The River Club
The River Club golf course is an 18 hole semi-private golf course located in Bradenton, Florida. The course is a four-star facility (Golf Digest Places to Play).
The course was designed by Ron Garl.
The River Club is not your typical Florida layout - as the front nine presents rolling fairways with plentiful mounding while the back nine winds through wooded areas with undulating putting surfaces. If that wasn’t enough, 4 holes have obvious and daunting chutes forcing the golfer to hit a straight shot. This semi-private club is open to the golfing public seven days a week.
The course was renovated in 2005 with Jones dwarf greens which provide a true and quick putting surface.
As the slope ratings indicate, this is a course recommended for the serious golfer. Five sets of tees play to distances and slopes ranging from 7026 yards/144 slope, 6614 yards/137 slope, 6102/128 slope, 5495/117 slope, 5056/120 slope.
High lipped bunkers, mounding, natural areas, ponds, rivers, and creeks plus moderately sized undulating greens will challenge players on this tropically landscaped layout. There are 100, 150, 200 & 250 yard markers in the fairways and pin placements are indicated by small markers on the flags for front, middle or back pin placements. Water comes into play on 16 of the 18 holes with 36 bunker placements. The sand traps are strategically located and often huge particularly on the back nine. All four Par 3's on the course will warrant mid to long irons and carries over water or sand.
The practice facilities on the property include a Bermuda grass targeted range plus a full short game putting and chipping greens with a sand bunker. The clubhouse features a full-service pro shop with fitting and club repair, a restaurant and screened terrace with wonderful golf course views. The restaurant opens seven days a week offering breakfast and lunch with hours from 7 AM.
The Florida Sports Fan Magazine has rated this course the top 50 in the state! Located just 11/2 miles east of I-75 on State Road 70 (Exit 217A). The River Club is easily accessible from Sarasota, St. Petersburg and Tampa.