How far is Bradenton from Sarasota golf courses?

Bradenton and Sarasota are adjacent cities separated by about 10 miles. Most golfers visiting the area play courses in both cities during the same trip. The Sarasota-Bradenton area has over 40 public and semi-private golf courses within a 20-mile radius.

What is the best time of year to golf in Bradenton?

January through April is the peak golf season in Bradenton with ideal temperatures of 65 to 80 degrees and minimal rain. November and December offer excellent conditions with fewer tourists. Summer months are hot and humid with daily afternoon thunderstorms that typically clear by early evening.

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Best Golf Courses in Bradenton, Florida (2026 Guide)

Q: What is the green fee at IMG Academy Golf Club?

IMG Academy Golf Club green fees typically range from $50 to $90 depending on the season and time of day. The course is open to the public and offers twilight rates in the afternoon. Cart fees are usually included in the green fee.

By Isaias Perez · June 7, 2026

A golf course flag on a manicured green in Florida

Photo by Brandon Williams on Unsplash

Bradenton, Florida has more than 20 public-access and resort golf courses within a 15-mile radius, including IMG Academy Golf Club, River Club Golf Course, Peridia Golf & Country Club, and Waterlefe Golf & River Club. Green fees at Bradenton courses range from $25 at municipal layouts to $90 at resort-quality tracks. Golf club rentals in Bradenton are available for pickup at our Sarasota-area location starting at $59 per day, so you can fly in without a travel case.

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Top Golf Courses in Bradenton, Florida

1. IMG Academy Golf Club

IMG Academy Golf Club is the standout track in Bradenton. The course sits on the grounds of the world-famous IMG Academy sports training facility and plays to 6,900 yards from the back tees. IMG is open to the public and offers one of the most well-maintained layouts in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. Green fees range from $55 to $85 depending on the season, with twilight rates available after 2 PM. Cart is included. The course is a par-71 design with generous fairways and fast Bermuda greens.

2. River Club Golf Course

River Club is a semi-private club in Bradenton that allows public play on available tee times. The Ron Garl-designed layout plays 6,800 yards and features wide fairways lined by mature oaks and water hazards on more than half the holes. Green fees for public play run $45 to $75. River Club is one of the better-value courses in the area for the quality of conditioning and layout challenge.

3. Peridia Golf & Country Club

Peridia Golf & Country Club offers public tee times on its 18-hole executive-style layout in east Bradenton. The course is shorter at 5,600 yards from the tips but plays as a par-70 with water on nearly every hole. Green fees are among the lowest in the area at $25 to $45, making Peridia an excellent warm-up or afternoon round option. The course is well-suited for beginners and golfers who prefer a quicker round.

4. Waterlefe Golf & River Club

Waterlefe Golf & River Club is a full-length public course at 6,906 yards that borders the Manatee River. The Ted McAnlis design incorporates the natural wetlands and river views throughout the round. Waterlefe charges $50 to $80 for public tee times depending on season and includes cart. The back nine plays along the river and is consistently rated among the top 10 public courses in the Sarasota-Bradenton market.

5. Buffalo Creek Golf Course

Buffalo Creek Golf Course is a Manatee County public course known for value and playability. The Ron Garl-designed 18-hole layout plays 7,005 yards from the championship tees — making it the longest public course in the area. Green fees run $30 to $55 including cart. Buffalo Creek is popular with local golfers and visitors looking for a full-length challenge at a reasonable price.

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Bradenton Golf Course Green Fee Comparison

Course	Par / Yards	Green Fee Range	Public Access
IMG Academy Golf Club	Par 71 / 6,900 yds	$55–$85	Yes
River Club Golf Course	Par 72 / 6,800 yds	$45–$75	Limited
Peridia Golf & Country Club	Par 70 / 5,600 yds	$25–$45	Yes
Waterlefe Golf & River Club	Par 72 / 6,906 yds	$50–$80	Yes
Buffalo Creek Golf Course	Par 73 / 7,005 yds	$30–$55	Yes

Golf Club Rentals for Bradenton Courses

Bradenton is a self-serve pickup market for golf club rentals. Unlike the Gold Coast corridor where clubs are delivered directly to your hotel, Bradenton and Sarasota area rentals are available for pickup at our local location. The process is straightforward: reserve online, pick up your set before your round, and return after your last round. Sets include driver, woods, irons, wedges, and putter in a stand bag with headcovers.

Most Bradenton golfers pair a round at IMG Academy or Waterlefe with a pickup rental to avoid checking a golf bag on their flight. The round-trip airline bag fee of $70 to $200 exceeds the cost of a 1- to 2-day rental at $59 per day for most carriers.

Traveling between Bradenton and Sarasota? Golf club rentals in Sarasota are available from the same pickup location and cover courses in both cities.

When to Visit Bradenton for Golf

November through April is the peak season for Bradenton golf. Daytime temperatures range from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal humidity and virtually no rain. Courses are at their best conditioning during this period and green fees are at their peak. January and February bring the highest demand — book tee times at IMG Academy and Waterlefe at least a week in advance during those months.

May through October is off-peak season. Temperatures reach 88 to 95 degrees with high humidity and daily afternoon thunderstorms from June through September. Morning rounds before 11 AM are the most comfortable in summer. Green fees drop by 20 to 40 percent during summer months and tee time availability is excellent. See our full guide on the best time to golf in Florida for a complete seasonal breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

The top public-access golf courses in Bradenton include IMG Academy Golf Club, River Club Golf Course, Peridia Golf & Country Club, Waterlefe Golf & River Club, and Buffalo Creek Golf Course. IMG Academy Golf Club is particularly notable as the home course of the world-famous IMG sports training academy.

Yes. Florida Golf Club Rentals offers self-serve pickup for golf club rentals in the Bradenton area. Sets start at $59 per day with Callaway and TaylorMade equipment available.

IMG Academy Golf Club green fees typically range from $55 to $85 depending on the season and time of day. The course is open to the public and offers twilight rates in the afternoon. Cart fees are usually included.

Yes. All major Bradenton golf courses operate year-round. The best playing conditions are from November through April when temperatures range from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bradenton and Sarasota are adjacent cities separated by about 10 miles. The Sarasota-Bradenton area has over 40 public and semi-private golf courses within a 20-mile radius.

January through April is the peak golf season in Bradenton with ideal temperatures of 65 to 80 degrees and minimal rain. Summer months offer lower green fees and available tee times but come with heat and afternoon thunderstorms.

Related Golf Travel Resources

Playing Bradenton or Sarasota courses on your next trip?