While I love resort courses with flowers and fancy features, being able to spend some time surrounded by natural Florida beauty on one of the state's top courses was truly an honor. Riverwood Golf Club golf course has been ranked as one of the "Top Ten Places to Play in the US" by Golf Digest in 2002, ranked #15 for top courses in Florida in 2015 and voted #1 in Florida based on customer reviews on GolfAdvisor.com and we agree that it is a great spot to visit for any guys trip to Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor.
Riverwood Golf Club opened in 1992 and was designed by Gene Bates to wind through the heavily wooded terrain with Spanish moss hanging from branches and plenty of water flanking the holes. Despite the very busy conditions on the day I visited, the greens and tee-boxes felt well maintained. While this is a fairly challenging course, as a novice player I still had a great time.
The course initially feels deceivingly simple as various bunkers, hills, and hazards all feel very natural as part of the landscape rather than something constructed to challenge you. As I progressed through the course, I found myself spending as much time observing the wildlife around the course as I did planning my next shot. That morning, I saw an alligator, osprey, herons, and even a vulture eating a turtle. One of the attendants I talked to said there are often bald eagles in the trees as well.
Interview with Vegas VIP Host Manny Kess
Manny Kess is a Vegas VIP host who can help plan the ultimate Las Vegas bachelor party or guys weekend.
Abu Dhabi Bachelor Party Ideas: Extreme Luxury And Adrenaline
bachelor party ideas for luxury and style in Abu Dhabi
2 Days Cappadocia Tour from Antalya
A 2-day Cappadocia tour from Antalya, ideal for holidaymakers wanting to explore a UNESCO World Heritage site.
4 Days Treasures of Thailand from Chiang Mai, Small Group
Four-day small group tour from Chiang Mai through the ancient capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya to Bangkok. Ideal for history lovers.
Promoted by FlowAds
One highlight that proved to be a particular challenge though was hole 17. Even those with a strong game will find that they must plan their shots carefully as the green on this Par 5 hole is isolated from the fairway and surrounded by marshlands requiring you to have a good pitching game to land there comfortably.
Man Gear Pick of the Month
Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill
Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one.
August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,163.00 
July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $37.14 
June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $7.98 Promoted by FlowAds
Riverwood Golf Club is located in Port Charlotte, Florida - less than 30 minutes from Charlotte Harbor and Punta Gorda.t During peak months (including late fall through spring), the course is very busy because of snow birds and while non-member guests are welcome, the course can feel very busy. Despite this though, the course has a great layout so that you can hardly see the next hole from the one you are playing on and that was nice. Non Member Greens Fees range from $50 in May to $100 from Mid-January through the end of March and times can be reserved on the Riverwood Golf Club website.
More Photos from Riverwood Golf Club:
