Test your game at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton
BRADENTON, Fla. -- The IMG Academy Golf Club has been grooming budding golf stars for years, even a decade ago when it was known as the El Conquistador Country Club.
Golfers who want to "walk in the footsteps of the pros" can play IMG without the extravagant greens fees associated with PGA Tour venues. Paula Creamer, Sean O'Hair, Aree Song, Naree Song, Ty Tryon, Peter Uihlein and Michelle Wie have all honed their games on this challenging 6,855-yard course.
Mark Mahannah designed the original routing in 1972 before Gene Bates did a thorough facelift and rerouted a couple of holes in 2004. Many plateau greens sit above bunkers, requiring an aerial assault.
Although a shared pond makes the approach shots to the par-5 seventh hole and par-3 17th hole difficult, the meat of the course lies in its par 4s. The fourth hole plays downright draining at 455 yards. No. 14 is a round-wrecker over water and traps.
A commitment to better playing conditions, spearheaded by superintendent Shawn Sheridan, has the place sparkling. New sand in the bunkers really pops visually.
"The course is in the best condition it's ever been," said Moses Lane, a longtime member. "They have put the money into it."
IMG Academy Golf Club - hole 6
The sixth hole is the shortest par 4 at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
IMG Academy Golf Club - hole 3
The 195-yard third hole at IMG Academy Golf Club plays over water and rocks.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
IMG Academy Golf Club - 4th hole
The 455-yard fourth hole is the No. 1 handicap at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
IMG Academy Golf Club - hole 5
The second shot to the fifth green is tough at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
IMG Academy Golf Club - hole 13
The par-4 13th hole at IMG Academy Golf Club plays long.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
IMG Academy G.C. - hole 14
There's trouble everywhere near the 14th green at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
IMG Academy Golf Club - hole 15
A dry hazard runs in front of the 15th green at IMG Academy Golf Club.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
IMG Academy Golf Club - 17th hole
Misses short and right will find the water on the 17th hole at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
IMG Academy Golf Club offers a challenging, but rewarding golf experience no matter what skill level. Towering oaks and pine trees dot the course as well as a few sparkling lakes. Opened in 1972, the golf course underwent a major renovation in 2003 that has made it one of the most technically advanced golf courses in southwest Florida.
(based on 2 reviews)