Riverbend Golf Complex: flat ground, busy pace, and plenty of targets

Riverbend Golf Complex in Kent asks for smart placement off the tee and steady approach shots into guarded greens. The setting is flat and walkable, with bunkers and water shaping choices more than elevation. Expect an active public vibe and a steady pace.

Riverbend Golf Complex Fast Facts

Course Overview

Riverbend Golf Complex sits on 160 acres along the Green River, with Meeker Street running through the property. The layout is parkland and mostly flat, so walking is realistic for most players. Over 50 bunkers and three lakes frame fairways and greens. Several holes bring water into play on the right, while fairway bunkers pinch driver lines on key landing areas. Greens are generally modest in size and often guarded by front bunkers.

These features shape conservative targets from the tee. Favor the side that keeps trees and water out of play, even if it leaves a longer approach. On par 5s, two well-placed shots set up short wedges, but missed lines can bring water or sand into play fast. Ground play is available on firm days, yet many greens reward a controlled aerial approach to carry front bunkers. Afternoon breezes off the river can nudge shots, so choose safer start lines and commit.

Hole-by-Hole Highlights

• Hole 1, Par 4: Straight start. Avoid left fairway bunker and trees right. Slightly elevated green with a right front bunker.

• Hole 2, Par 4: Subtle dogleg right. Aim left center to clear the large cottonwood on the right. Green guarded left by a bunker and right by trees.

• Hole 3, Par 5: Bunkers left and right off the tee. Water runs along the right from fairway bunker to green. Two solid shots set up a short approach.

• Hole 4, Par 4: Top handicap hole. Bunker and out of bounds left, trees right. Favor left center to avoid a large willow. Green ringed by bunkers.

• Parkland corridors: Several fairways tighten near 200 to 240 yards with bunkers. Position clubs can beat driver on these holes.

• Lakes in play: Water mainly guards right sides, so safer shapes work away from the hazard.

• Front bunkers: Many greens feature front bunkers. Center-green targets are rewarded, especially to back pins.

• Crossing the property: Meeker Street separates sections of the course, so note the transition holes and stay alert for cart-path routing.

• Wind windows: Light river breeze can quarter across open landing areas. Pick starting lines that finish on the safe half of the fairway.

• Scoring chances: Par 5s reward placement first, then wedge control. Take the birdie looks when you gain the correct angle.

Riverbend Golf Complex Amenities & Practice

A full driving range with 32 stalls sits across Meeker Street from the course and is supported by a large retail shop. Lessons and clinics are available with PGA staff. Cart availability varies by daily conditions, and rental clubs are offered in multiple set types.

Food & Beverage

Riverbend Bar and Grill is on site for pre-round and post-round meals and drinks.

Rates / Booking / Local Tips

Online tee times are available, and phone reservations are supported. Seasonal pricing is posted, with summer rates listed for May through October of the current season. Cart use may shift to path-only during wet periods, so check the course conditions page before you go. Riverbend Golf Complex plays quickly when you keep the ball short of fairway bunkers and plan conservative lines to center-green targets.

How to Score Here

• On par 4s with fairway bunkers, choose the club that lands short of the pinch, then wedge to the middle tier.

• Work away from right-side water. A left-center fairway start line keeps big numbers off the card.

• Favor center-green approaches when front bunkers guard the mouth. Let putts do the work.

• Use the range to dial launch and spin in any river breeze. One solid tempo thought can save strokes at Riverbend Golf Complex.

Final Word

If you value walkable ground, clear targets, and honest scoring chances, Riverbend Golf Complex delivers a straightforward day in Kent.

This course is one of many featured in the Washington Golf Directory. Your guide to Washington State public golf courses, local driving ranges, and weekend-worthy golf getaways. Whether you’re playing nine before work or planning a road trip across the state, we’re here to help you explore more golf, one course at a time.