Courses near Anna Maria/Bradenton, FL?

[Brent4ADV]

What's up guys. Did a search (on the forum) and didn't come up with much so I'll ask here. I am about to go for a week at Anna Maria, FL and was going to get some opinions on the courses around there. Seems as though most are in the Bradenton and Sarasota Springs area. Any recommendations? Thanks.

[MikeMcM]

Here's some suggestions, from the most expensive to the best value:

1. Ritz Carlton Members Clu
2. Longboat Key Club, but only open to public if you stay there
3. Waterlefe
4. Legacy
5. Stoneybook
6. University Park
7. Heron Creek
8. Venetian
9. Misty Creek
10. River Wilderness
11. River Strand
12. Bobby Jones
13. Tatum Ridge
14. Serona

Great rates this time of year, enjoy!

[Brent4ADV]

Great, thanks ill be down there all next week so im looking to get in a few rounds. Any suggestion as to which 2 or 3 are the most fun?

[mcadenhead]

I have family that lives on Anna Maria and am down there a few times a year. Waterlefe is definitely a fun course, and the service is great. You can find good prices this time of the year through Golf Now. Is this your first trip to Anna Maria? If so, make sure you have dinner at the Pier restaurant. They have a great grouper sandwich.

[Brent4ADV]

[quote name='mcadenhead' timestamp='1338551018' post='5010400']
I have family that lives on Anna Maria and am down there a few times a year. Waterlefe is definitely a fun course, and the service is great. You can find good prices this time of the year through Golf Now. Is this your first trip to Anna Maria? If so, make sure you have dinner at the Pier restaurant. They have a great grouper sandwich.
[/quote]


This is my first time down in Anna Maria. Yea, I looked at Waterlefe and it looks like a great course. Greens fees down there are very reasonable, especially right now. Even though Waterlefe is more expensive than some of the others down there, it's still no more than a nice course up here in Birmingham. Legacy also looks like a ton of fun. They've got an island green par 3 on 17 so that should be interesting. Thanks for the dinner recommendation as well. My S.O. is a seafood fiend so she will be pleased.

[powermacknyc]

[size=4][color=#000000]I always play Legacy when I'm in SRQ. It's a fun Arnold Palmer course that can be challenging, especially the first 5 holes. I'm a single handi and I always have a good time playing it. #17 is an island green but it's very generous. #11 is a fun driveable par 4 and #18 gives you a chance to finish with a birdie. Waterlefe is a McAnlis course that is too tricked up for my taste. Every hole seems to be a dogleg and there are one to many blind shots. Greens are usually nicely kept though. I've heard really good things about River Strand but have yet to play. Arthur Hills' courses are always fun and challenging. The Ritz members course is a Fazio course that's always in top condition. You'll never see so many beautiful plants on a golf course other than Augusta. You have to be a guest to play but if your in-laws know someone definitely try and play one of the many beautiful private courses.[/color]

[color=#000000]For seafood. Beach Bistro. Pattigeorges. Salty Dog for grilled grouper sandwiches for lunch. Tommy Bahamas. Bonefish. If you make your way downtown SRQ try Selva Grill. Peruvian seafood is awesome. Order the sea bass or inca cod. Have an espresso martini for an after drink. Have fun![/color]

[color=#000000]PS watch the water's edge when tracking your ball. Lots of gators. Oh and make your way to Siesta Key beach. #1 beach in the US last year. Sand like baby powder.[/color][/size]

[JB57]

My wife and I go down to Anna Maria Island for the last 6 years at New Years. Have played many courses there, favorite is Waterlefe other that are very good, University Park, Misty Creek, River Strand, Legacy and Sarasota National. A new place to eat on AMI that opened in the past year and is very good is "Eat Here" it is owned and operated by The Beach Bistro group I really recommend trying this place for dinner.

[Brent4ADV]

Well, I was only able to play once. Tried playing twice but got rained out after 5 holes. I played Legacy and really enjoyed that course. Very well maintained and definitely challenging. I tried to play at Waterlefe but the rain only let me have a few holes. I think both courses were on par with each other as far as facilities and condition. Thanks again guys.

[Mirage]

Brent, just saw this and sorry that you didn't get a full round in either place.

Waterlefe is a beautiful course, with enough sets of tees to suit any golfer. Have never played it from the tips and never will - IIRC the slope is about 145.

Better weather luck next time!

[Brent4ADV]

[quote name='Mirage' timestamp='1339441320' post='5068392']
Brent, just saw this and sorry that you didn't get a full round in either place.

Waterlefe is a beautiful course, with enough sets of tees to suit any golfer. Have never played it from the tips and never will - IIRC the slope is about 145.

Better weather luck next time!
[/quote]

Sorry, should've been a little more clear. I did get in one round at Legacy and then only 5 holes at Waterlefe. Waterlefe looked to be a ton of fun, though.