I returned to River Strand on Saturday and was most pleasantly surprised. I have played this course many times but always, for some reason, on the Estuary and Tributary 9’s. ( This being a 27 hole course.) This time we began on the Sanctuary course. I now have a new entrant for my favorite 9 holes in the Sarasota / Manatee area. For sheer challenge, beauty and condition, I was totally taken with this portion of the course. No homes in sight on most holes ( for now ) and just a true variety of holes designed by Arthur Hills. If you shoot close to par from the blue or gold tee’s, you are truly a player.
River Strand is a Lennar bundled community, meaning anyone purchasing a property in that section becomes a member of the club.. They are also accepting outside memberships at a very reasonable $2,300 per year. As you begin the Estuary 9, there is a large sign at the first tee daring you to compare this rate to other courses…such as Waterlefe, Lakewood Ranch, River Wilderness and The Venetian. The Oaks comparison is a bit of a stretch, but one could certainly justify River Strand against those first four courses.
Lennar has had a very successful year so far…an entryway banner boasts well over 100 sales to date in 2012. Properties are in all price ranges and styles. Condominiums, town homes and single family residences. Drop me an e-mail if you would like some samples e-mailed to you.
