Links at Riverlakes Ranch Golf Course — Local services in Bakersfield

After a very trying day on Friday and having to attend a funeral for my paternal grandmother before Father's Day, I had hoped for a great day out on a golf course of which I had played before with my dad as an early Father's Day present. We showed up to the course early before our tee time of 9:20am with plenty of time to putt, chip and hit balls. The girls working inside said that we would need to check into the starter's box to get put with another 2 some. Head over there and talk with the starter and marshall to find out what is going on. Bad news from the get go, when you see 4 foresomes in front of you, you know it is going to be a long day ahead of you. Well the started explained that there was a group that showed up a little late for their tee time and they let them out regardless. (We found out later, that this group was 20 minutes late to their tee time and they still got them out even though it was backed up) So we shrug our shoulders and put around on the putting green next to the 1st tee box. Slow play, looks like the guys in front of us are playing in a 2 man better ball tourney with their friends in front of them. Whatever, it is what it is right? Or so we thought... Slow play continues, and they are not playing ready golf, so slowing down even more. Not the courses fault, or is it? Shouldn't have let the group that was 20 minutes late for their tee time to go out... Fast forward to the back nine (after a 3 hour front nine), and we are now waiting on every hole, every shot, and it just isn't fun anymore. Get to hole number 13, and what? There isn't anyone on the tee box? No one on the green? What's going on now??? We have had conversations with the group in front of us, and behind us all day long, where is everyone all of sudden...? Well they are all now on 16 teeing off together. All of who you ask? Well that would be 3 foresomes in front of us now on hole number 14!! Well enough is enough now, cause this is over the top! I have never (nor had my father in 40+ years of golfing) had ever seen anything like this before! I call the clubhouse to tell them to send out the marshall, and they said to me "Sir, how many people are on number 14 right now??, cause yeah, that sounds like a lot! And it was, and it was all I could do not to want to hit into them, but we didn't we held back and played the hole out. Get to number 15 now, and all of them are teeing off together. Yup, that's it! We are done, wasn't worth waiting for the marshall (of which he tells us that they were only playing 4 guys at that point) to see what he would do. So we call it, let's head in to talk to the manager. Well that's not going to happen cause not only could the staff not give me the general managers number to call them or email, but wouldn't tell me their name either. Then to top it off they lied to me inside telling me that the marshall couldn't have gone out there cause he didn't have a golf cart cause they were out of carts! Well, you know what, your course is not good, your staff are liars, and this is hands down the worst customer service experience I have ever had in a round of golf. And you know I might have been a little more understanding if they helped out even a little, but for it being Father's day weekend and trying to clear our minds from a death in the family, this course failed in every way possible! I can't tell enough people about the horrible experience that me and my father had at this course and will never play in Kern county again! This course not only ruined a beautiful day out with family, but will make sure all of my friends in town know NOT to ever step foot in this establishment...

From start to finish, I wouldn’t change a thing. Erika and the staff at Riverlakes are literally heaven sent. They are so accommodating and just super nice. I feel like as a bride planning her own wedding, I should’ve been more stressed out, but with the wedding coordinator through Riverlakes, Erika, and my DJ and Photographer, my stress was out the door.

The venue, location, was a difficult one for me to pick. There was a few other places that crossed my mind, but thinking back, Riverlakes was just it. When I started to inquire on the dates available and anything that comes with having a wedding through the links, I didn’t know what to expect. Erika made decisions so easy. The hardest part in the whole process of planning the reception at the links at Riverlakes, was what to choose for the food options. We ended up going with the chicken and tri-tip, over the pasta bar, And would not have it any other way. Ever since my wedding last weekend, everyone that I’ve talked to, the first thing they tell me was how beautiful it was and how great the food was. And I wholeheartedly agree.

I cannot think the staff and Erika enough. They know what they’re doing. Even though I didn’t have my ceremony at Riverlakes and just went with having my reception there, I know that if I were to do the ceremony, it would’ve been just the best.

There are no words to describe, other than anyone reading this, do not hesitate. Book your wedding and reception with the links. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.00. Just book your event because you will not regret it and it is something that I am proud to be able to look back on in 20 years and be reminded of such a...

Quick Summary This review is a combination of the course and practice area. The course is very forgiving (wide fairways, relatively short distances, and slower greens). Really have to avoid weekends and primetime hours here (beginners and slow players lead to infamous 5-6 hour rounds here). The driving range has some of the worst balls I've ever hit. But practice facility has practically every option (chipping area, bunker, putting area)

Course- 3.5 stars Relatively flat and forgiving course with wide fairways, relatively short distances and slower greens. The course brings about plenty of beginners who don't have great etiquette, so be prepared to for some unfixed ball marks on the greens

Driving range- 1 star These are by far the worst range balls I've ever played with. It's nice that they let you hit off grass, but the surface is always wet. Would definitely recommend going elsewhere

Practice area- 4 stars This is the great perk of Riverlakes. They have a large practice green, chipping area and bunker area. However, the putting green in the front of the range isn't the best because of the large hills

Value- 4 stars The cart is included in the greens fees (you definitely need the cart because a few of the holes require a long drive between holes). Great value if you get here during twilight or super twilight hours; otherwise, it's just meh

Bottom Line It's not a fantastic course, but I do like playing the course here during slow hours. Would firmly recommend not coming here for the range (perfect excuse to work more on your short game with the chipping and putting...