Public Golf Courses in Bradenton, FL (Best 3!)

Just south of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast in Manatee County, the town of Bradenton is known for numerous historical properties, Village of the Arts, and museums.

In addition, it is the spring training home for the Pittsburgh Pirates, baseball team of the MLB. Not to be overlooked is the great golf in the region.

We’ll take a rundown of the top three public golf courses in the Bradenton area.

1. Manatee County Golf Course

Just east of Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island is a challenging and enjoyable layout.

The course will challenge even the best players and features TifEagle greens, which is the preferred grass of the best course in the United States.

Ranked among the best and busiest courses in the region, the Manatee Country Golf Course is a must-play for any golfer.

How Much Does it Cost at Manatee County Golf Course?

Prepaid online rates range from $22 to $39 depending on the time and day.

Season passes can be purchased online but note 2020-2021 passes are sold out.

Join the Player Improvement Program for $35.95 per month and $19.95 per month for each additional family member.

The program includes unlimited range balls, pay cart fee of just $15 with free early bird 9-hole and twilight.

Juniors 17 years of age and under play free and big discounts on special order merchandise.

You can download a scorecard for Manatee County Golf Course, FL here.

Facilities

A multi-station driving range, chipping and putting greens are available from dawn to dusk.

You can also get lessons from Class A PGA Professionals Pete Huber, Director of Instruction, or Vito Saputa, Head Golf Professional.

Visit the Pro Shop for the latest in apparel, balls, gloves, shirts, accessories, and hits from brand names you trust such as Titleist, Callaway, Cobra, TaylorMade, Footjoy and more!

Ask one of the courteous and professional staff to assist with your needs, whether personal or a gift certificate. They will even schedule lessons to help improve your game.

Manatee County Golf Course, 6415 53rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34210.
Tel: (941) 792-6773
Website: www.golfmanatee.com
Hours: 7:00AM – 6:00PM
Click here For directions to Manatee County Golf Course, FL.

This par 70, 18-hole layout is located on the west bank of the Baden River, and provides a great experience for players of all skill levels.

The design of the course rewards strategic play, and the course caters to outings and tournament groups.

In fact, the course hosts five amateur events in The Bradenton Championship Series.

From January through April, the cost to ride ranges from $24.53 for nine holes to $45.79 for 18 holes depending on the time of day.
Juniors play for $17.99 during this.

The non-player rider fee is $13. Walking rates range from $10.05 for juniors to $19.16 for nine holes and $35.51 for 18 holes.

Walker’s fee for a non-player is $2.81.

Rates are significantly lower from May through October.

The non-player rider fee is $5.61, the junior riding rate is $14.95 and regular rates for 9 holes are $14.95 with 18 holes rates up to $22.43.

Juniors can walk for $10.05 with the regular 9-hole walking rate of $9.35, and 18-hole rates up to $15.89.

Rental clubs are available for $25 all year and pull cart rentals available for $5.

You can download a scorecard for River Run Golf Links, FL here.

Facilities

Stop by the pro shop for your needs in apparel from trusted brands.

In addition, gift cards are available for purchase.

The River Run Ladies Golf Association is a league available from January through May and then October through December.

Play starts each Monday with foursomes teeing off between 7:00 am and 8:00 am.

All players must have an official Golf Handicap and Information Network handicap.

The River Run Men’s Senior Golf Association tees off Mondays at 8 am.

The City Summer League tees off Wednesdays at 9 am from mid-April through mid-September.

The Twilight Mixed Couples league tees off at 5:30 pm Fridays from mid-April through mid-September.

River Run Golf Links, 1801 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208.
Tel: (941) 708-8459.
Website: www.riverrungolflinks.com.
Hours: 6:45AM to 5:00PM.
Click here For directions to River Run Golf Links, FL.

3. Legacy Golf Club

In 1997, the legendary Arnold Palmer designed and opened this 18-hold championship course of over 7000 yards.

The course features a combination of native oaks, pines, and wetlands and is rated one of the top layouts in Southeastern United States.

Just 20 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, the Legacy Golf Club is in driving distance from popular tourist locations of Tampa and Sarasota.

The wide fairways make the layout look easy, but there are 100 tough bunkers, water hazards, and undulating greens.

Shot placement is the key to provide good angles on approach shots.

In the end, this is a challenging, yet fun course for all caliber players.

How Much Does it Cost at Legacy Golf Club?

The rates are $99 before 12 pm, and $69 after 12 pm.

Loyalty club rates are $85 before 12 pm, $59 from 12 pm to 2 pm, $39 from 2 pm to 3 pm, and $29 after 3 pm.

All rates include a draft beer.

Current practice and play rates are $89 from 11 am to 12 pm, $79 from 12 pm to 1 pm, $64 from 1 pm to 2 pm, and $19 from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Why not upgrade green fee at check in to include lunch and beverage for $6!

You can download a scorecard for Legacy Golf Club, FL here.

Facilities

Golf instruction is available with Head Golf Professional Wendi Patterson.

Rates are $55 for a 45-minute lesson, $155 for three 45-minute lessons, $275 for six 45-minute lessons, and $100 for one playing lesson.

Lessons with PGA Golf Professional K.C. Bartless is $80 for 45 minutes, $50 for juniors, and $125 for a 9-hole playing lesson.

Hungry before or after your round? Check out Barbos Pizza, The Ranch Grille.

Barbos Pizza
Authentic Italian pizza is baked at 700 degrees with a special recipe dough that provides a stronger, less doughy than the typical Neapolitan pizza.

Each pizza can come with a wide variety of toppings which are perfect on top of the crispy, thin crust.

The Ranch Grille
Enjoy a delicious lunch with selections ranging from deluxe salads, grilled chicken breast, burgers, and deli sandwiches.

This full-service restaurant overlooks the 18th hole. Choose to dine inside or outside.

Daily specials are available and The Ranch Grille is also available to rent or host events, such as private dinners and Christmas parties.

In addition, enjoy snacks, sandwiches, and beverages from the on-course beverage carts and Legacy Grille.

Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday. Breakfast is served until 11 am, lunch from 11 am to 4 pm, and beverages until 6 pm.

Legacy Golf Club, 8255 Legacy Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34202.
Tel: (941) 907-7076.
Website: www.legacygolfclub.com.
Hours: 8:00AM to 8:00PM.
Click here For directions to Legacy Golf Club, FL.

Best Public Golf Courses in the Bradenton, Florida Area

While the Southwest Gulf Coast of Florida is known for culture, museums, beaches, crisp water, and the warm sunshine, don’t forget golf!

There are more courses per capita in The Sunshine State than the vast majority of the United States. Great golf in the Bradenton area is no exception.

Nearby public golf courses in Florida: Fort Myers Beach, Tampa Airport, Delray Beach, Jacksonville, Pompano Beach, Hollywood, West Palm Beach, Cape Coral, Sanibel Island, Panama City Beach, Destin.

The Manatee Country Golf Course is very affordable and offers top-notch instruction from PGA Professionals to help improve your game.

The River Run Golf Links is a stunning par 70, 18-hole layout which is also quite wallet-friendly and hosts a handful of amateur events annually.

Head to the Legacy Golf Club which was designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer.

While more expensive, this course is championship caliber and features great dining before and after your round.

Make Bradenton, Florida your destination for your next golf retreat!