Golfing on Anna Maria Island

Golfing on Anna Maria Island: Courses On and Near the Island
Anna Maria Island is a seven-mile barrier island off the Gulf Coast of Florida, just west of Bradenton in Manatee County. It is famous for sugar-white sand, low-rise old-Florida charm, and a pace of life built around the beach. What it is not famous for — and what surprises a lot of golf-minded visitors — is being a golf destination. The island is simply too narrow and too residential to hold many fairways.
But here is the good news for anyone who likes to get a round in before a beach afternoon: while there is only one golf course actually on Anna Maria Island, the surrounding Bradenton and Sarasota mainland is one of the most golf-rich corners of Florida. You can reach roughly ten distinct courses within a 30-minute drive of the island, and several sit just 10 to 15 minutes from the bridges. Most of them are open to the public.
This guide walks through the one course on the island, the closest and most convenient mainland options, the championship-length tracks worth the short drive, the prestigious private clubs, and the budget-friendly nine-holers — plus practical tips for working golf into an island stay.

The Only Course on the Island: Key Royale Club

If you want to play golf without leaving Anna Maria Island, there is exactly one place to do it: Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, on the island's north end.
Tucked into the exclusive Key Royale residential community between Sarasota Bay and Bimini Bay, this is a nine-hole, par-32 executive-length walking course that opened in the 1960s and was designed by Jim Cochran. From the longest tees it measures around 2,045 to 2,050 yards, with a course rating near 30.1 and a slope around 97 to 101 on Bermuda grass. It is short, tidy, and walkable — the kind of course that never quite plays as easy as the scorecard suggests, especially with the bay breezes in the mix. Regulars will tell you the par-32 layout still asks you to use nearly every club in the bag.
The catch: Key Royale is a members-only private club. A social or golf membership is required to play, and the club offers both annual and seasonal memberships, which makes it more accessible to snowbirds and longer-term visitors than a typical private club. If you are staying on the island for an extended period and want consistent access to a course you can walk to, it is worth contacting the club directly about seasonal options.
Beyond the golf, Key Royale is a genuine island social hub. The clubhouse houses a well-regarded full-service restaurant and bar — the kitchen has built a real reputation for the quality of its food — with breakfast and lunch most days, dinner several nights a week, and a casual pub-night-and-trivia scene. Add in bridge, a book club, monthly mixed scrambles, and regular clubhouse events, and the club functions as much as a community as a course.
Quick facts: 700 Key Royale Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 · 9 holes · Par 32 · ~2,050 yards · Private (membership required)

Closest Public Courses to the Island

For visitors and locals who want to tee it up without committing to a membership, two public courses sit a short drive across the bridges and consistently top the "where can I just go play?" list.
Manatee County Golf Course
Often the single most recommended option for island guests, Manatee County Golf Course is a public, regulation-length 18-hole layout in West Bradenton, roughly 15 minutes east of Anna Maria Island. It has the distinction of being the closest public course to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the island communities of Holmes Beach, Anna Maria, and Longboat Key.
The course winds through wetlands and water hazards but plays fair, with no forced carries and five sets of tees so golfers of every level can find a comfortable game. The greens are TifEagle — the same strain you'll find at high-end private clubs — and the practice facility is full-scale, including a grass-tee driving range, putting and chipping areas, and instruction. One signature stretch is a scenic 500-yard par 5 that doglegs around a lake to a tiered green. It is a busy course, and it is busy for a reason: reasonable green fees, solid conditioning, and a friendly local feel.
Quick facts: 6415 53rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34210 · 18 holes · Public · Driving range on site
Pinebrook Ironwood Golf Club
About 10 to 15 minutes from the island, off Cortez Road, Pinebrook Ironwood is a public/semi-private 18-hole executive course — meaning a par of 61 across roughly 3,752 yards from the back tees, weighted toward par 3s and short par 4s. Designed by Dean Refram and a longtime local favorite, it is known for narrow fairways, plenty of water, and small, well-bunkered greens putting on Champion Ultra Dwarf Bermuda. Locals regularly rank it among the best executive courses in the area.
It is the kind of track that rewards accuracy over power: put yourself out of position and you're suddenly putting for bogey. Walking is encouraged, the pace generally moves well, and the price point makes it easy to play a quick nine or a full eighteen. The clubhouse and staff get consistent praise as part of a welcoming, no-nonsense golf experience.
Quick facts: 4260 Ironwood Cir, Bradenton, FL 34209 · 18 holes · Par 61 (executive) · ~3,752 yards · Public/semi-private

Championship-Length Courses Worth the Drive

If you want a full regulation test and don't mind packing the clubs into the car, two standout courses give you serious golf within easy reach of the beach.
IMG Academy Golf Club
Set on Sarasota Bay in South Bradenton, IMG Academy Golf Club (formerly El Conquistador) is the most substantial daily-play 18 near the island. Designed by Mark McCumber and Gene Bates and opened in 2003, it plays to a par of 72 and stretches to about 6,855 yards from the tips, with a stout course rating of 73.7 and a slope of 141 — a real championship test. Pine, oak, water, and native Florida foliage come into play throughout, and the clubhouse Grille Room overlooks the bay for one of the better post-round views in the area.
This is a semi-private club that welcomes public play; expect a dress code (collared shirts) and green fees in the neighborhood of $90-plus for 18 with a cart, varying by season. For golfers who want a true regulation layout rather than one of the area's executive courses, IMG is the headline option close to the island. (As with any high-traffic Florida course, conditioning can vary seasonally, so it is worth checking recent reports before a marquee round.)
Quick facts: 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy, Bradenton, FL 34210 · 18 holes · Par 72 · ~6,855 yards · Semi-private (public play welcome) · Driving range
Waterlefe Golf & River Club
Northeast of Bradenton along the Manatee River, Waterlefe Golf & River Club is one of the most scenic and best-regarded layouts in the region. It has hosted U.S. Open local qualifying multiple times and earned recognition among Florida's top courses, with elevation changes, water, and abundant wildlife giving it a character you don't always find on the flat coastal tracks. Access leans toward members and guests, so it is best to confirm availability and booking options in advance, but for golfers chasing the area's most memorable round, it is a frequent favorite.
Quick facts: Bradenton, FL (Manatee River area) · 18 holes · Highly rated · Confirm access in advance

Prestige and Private Clubs

A couple of the area's most notable names are private, but they're worth knowing about — both for golfers with connections and for the simple fact that they shape the region's golf reputation.
Bradenton Country Club
One of the closest mainland clubs to the island, Bradenton Country Club sits just about 10 minutes east in West Bradenton. Its calling card is a historic Donald Ross-designed 18-hole course — a genuine pedigree, as Ross is one of the most celebrated architects in golf history. The layout features fountains, lagoons, and mature trees, and the club rounds out the experience with tennis, pickleball, social events, and family activities. It is a private club, so play is generally through membership or as a member's guest.
Quick facts: 4646 9th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209 · 18 holes · Donald Ross design · Private
The Concession Golf Club
A bit farther east in Bradenton, The Concession is the area's most exclusive name. Co-designed by Jack Nicklaus with Tony Jacklin and named for one of the most famous moments in Ryder Cup history, it is a nationally ranked, ultra-private championship course that has hosted top-tier professional competition. You won't be booking a casual tee time here, but it anchors the region's standing as a serious golf destination.
Quick facts: Bradenton, FL · 18 holes · Nicklaus/Jacklin design · Ultra-private

Budget-Friendly and Family Options

Timber Creek Golf Course
For families, beginners, and anyone who just wants a relaxed, affordable round, Timber Creek is a nine-hole course about 15 minutes southeast of the island and one of the most budget-friendly places to play in the area — green fees often run in the $10 to $16 range depending on the season. It is approachable and easy to walk, making it a great place to introduce kids to the game or squeeze in a quick nine. As a fun footnote, the course's original owner was known for coaching a roster of mid-century celebrities, including Bob Hope and Tony Bennett.
Quick facts: Bradenton area · 9 holes · Public · Very affordable · Beginner/family-friendly

Practical Tips for Golfing on an Anna Maria Island Vacation

A few things make the difference between a smooth golf-and-beach day and a frustrating one:
Bring your clubs if you're staying more than a couple of days. Traveling with clubs isn't for everyone, but with so many courses within a short drive and warm weather essentially year-round, regular golfers find it well worth the effort. Rental sets are available at most public courses if you'd rather travel light.
Play early. The classic island rhythm is an early-morning round followed by an afternoon on the sand. Early tee times also mean cooler temperatures, faster greens, and quicker pace of play — and they free up the rest of the day for the beach. Booking apps like GolfNow make it easy to grab early times and compare rates across the area's public courses.
Watch the seasons for pricing. Florida green fees swing significantly with the calendar. Peak season runs roughly winter through early spring, when both prices and crowds are highest; summer and shoulder seasons bring noticeably better rates and easier tee sheets. Fees are also typically lowest Monday through Thursday and during twilight hours.
Match the course to your goal. Want a true regulation challenge? IMG Academy. A convenient, well-conditioned public 18 close to the Gulf? Manatee County. A quick, accuracy-focused executive round? Pinebrook Ironwood. A cheap, easygoing family nine? Timber Creek. Walk-to-the-tee island living? Key Royale, if you can arrange membership.
Confirm access and dress codes ahead of time. Private and semi-private clubs have their own rules on guest play, attire (collared shirts are common), and walking versus carts. A quick call to the pro shop saves surprises at check-in.

Course Comparison at a Glance

Course
Location
Holes / Par
Type
Notable For
Key Royale Club
Holmes Beach (on island)
9 / 32
Private (membership)
The only course on AMI; walkable, social
Manatee County GC
West Bradenton (~15 min)
18
Public
Closest public course to the Gulf; full range
Pinebrook Ironwood
Bradenton (~10–15 min)
18 / 61
Public/semi-private
Local favorite executive course; great value
IMG Academy GC
South Bradenton (~15–20 min)
18 / 72
Semi-private
Championship length on Sarasota Bay
Waterlefe G&RC
NE Bradenton
18
Members/guests
Scenic Manatee River layout; hosted qualifying
Bradenton CC
West Bradenton (~10 min)
18
Private
Historic Donald Ross design
The Concession
Bradenton
18
Ultra-private
Nicklaus/Jacklin; nationally ranked
Timber Creek
Bradenton (~15 min)
9
Public
Most affordable; family-friendly
Specifics such as green fees, hours, and access policies change seasonally — confirm current details with each course before you book.

Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island will never be mistaken for a golf resort, and that's part of its charm. But the "only one course on the island" headline undersells the reality: a golfer based on Anna Maria sits within a short drive of one of the most concentrated and varied collections of golf on Florida's Gulf Coast. From a walkable nine-hole island club to a Donald Ross classic, from championship-length bay-front tracks to ten-dollar family nines, the options cover every appetite and budget.
The ideal island golf trip looks something like this: clubs in the car, an early tee time at one of the Bradenton public courses, eighteen holes wrapped up by late morning, and the rest of the day spent watching the Gulf roll in. Few places let you pair serious golf and a world-class beach quite so easily. https://agentsgather.com/golfing-on-anna-maria-island/