 RIVER STRAND GOLF CLUB (941-708-3617)
Florida Golf Course Review
River Strand Golf Club in Bradenton is the newest course to open in the western section of Florida - and is one that folks will soon be talking about. This
27 hole facility is now open or limited public play, with tee times available three days in advance. Within a couple of years, River Strand will become a
totally private facility. If you get an opportunity to book a tee time - do it! This is one beautiful golf course!
The Tuscan style clubhouse features a pro shop, casual and fine dining, meeting and event rooms, a 3,500 square foot health & fitness spa, a resort style
pool and spa, billiards and card rooms plus Har-Tru tennis courts. A large aqua driving range is on property, along with an expansive short game area
that features three sand bunkers and a large putting green. The photos in this review feature images of the Tributary and Estuary nines.
Golfers have a choice of 5 tee areas, with the Tributary playing to 3214 yards, the Estuary to 3640 yards and the (opening soon) Sanctuary nine
measuring 3482 yards. Slope and course ratings were not yet available. The Tributary features plentiful water hazards, with lakes or ponds in play on all but 1 hole.
The Tributary begins simply enough with a score-able par four and par three. The layout grows stronger and finishes with three beautiful golf holes that
leave one eager to make the turn. The combination of meticulous conditioning, lush tropical landscaping, strategic white sand bunkers, pristine water
hazards and interesting hole designs leave a memorable impression.
Water is present near every hole on the Estuary, though the hazards are mostly are on the perimeter. The 13th, 16th and 17th are all gorgeous par fours
that dogleg left over or around lakes, and the par 5 twelfth presents another risk-reward opportunity, for those looking to take advantage of their distance
off the tee. There are also several sand waste areas, and the intricate shape of the fairway and greenside traps adds aesthetics and challenge.
Arthur Hills loves to employ the risk/reward aspect in course design, and he certainly takes advantage of the terrain here. The layout is beautiful, and plays
fairly for the high handicapper, while challenging the shot making abilities of the avid player. Membership information is available through their web site www.riverstrandgolf.com In partnership with the Stoneybrook community, members receive a discount to play at Stoneybrook or ar Heritage Harbour golf
clubs.
We highly recommend a round here...play it while you can. Green fees are quite reasonable. The upscale residences at Heritage Harbour are part of an
exclusive gated community that features a collection of gracious homes, including single family and complexes and luxury condominiums. . For information
on residence opportunities and membership visit www.riverstrand.com For more info on the course, visit our page for River Strand, with direct link to their
website by clicking here.
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