Course Details

A Legendary Course Designed by Ron Garl

Buffalo Creek Golf Course offers a premier public golf experience in Manatee County. Designed by acclaimed architect Ron Garl and opened in 1988, this 18-hole championship course delivers a challenging yet rewarding round for golfers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re playing from the back tees at 6,926 yards or enjoying a more relaxed round from the forward tees, you’ll experience a legendary layout designed to test your game while providing a scenic and enjoyable atmosphere.

Meet the Architect

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Course Overview

Buffalo Creek pairs perfectly with its sister course, Manatee Golf Course, giving golfers two outstanding public courses to enjoy. Manatee Golf Course is the closest golf course to Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island—so if one course is fully booked, be sure to check the other!
Feature Details
Architect Ron Garl
Opened 1988
Total Yardage 6,926 yards (Back Tees)
USGA Course Rating 73.6
Slope Rating 129
Ownership Manatee County

Talk About a Hazard – Our Famous Gator “Chubbs”

Chubbs has become a bit of a celebrity, with golfers from all over hoping to catch a glimpse of the massive reptile during their round. While he may look intimidating, he prefers to keep his distance—so long as you do the same!

Pricing Policy: Demand-Based Pricing

Buffalo Creek Golf Course utilizes demand-based pricing, a strategy widely used in airlines, hotels, and professional sports. This means greens fees will fluctuate in real-time based on factors such as demand, availability, and time of day—allowing golfers to find the best rates that suit their schedules.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pricing

What is Demand-Based Pricing?
Rates are adjusted both higher and lower in real-time based on course demand and availability. This dynamic pricing model ensures fair access to tee times while helping golfers find the best deals.
I play at the same time every week. Why is my greens fee different?
Just like airline and hotel rates, prices fluctuate based on demand. By booking in advance or choosing less busy times, golfers can secure better rates.
Why is the other twosome playing with us paying a different rate?

Tee sheet pricing updates in real-time, meaning that if two separate reservations were made at different times, they may have been booked under different pricing conditions. As bookings change, rates may adjust accordingly.

Meet the Architect:

Ron Garl

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A Serious Golf Legacy

Ron Garl is a highly respected golf course architect, recognized for his environmentally-friendly designs that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. His commitment to designing memorable and challenging golf courses has earned him Golf Designer of the Year honors from the International Network of Golf.

His design philosophy?

“To design and build memorable courses that challenge players to excel and that everyone can enjoy.”

Buffalo Creek is a perfect example of this vision—offering strategic layouts, lush fairways, and challenging greens that create a world-class public golf experience.

Awards & Recognition

  • Recognized by Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, Links Magazine, and Southern Living
  • Second only to Tom Fazio in Florida golf course design awards
  • Recipient of the University of Florida’s Distinguished Alumnus Award (2003)

Inducted into the Polk County Schools Hall of Fame (2009) for contributions to the golf industry

Buffalo Creek is a perfect example of this vision—offering strategic layouts, lush fairways, and challenging greens that create a world-class public golf experience.
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A Course That Sits Softly on the Land

Ron Garl’s environmentally responsible designs maximize and enhance natural landscapes. His work at Buffalo Creek showcases his innovative routing skills, ensuring a layout that is both challenging and enjoyable while preserving the beauty of the Florida landscape.

Come experience Ron Garl’s gift to Palmetto—play a round at Buffalo Creek Golf Course today!

Scorecard

Front 9

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Out
Blue (73.6/129) 382 401 171 391 511 466 436 201 493 3452
White (71.0/121) 368 367 150 371 478 450 405 179 457 3225
Gold (67.8/115) 336 330 130 336 442 396 369 158 426 2923
Handicap 10 6 16 8 12 2 4 18 14
Par 4 4 3 4 5 4 4 3 5 36
Red (70.8/121) 299 294 104 286 405 345 356 138 389 2616
Handicap 18 6 16 8 10 2 4 14 12
Family Tees 255 262 71 237 351 275 287 78 328 2144

Back 9

Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In Total
Blue (73.6/129) 404 389 412 181 529 450 182 446 481 3474 6926
White (71.0/121) 374 356 386 160 482 415 145 416 442 3176 6401
Gold (67.8/115) 338 325 352 119 433 382 115 401 407 2872 5795
Handicap 9 11 5 15 7 1 17 3 13
Par 4 4 4 3 5 4 3 4 5 36 72
Red (70.8/121) 301 290 313 94 413 353 96 379 379 2618 5234
Handicap 11 13 5 17 7 1 15 3 9
Family Tees 250 233 274 66 346 304 70 319 333 2195 4339