Belmont

Par 28 - Level 4 - 81 Slope Rating

Plays from 1,063 – 1,692 yards

 

Belmont is spectacular. Just look at that picture. As part of the “Triple Crown” of Villages executive courses themed around horse racing, it’s easily one of the best tracks in town. Belmont is saddled up next to Churchill Greens and Pimlico, and each course carries its own playing level - Belmont at a Level 4, Churchill a 3, and Pimlico a 2. In other words, you can pick your pole position from challenging to comfortable.

 

That progression isn’t accidental. In real horse racing, the Belmont Stakes is the longest leg of the Triple Crown at a mile and a half, followed by the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, with the Preakness at Pimlico being the shortest. The Villages designers mirrored that same descending order of difficulty in these three courses. That kind of attention to detail deserves a tip of the jockey’s cap.

 

So while that settles in, let’s leave the paddock (the putting green), step into the starting gate (the first tee), and hope the starter gives us the proper send-off: And they’re off!

 

You’ll need to adjust your blinkers on the opening shot so you don’t get distracted by the water. Aim just left of the perfect tree behind the green and you’ll break cleanly from the gate. The second hole follows the same layout but stretches things out a bit. By the third, you should be in full stride. It’s the best-looking hole on the course—just the right mix of water, sand, and a tree-lined backdrop that feels picture-perfect.

 

The fourth is the only par four, so this is where you finally get to stretch out and let the driver run. The sand on the left is obvious, but be mindful of the unseen ravine on the right. A strong but controlled swing keeps you on pace.

 

Now past the backstretch, you make the far turn toward the fifth. The long brown fence lining the left side looks like it belongs on a well-appointed horse farm, and the green is similarly elevated. It’s flat up top, but you’ll want to stick your approach—anything long tumbles down the back. And nobody wants to take a spill in the middle of the race.

 

The sixth is another attractive hole and your final short shot. As is often the case, the designers saved one of the trickiest greens for a shorter hole. This two-tiered surface can turn a simple putt into a journey measured in furlongs.

And down the stretch they come.

 

Holes seven and eight form the toughest pairing on the course and one of the best stretches in town - a true Daily Double. Like a horse bearing down on the wire, this is where you keep your head down, breathe easy, and stay smooth.

 

The seventh plays a demanding 170 yards, with water and sand guarding the right and a green shaped with four distinct corner mounds. The eighth comes next, shorter but arguably tougher, requiring a precise line over water to a green with a sneaky knoll on the back right. Stay focused, don’t spit the bit, and keep driving for the finish.

 

The ninth brings you home. At just 121 yards, it looks manageable, with sand on the left and a welcoming green beyond. Finish strong here, because a good shot will Justify all the work you’ve put in on this outstanding Level 4 racetrack.

 

Belmont is a true thoroughbred. Amazingly, none of its holes appear on my Hardest or Postcard lists, yet the course feels nearly flawless. You don’t play Belmont for one unforgettable moment - you play it because the entire track delivers. So, climb into the saddle, take the reins, and enjoy the ride at Belmont.

 

Toughest to Easiest

7, 8, 5, 2, 9, 4, 6,1, 3 – toughest green - 6