Explore the best of Bradenton at River Strand Golf and Country Club

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Golfers playing River Strand Golf and Country Club should get their fear of hitting over water out of the way on the aqua-range. The range balls float. Yours won't.

River Strand is a beautiful 27-hole Arthur Hills design that weaves a manicured path through a massive, 15,000-acre community by Lennar Homes and the nearby Manatee River. The shorter Tributary Course and stronger Estuary Course opened in 2006, followed by the Sanctuary Course in 2009. Head Professional Corey Pion said the club takes pride in its conditioning and courteous staff.

"Our motto is we want to be the friendliest club around," Pion said. "We want positive interactions with everybody." The golf course isn't always so nice to people. While it is forgiving off the tee (when Hills hasn't planted a random pot bunker in the way), the landing zones around the green tighten up like Uncle Scrooge during the holidays.

The Estuary remains the toughest and most scenic loop at River Strand Golf and Country Club, making it a favorite among members and Pion. The 459-yard seventh zigzags around a pond, finishing at an elevated green.

PGA Tour pro Robert Gamez owns the course record with a 68 on the Sanctuary-Estuary, but that's a rare low round on a windy site.

River Strand Golf and C.C. - Estuary Course - hole 2

The second hole on the Estuary nine at the River Strand Golf and Country Club is scenic.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

River Strand Golf and C.C. - Estuary Course - hole 4

Water dictates play on the fourth hole of the Estuary nine at the River Strand Golf and Country Club in Bradenton.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

River Strand Golf and C.C. - Estuary Course - hole 5

The fifth hole on the Estuary nine at the River Strand Golf and Country Club plays 229 yards.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

River Strand Golf and C.C. - Estuary Course - hole 6

The Estuary is the most scenic -- and toughest -- of the nines at the River Strand Golf and Country Club. Pictured is the par-4 sixth.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

River Strand Golf and C.C. - Estuary Course - hole 8

The rare white pelican flocks to the eighth hole of the Estuary nine at the River Strand Golf and C.C. in Bradenton, Fla.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

River Strand Golf and C.C. - driving range

Even the range is scenic at the River Strand Golf and Country Club in Bradenton, Florida.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

River Strand Golf and C.C. - Sanctuary Course - hole 2

Head Professional Corey Pion putts on the second green of the Sanctuary nine at the River Strand Golf and C.C. in Bradenton.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

River Strand Golf and C.C. - Sanctuary Course - hole 3

Hidden water lurks right of the third green on the Sanctuary nine at the River Strand Golf and C.C. in Bradenton.

Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf

River Strand Golf and C.C. - Estuary Course - 4th

The natural setting makes for a pleasant round on the River Strand Golf and C.C. in Bradenton.

Courtesy of River Strand Golf and C.C.

River Strand Golf and C.C. - Sanctuary Course - hole 8

The River Strand Golf and Country Club offers three distinct nines, like the Sanctuary pictured here.

Courtesy of River Strand Golf and C.C.

Sanctuary Course at River Strand Golf and Country Club

River Strand Golf & Country Club in Bradenton boasts 27 holes of championship golf designed by Arthur Hills. The Sanctuary is the newest of the three golf courses. The layout features generous fairways and challenging approach shots, two hallmarks of Hills' designs. Although water characterizes all of the golf courses, they each offer a different set of challenges.

9 Holes | Semi-Private golf course | Par: 36 | 3404 yards | ... details »

Estuary Course at River Strand Golf and Country Club

River Strand Golf & Country Club offers 27 holes of championship golf that are woven through a series of estuaries and tributaries. Arthur Hills designed the holes, dividing them into three nines appropriately named Estuary, Tributary, and Sanctuary. The Estuary Course is the longest of the three nines and one of the first ones at River Strand. A pond runs along the left side of the fairway, wrapping around the landing area, and a sea of sand backs the green.

9 Holes | Semi-Private golf course | Par: 36 | 3617 yards | ... details »

Tributary Course at River Strand Golf and Country Club

Arthur Hills designed the 27 holes at River Strand Golf & Country Club in Bradenton. The holes are intertwined with a series of waterways, incorporating water on almost every hole. The Tributary Course is the shortest and most player friendly, but there are still some challenges in store. Located between Tampa and Sarasota, River Strand makes a nice getaway but it is also popular with locals.

9 Holes | Semi-Private golf course | Par: 36 | 3251 yards | ... details »

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