Riverbend Golf Course
Riverbend Golf Course in Tequesta, Florida is a private 18-hole executive layout designed to challenge every level of golfer. It features a driving and chipping range, elevated bunkers, narrow fairways, water hazards, and walking privileges. The club sponsors men’s and women’s league play, golf lessons, and mixed doubles socials. Membership options include equity, summer, or resident packages. The course nestles between the Loxahatchee River and Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
The surrounding Riverbend community is gated and condo-centered, offering a rich resort-style environment. Amenities include tennis, pickleball, swimming pools, and river access for waterfront enjoyment. A clubhouse, library, and communal social spaces support resident interaction. Shops, restaurants, pristine beaches, and the Palm Beach region are just minutes away. The community balances active lifestyle living with natural tranquility.
About Riverbend Golf Course
Riverbend Golf Course in Tequesta is an executive-style 18-hole layout conceived by Tom Fazio (with George Fazio influence) to offer challenge and playability. It uses Bermuda fairways and greens typical for South Florida parkland courses. The course rating is listed at 62.5 with a slope of 109 from the longest tees, and its total yardage reaches 4,452 yards playing to a par 64. It features numerous bunkers and multiple water hazards that influence strategy on many holes. Signature holes include the tricky 4th (a top handicap par-4) and finishing 18th dogleg right over water.
Conditions at Riverbend tend to be well maintained, with fast putting surfaces and crisp fairway definition. Narrow fairways, elevated bunkering, and protected greens demand precision from tee to green. The layout has a relatively high bunker density and several water carry or flank shots. Hole 17’s water on the right and hole 18’s multiple water shots stand out as memorable challenges. The course plays firm, with subtle undulations and strategically placed hazards.
Riverbend Greens Fees and Membership Costs
Daily green fees at Riverbend Golf Course are approximately $42 for 18 holes in most cases. Cart fees may vary and are not always disclosed publicly. Membership at Riverbend involves a $3,000 initiation fee, often paid over five annual installments. Regular dues depend on membership class and property ownership. Equity or full members enjoy unrestricted golf, often with free green fees included.
Summer memberships offer access for limited seasonal periods. Condominium buyers in Riverbend sometimes receive membership included in property purchases. Non-resident or outside applicants may face stricter limits or waiting lists. Memberships often include additional amenities beyond golf. Overall, Riverbend provides flexible membership options to suit residents and seasonal players alike.
Riverbend Golfing Staff and Members
Riverbend’s golf staff includes John Bolton as Director of Golf, plus assistants Kevin Ohrn and Jan Stiehler in the Pro Shop. The cart barn attendants include Jack Burgener, Russell Calcagno, Dave DeNooyer, Jack DeNooyer, Mike Magar, Bob McLane, Frank Smith, and Leo Wile. The club’s original resident pro was Gardner Dickinson, a noted PGA Tour player. Dickinson helped promote the club and once beat Jack Nicklaus in a playoff. The board leadership currently includes President Kevin Kennelley and Vice President Rosalie Dietz.
A quirky fact: Riverbend was designed by Tom and George Fazio, calling it the “Jewel of the Loxahatchee.” The course opened in 1973 with a grand inaugural event featuring TV sportscaster “Buck” Kinniard. Dickinson, as resident pro, lived nearby and lent prestige to its early reputation. Some claim all par-4s (except hole 17) are doglegs, and pond placement was deliberate. Over time, local lore says many members once boated to holes near the Loxahatchee River.