
1.9
Value
3.3
Layout
3.1
Friendliness
3.4
Pace
4.1
Amenities
2.5
52.3%
Recommend this course
45 out of 86 reviews
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About

Holes 18
Type Public
Style Links
Par 72
Length 6031 yards
Slope 119
Rating 69.2

Editor's Note: Course closed for business in 2018.

Formerly known as Cattail Creek GC.

Located in Green Cove Springs at the Reynolds Industrial Park, River Bend Golf Links is a locally owned, public course that offers a relaxing, enjoyable round. The course has been offering classic links golf since 1950, although then it was known as Cattail Creek. The golf course has since changed management but the challenging layout has remained the same. The golf course features small, fast greens and bunkers strategically placed throughout. Water hazards also come into play on a few holes. River Bend Golf Links is conveniently located near St. John's River, offering a variety of other activities including boating and fishing.

Course Details

Year Built 1950
Fairways Bermuda grass
Greens Bermuda grass
Golf Season Year round

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Caddies No
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes

Food & Beverage

Bar, Grill, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse

Reviews

2.6
86 Reviews (86)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 6
Course Challenges Include:
Narrow Fairways 11
Water Hazards 9
Thick Rough 6
This course/club is great for:
Locals 13
Beginners 10
Walkers 10
This Course's Location is:
Convenient to the City 7

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

wheres the deal

I ordered agroupon for this course and paid 2.50 extra for the privelege of using groupon. The course was in the worst shape I have ever seen any course ever.
The staff was friendly and the couple I played with
made it very enjoyable and fun despite the conditions

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 15
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Extra small greens

Haven't played one this rough in a long time.I think not only these are the smallest greens I have ever played but in pretty rough shape to.No grass in the fairways just weeds it really is sad to charge anyone money to play this course.I can only hope that some day somebody could fix this course for the members there.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 24
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Cold weather
Used cart

Don`t Bother...

Short,and to the point...Don`t waste your money...

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Difficulty Fairly Easy
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once every three months
1.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Poor course

This course is not worth the cost. Starting with the Tee box to the greens, it was horrible. It was hard to follow the layout. There are many holes missing the hole # at the tee. Some holes were hard to follow as the cart paths weren’t clear. At one point we got turned around and had to search for the next hole. For $28 I wasn’t expecting a great course but this should have been $10-$15.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Fair
Played On
Reviews 31
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Interesting course!

I found the course layout to be very good. The fairways are tight and challenging. The maintenance of the course leaves a lot to be desired. The fairways are bare in many places with seemed like more weeds than grass and the greens are slow. I told my friend that if I could I would buy the course because it could be a 3 or 4 Star Course with a little maintenance and minor redesign of some very tight holes.

Conditions Poor
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart

since the course is an old cow pasture it needs to be brought up to date. the fairways are still like the old cow pastures. they were sandy and not too grassy. although the greens rolled reasonably straight they were also very sandy and rough

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 53
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played

A hidden treasure.

This course is a little off the beaten path. It doesn't have all the frills of the country club circuit but serves nicely. There is water on 3/4 of the course. it's tight in some places so being straight is paramount. Course like most in the area has just done it's over seeding. Staff is super friendly and pace of play is always good. Check it out!

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
First Time Playing

Felt like I was playing in a cow pasture

I can't complain too much because it was only $8. But still the conditions of this course could have been better. It was very narrow and the holes were too close to each other . Very swampy , the grass was really high . The lady at the club house was nice though. FYI the clubhouse is a trailer , and they had a cool food truck up front

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Layout Poor
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/11/2017

The course is under new management/ownership since May 1 and we have been working hard to make everyone's experience enjoyable. To clarify....the holes are close together, as it is green to tee, just like a Donald Ross course, which is great for walking. Most courses now days are spread out so far, that it makes it difficult to walk the course, especially in the heat. Ours is not. The course is NOT swampy. I hope you realize that we had over 12 inches of rain within a few weeks of the time you played. That is over and beyond an extreme amount of rain for any course. The clubhouse is not a "trailer" it is a 2000 square foot building that we have just renovated and have added large screen tv's, comfortable seating, ice cream, sandwiches, beer, sodas, snacks etc. Half of the building is used for our golf clubhouse. We do have a food truck that comes typically on the last Wednesday of the month from 11am-2pm for our Ladies League. We have many leagues, play day events, clinics and more. Lots for the entire family including juniors under the age of 15 play FREE on Saturdays and Sundays after 1pm with a paying adult. Our course is challenging , yet fair and we welcome all skill levels while we also are very accommodating, as we don't have a dress code, no tee times and just want all to have fun. No rangers to push you to play faster, no staff to tell you what you can and cannot wear or to hurry to the tee. I guess that is why so many have found this hidden gem in Green Cove Springs. Thank you and we hope to see you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 0-4
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Fun and Friendly Place

I played River Bend last evening in their Wednesday Scramble and really had a great time. When I arrived I was immediately greeted with a friendly smile and felt right at home. The new owner has done a tremendous job upgrading the course and the clubhouse and has many plans for future improvements and cool events. I know the new owner personally. She is a PGA/LPGA professional and someone who is dedicated to the game of golf and making it a fun experience for people of all levels and ages. Whether you are brand new to golf or have played for years, River Bend is a place you can feel at home...it's a relaxed atmosphere. The clubhouse is a cool little spot to hang out and the course is challenging but fun. Give this place a chance and I guarantee that every time you go back you will see more and more improvements...and make friends along the way.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

New Owners Have Made a Huge Difference!

New owners took over May 1, 2017 and have made substantial changes to the course, grounds and clubhouse. The clubhouse was expanded to include big screen tv's, more food, beverage and merchandise options. The grounds and course have also had substantial work done and it has made a tremendous difference. PGA/LPGA Professionals are on staff and the owner is a PGA/LPGA Professional. More Membership options are also available as well as Leagues, Ladies Leagues, Junior clinics and camps, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday Games, Wednesday evening Scramble and other special events. Juniors 15 & Under also get to play free on Saturdays and Sundays after 1pm with a paying adult. The course needed attention and it got it! Their is no dress code or tee times and the course is surrounded by wildlife and beautiful scenery. No homes around the course. Come try the course. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

A Hidden Gem in Green Cove Springs Florida

I have been playing this course for years and am so glad that a new owner has stepped in and has given the course and clubhouse the attention it so much deserved. The course has been around since 1950 and really is a great course. The greens are small and the layout can be challenging at only 6100 yards. There are no homes around and it can be quite scenic as you traverse the course. The fairways and greens are in much better condition than in the past. The new Owner is a PGA/LPGA Professional and has made a dramatic impact since taking over in May of 2017. I like the fact that there is no dress code, no tee times and you are always greeted with a smile and a thank you for coming. The staff really appreciates you! Please give this place a look as it really is a neat little course.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Got what we paid for ?

Out of the box the pro shop clerk told me they are no longer members of GolfNow and have been trying to get GolfNow to remove them from their list and GolfNow should refund our service charge. Otherwise, very friendly. All greens are in poor condition. Fairways are pretty bare. There is no clubhouse per se - the grill/bar is closed.

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/15/2017

Hope you can stop by and see the changes we have made at River Bend. The course is in great shape and we have expanded our golf shop to include more food, beverage and merchandise options. I think you will be pleasantly surprised since your visit 2-years ago as the course is under new ownership.

Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 25+
Skill Beginner
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Needs work

The course as of recently seemed to have been getting in better shape. This go around the fairways in several places were horrible. One green, #16 is little more than a hard packed sand box. The course overall needs some care to get it to be decently playable. Personnel wise, the staff is friendly and it could be a pretty good facility with the proper course manicuring.

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/15/2017

Hope you can come back to River Bend and see all the changes we have made. Alot of attention has been given to the course and clubhouse. The course is in great shape and the clubhouse has been expanded to include many more options for food, beverage and merchandise. The course has been under new ownership since May 2017. You will be pleasantly surprised at the difference since you played several years ago.

Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/14/2017

The course has been under new ownership since May 2017 and has made substantial changes including expansion of the clubhouse with more food, beverage and merchandise options. The course and grounds have also had substantial work done and the course is in great shape! PGA/LPGA Professionals own and are on staff as well.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
1.0
First Time Playing

River Bend - NOT

This is the worst course we've ever played - greens were horrible and the fairways weren't much better - don't waste your $$ - too many others to choose from at as good or better price

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/15/2017

Hope you can give the course another chance since your last visit several years ago. The course is under new ownership and has made substantial changes to the course, clubhouse and grounds. The course is in beautiful shape. You will be amazed at the transformation since your last visit.

Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Fair weather
Used cart

The fairways need some work as do the greens.

The course was fun to play, but the greens were crusty, the fairways were either full of weeds or dirt blotched

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
First Time Playing

One disappointment after another.

My son - in - law and I like to try new courses around Florida whenever we can. Yesterday took us to River Bend in Green Cove Springs. Upon arrival to check in we were informed our reservation had been canceled by the course. We received no call or email prior to making the drive. (Which took us past quite a few nice courses) We came that far to play because of the deal we had gotten... now there was NO deals offered and the price over doubled! Next, repeatedly posted in the office... NO coolers allowed. (But you can get drinks there with a substantial markup).
Now, out to the course... The tees were ok..just.. The fairways were a LOT of hardpan, (nice for forward roll, hard to hit off of) one of the many walkers told us a pro on the course told him to tee up each shot so you don't damage your clubs on the fairway! Next, the majority of putting greens were like obstacle courses. Very little green, rough surfaces and no way to hit a straightforward shot. (A suggestion from another walker, hit onto the green and just take 2 on your card and move on!) The fairways are mostly straight and narrow, very narrow, hook or slice and you're on another fairway. Lots of water hazards mixed in too. One water cooler that we saw and No rest rooms on the course.
If there were negative stars to give on a rating, this course would get them from me.
We won't be back....

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Friendliness Poor
Pace Fair
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

rough course

Course was in rough shape. Arrived 30 minutes early but staff would not let us tee off until our tee time despite no one else ahead of us teeing off. Would not let us load our golf cart until 10-15 minutes before tee time despite many sitting available.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Friendliness Fair
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 32
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Back again...

...for more. Lousy fairways, sketchy greens, who cares. Go out and smack it around for 3 hours and look for wildlife while drinking beer and smoking a cigar.

Golf at its finest, IMHO.

I like the Eagle Harbors of the world too but I like the River Bends for what they are. If you understand what it is when you're going in, it will be fun and I always like it there. Everyone is friendly, contrary to some reviews, but I too don't understand the adherence to starting times when there's no one there (especially as a single as I am not going to hold anyone up).

I did encounter one double group, probably 6-7 guys, who were slow and having fun. Instead of fuming, I just went around them (jumped from 4 to 6) and finished up the missing holes later.

Fun place but know what you're getting.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

This course has improved

close and great for a quick round to practice a little

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
2.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Don't expect a lot but good layout.

Course needs work. Not a bad layout. Price was right. I got there early, but they would not let me tee off until my tee time even though course was not busy. No bunkers, but plenty of water...some not on scorecard pictures. Restaurant is closed.

Conditions Poor
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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