Public Golf Courses in Bradenton, Florida

There is no shortage of golf in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, and Bradenton, which is on the southern outskirts of the region combines a little break from city life with lots of golf-course choices. Ranked the No. 6 golfing destination in Florida by GolfLink.com, there are more than 15 golf courses with Bradenton addresses that allow public play.

Prices in Bradenton are reasonable, and, in some cases, a downright steal. At one of the municipal courses, you can walk 18 holes in the afternoon for less than $10. Bradenton’s public courses include old Florida-style flat layouts, renovations, and those designed by well-known architects, and

The Links at Greenfield Plantation

This challenging course is as much about the scenery and setting as the golf. Lakes, wetlands, native areas and a peek at some Florida wildlife, including herons and alligators, make for an interesting round whether you play well or not. The course is not easy, particularly the well-guarded, undulating greens. The fairways have plenty of landing areas and bailout spots, should you need them, but some are tight.

The course plays 6,719 yards from the back tees, and there are four sets of tees.

As of April 2010, tee times were available for $35 daily after noon.

The Greenfield Plantation

10325 Greenfield Blvd.

Bradenton, FL 34212

941-747-9432

linksatgreenfieldplantation.com

Legacy Golf Club

An Arnold Palmer design, the Legacy Golf Club’s central feature is an enormous lake that comes into play on several holes, though there are only a handful of forced carries. The course has been honored by Golf Digest and Zagat as a Best Place to Play and also prides itself on offering good service. The course itself has really wide fairways (360 feet, in some cases), elevated tees and both water and sand come into play on nearly every hole.

The course plays 7,067 yards from the back tees and has five sets of tees.

As of April 2010, super twilight (4 p.m.) greens fees began at $35.

Legacy Golf Club

8255 Legacy Blvd.

Bradenton, FL 34202

941-907-7920

legacygolfclub.com

Manatee County Golf Course

This municipal course opened in 1977 and is still a locals’ favorite, despite the fact that is located next to a water treatment plant that sometimes gives off a foul odor. The smell aside, the course has been rated 4 Stars by Golf Digest, and offers lots of challenges, including getting onto the well-bunkered greens. The course plays pretty long, too, and there’s no break at the end – the par-5 No. 18 is 567 yards, the longest hole on the course, and it’s got water on left and a bunker on the right.

The course plays 6,703 yards from the back tees and there are five sets of tees.

As of April 2010, winter twilight tee times (Dec. 26-March) were available for $24.99 and spring (May-October) afternoon (beginning at 2:30 p.m.) tee times were available for $19.87.

Manatee County Golf Course

6415 53rd Ave. West

Bradenton, FL 34210

941-792-6773

co.manatee.fl.us/golf

River Run Golf Club

Fast greens and tight fairways are the hallmark of this municipal course that was originally designed by Ward Northrup. Jed Azinger and Gordie Lewis redesigned the track in 2005, but it still has an old Florida feel, as Spanish moss drips from the oak trees along the fairways. The course is fairly flat and though it has some bunkering and water features, players can recover from mishits and still post a good score.

The course is a par-70 and plays 6,293 yards from the back tees. There are three sets of tees, though the women’s tees are fairly short (4,709 yards).

As of April 2010, greens fees were available for $9 for twilight (1 p.m.) walkers during the low season (May-October) and $19.50 with a cart.

The River Run Golf Club

1801 27th St reet East

Bradenton, FL 34208

941-708-8459

riverrungolflinks.com