Chula Vista

Par 29 - Level 1 - 80 Slope Rating

Plays from 1,243 – 1,645 yards

Map

 

Chula Vista is no walk in the park.

It may look like one. It’s even labeled a Level One course, which practically invites you to underestimate it. But Chula has length, demands accuracy, and punishes anything that wanders offline. There are no black tees here - just gold and green - which may explain why the big hitters tend to stay away. That, and the fact that even from the green tees, Chula stretches nearly 1,300 yards, making it the third-longest executive course in The Villages. Does that sound like a casual stroll to you?

 

Like the other courses near Spanish Springs, Chula’s greens are flat - very different from the rolling, tiered adventures found elsewhere. That doesn’t make them easy.  It just means the challenge comes before you reach the putting surface.

 

The round begins with three holes that are nearly identical, differing in total distance by just four yards. Then, at #4, the course finally shows its teeth. This 125-yard par three (pictured above) plays over water and an imposing wall into an amphitheater-like setting. Go long and the trap behind the green will remind you who’s in charge. You’ll need your best drop shot of the day - but at least the view is worth the effort.

 

That attractive, park-like feel continues. The fifth green tucks neatly into a bend of the pond, while #6 offers Chula’s best visual frame - trees and traps symmetrically flanking the green. #7 is shorter but trickier than it looks, with a slanted green that rewards placement over power. #8, the only par four, asks for a drive far enough left to open up the approach. Miss that line, and you’ll be scrambling.

 

Then comes the closing test: 160 yards uphill, often straight into the prevailing wind. It’s Chula’s way of reminding you that while the setting may feel like a park, this is still very much a golf course.

 

Despite its beginner-friendly reputation, Chula Vista has plenty to say. What it lacks in dramatic greens, it makes up for in length, structure, and steady challenge. And while the only creatures meant to roam the edges are the squirrels, stray shots are welcome to join them. Miss too often, and your “walk in the park” may just drive you a little nuts.

 

9, 4, 8, 2, 3, 5, 1, 7, 6 

Go Green

Only three holes play under 125 yards.  But to put this into perspective, the Okeechobee course has eight holes under 125 yards – and it’s a level four course.  So don’t play Chula from the greens thinking it’s easy – play it for the beauty and it’s simplicity and for the lack of big hitters on the course bothering you!

What's Nearby? 

Chula Vista is just minutes from Spanish Springs, the original Villages Square.  The initial premise, still relevant today, is there should be a central focal point that brings all residents together - each night - 365 days a year.  The Square was the place.  And live music was the centerpiece reason to gather. Fast forward to today and that template has been replicated in two other Village Squares with another (Eastport) in development.  On the first day of our Lifestyle visit back in 2019, I opened the newspaper to see that month’s schedule of bands playing at the Squares.  There were 30 days and 3 Squares, so that equaled 90 bands listed.  I was stunned to see that no one band was repeated.  I never forgot that.  I feel the same when we go to any of the three Squares to listen – great musicians, great crowds, and a great environment.  Every night from 5-9!  Our favorites are the Hooligans, Spazmatics, Greg Warren Band, Blonde Ambition, Stella Beat and Sugar Vibe.  But we’ve never heard a group we didn’t like! Here's a link to the calendar.

My impressions are based on playing from the Gold tee boxes.  The Black and the Green tee boxes pose different challenges or benefits described as well.  The rankings of the toughest to easiest holes are just my opinions - yours will be far different, as will your favorite courses and most difficult and attractive holes.  I welcome your opinions or thoughts on any of this - click to leave a comment.