View of the 16th green at Waterlefe Golf & River Club
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Rating Index Rating
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4.4
2060 Reviews (2060)
5 Stars
1319
4 Stars
624
3 Stars
80
2 Stars
20
1 Stars
17
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.1
Layout
4.7
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.2
Amenities
3.9
89.9%
Recommend this course
1973 out of 2060 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
114 Reviews (114)
5 Stars
72
4 Stars
30
3 Stars
12
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.1
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.2
Amenities
3.5
StaffFriendliness
4.6
93.0%
Recommend this course
106 out of 114 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
122 Reviews (122)
5 Stars
74
4 Stars
33
3 Stars
12
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.4
Value
4.0
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.2
Amenities
3.6
StaffFriendliness
4.6
90.2%
Recommend this course
110 out of 122 reviews
Read Reviews

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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Waterlefe Golf and 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
Clubs Yes
GPS Yes
Pull-carts No

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Bunker No
Caddies 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

Reviews

4.4
2060 Reviews (2060)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 56
Brunch 17
19th Hole Specials 15
Course Challenges Include:
Water Hazards 158
Forced Carries 105
Bunkers 93
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 126
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 113
Locals 48
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 105
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 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

It's a 2nd shot golf course

Let's start with the fact that I've been a member here for over 15 years, and have played the course over 1,500 times.

The greens were redone over the summer of 2023 and they are PERFECT, but very firm. Low flighted approach shots are not going to stick.

There is plenty of water and many approach shots require a forced carry. The fairways are generous off the tee, it's that second shot that will challenge you on almost every hole.

We played a lot of reciprocal golf over the summer, and universally couldn't wait to be able to return to play WG&R when it reopened at the beginning of October.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 16
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Lots of renewal at Waterlefe

If you like very firm fast near perfect greens you are in luck.everything else is just as nice but the greens were like playing at home after rolling the greens for a tourney.
The other renewal is the clubhouse is nearly gutted and being updated
So after the round we sat outside under a canopy which was a just perfect solution to the remodel.
Unfortunately the noseeums won out last evening. By 530pm they were horrible. Literally ruined a great day there.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
First Time Playing

Beautiful Track but….

The course is challenging so bring your A game. The course conditions were excellent. My issue was we were directed to start on the 10th hole. This is a big issue, the back nine, starting with the 10th hole, is very difficult. If we started on the front 9 we would have been better prepared for the back 9. Bring plenty of golf balls, when the wind is up (like it was for us) the long Carrie’s over water are extremely demanding.
In summary, I enjoyed the challenge, I had sufficient quantity of balls but starting on the backside set us up for failure,

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/09/2023

We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us, u314159366028. We are going to pass on your feedback to the team. Thanks for visiting Waterlefe Golf & River Club, and we hope to see you again in the future.

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

New Greens!!!!

New greens since I last played this course, and I love them. Friendly staff and decent pace of play for a Saturday afternoon during season.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/09/2023

Thanks so much for your wonderful review, James4795877. We are thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your time with us. Please visit again soon. Thanks for choosing Waterlefe Golf & River Club!

Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Loved the course shame about the facilities

We really enjoyed the course, it was in great condition. The new greens were very fair and nice to putt on, much better than the last time we played. Experience was spoiled by finding that there are major changes being made to the club house. This meant that there was no pro shop, temporary toilets, food and drink was available from a temporary facility, the beer cart was poorly stocked and the payment was made in the buggy parking area. It would have been good to know this when booking as we would have been better prepared.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/09/2023

We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us, Lesley5587481. We are going to pass on your feedback to the team. Thanks for visiting Waterlefe Golf & River Club, and we hope to see you again in the future.

Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/07/2023

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing Waterlefe Golf & River Club!

Played On
Reviews 11
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/07/2023

We love hearing about our golfers' experiences, u088707544. Please tell us more about what you enjoyed during your round. Thanks for choosing Waterlefe Golf & River Club!

Played On
Reviews 9
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/07/2023

Hi, u673312781. We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us. Thank you for the 4 stars! We aim for a 5-star experience, so we always welcome feedback for improvement. Thank you for playing Waterlefe Golf & River Club.

Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/07/2023

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing Waterlefe Golf & River Club!

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays Once 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 3
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Always a pleasure to play

Especially the back 9 are very challenging and pretty! Great course! We always come back!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/08/2023

Thank you for taking the time to review us, NWZtnWcBlWC7DMXiNrIE. Your feedback is valuable, and we look forward to delivering you excellent service again soon. Waterlefe Golf & River Club thanks you!

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
First Time Playing

Very expensive and not what we expected

180$ for the round (two people) + 100$ for 2 bags rental (mandatory). Food truck and no clubhouse. Not what we expected.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/09/2023

We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us, jackvercellino. We are going to pass on your feedback to the team. Thanks for visiting Waterlefe Golf & River Club, and we hope to see you again in the future.

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Rock hard greens

Beautiful course. Tee boxes and fairways in great shape. Clubhouse is closed during renovations. I didn't like starting on 10. Hated the rock hard greens. Impossible to hold. Ball bounces off into the woods.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/09/2023

Hi, u000004183391! Thank you so much for leaving us with your feedback. We value our customer experience, so your review is important to us. We will make note and we hope to see you back at Waterlefe Golf & River Club!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a year
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Beautiful Course

I’m an average golfer but had a fun time, we only played 9 holes and that’s all I can handle lol I only lost 3 balls, I think we are going to play once a week , maybe even take a few lessons, then I will keep score !

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/08/2023

Thanks so much for your wonderful review, 9ems5B8ez8KH8vGY7DP4. We are thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your time with us. Please visit again soon. Thanks for choosing Waterlefe Golf & River Club!

Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/07/2023

Hi, RG7D4C82871E4C6E9829. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time at Waterlefe Golf & River Club. We look forward to seeing you on the course soon for another 5-star experience!

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/07/2023

Hi, joernsroka. We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us. Thank you for the 4 stars! We aim for a 5-star experience, so we always welcome feedback for improvement. Thank you for playing Waterlefe Golf & River Club.

Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/07/2023

Hi, RG7D4C82871E4C6E9829. We would love to hear more about your positive experience on our course. Please contact us to share with us your favorite part of your experience. Thanks for golfing at Waterlefe Golf & River Club!

Played On
Reviews 28
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 Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/07/2023

We love hearing about our golfers' experiences, Ricfresh. Please tell us more about what you enjoyed during your round. Thanks for choosing Waterlefe Golf & River Club!

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