Laurel Oak

Par 29 - Level 4 - 84 Slope Rating

Plays from 1295-1957 yards

 

Admit it - you’re here for one reason. The 5th hole.

You’ve heard about it. The rumors. The war stories. The exaggerated yardages that somehow get longer every time they’re told. So, let’s clear this up right away: it’s all true. Laurel Oak #5 is the longest hole on any Villages Executive course - 430 yards from the black tees, a “mere” 410 from the gold. That’s not executive length - that’s a statement.  You can't even see the flag on this picture.  

They could have made it a par 5 and spared everyone the agony. 

The course opened in 2025 and sits between Sawgrass and Eastport, so logistics are easy. Dinner, drinks, and recovery beverages are all nearby. What’s harder to ignore is that Laurel Oak runs right alongside the Florida Turnpike. Not near it. Alongside it. Close enough that you’ll feel the 18-wheelers rush past. Close enough that you could wave, pump your arms, and maybe earn yourself a celebratory honk.

And then there’s the smell.

If the wind cooperates, Laurel Oak offers something no other executive course can: the unmistakable aroma of fried chicken. Across from the 2nd green, inside the Okahumpka Rest Stop, sits a Kentucky Fried Chicken. Truckers come and go. Golfers inhale deeply. Temptation is not subtle here.

Standing on the first tee, things feel almost reasonable. It’s a straightforward opener - aim away from the tree and the bunker, swing freely, and you’re off. As you walk off the 1st green, you’re treated to a lovely view of the Live Oak pitch-and-putt next door. It’s calming. Enjoy it. Because holes 2, 3, and 4 are less about inspiration and more about efficiency. Trucks going 80. Shots going preferably toward the green. Swing, chip, putt, repeat. Everyone knows what you’re waiting for.

The 5th.

Laurel Oak #5 deserves a name. Zeus. Andre the Giant. Or, based on the smell drifting across the fairway, maybe just call it the Big Bucket. At 430 yards, it officially dethrones Redfish 5 as the longest par 4 in The Villages. But length alone isn’t the point. Water guards the right side, demanding both power and discipline - two things golfers rarely deploy at the same time. And when you do reach the green, you’ll discover the most difficult putting surface on the course. From tee to cup, this hole isn’t just long - it’s mentally fatiguing.

Hole #6 offers a brief emotional recovery, pulling you away from the Turnpike and into a look that is something more familiar, reminiscent of Mangrove #6 or Bacall #7. There is still water and sand and you’re likely hitting into the sun. But it just seems easier just coming off the 5th.

The 7th is another par four, but it’s the normal attainable type.  The real danger isn’t the fairway - it’s what lurks behind the green. Go long, and you’ll discover water, a gator, and the unique frustration of hazards you couldn’t see coming until it was too late.

Hole #8 features one of the largest greens you’ll ever putt on - shared with hole #3. You may find yourself sharing the surface with as many as seven other golfers. It’s one of only three shared greens in The Villages. Can you name the others? (Quiz Question #28)

 

The 9th at Laurel Oak is the finger-lickin’ finish you know you wanted. A massive, flat green framed by oak trees and a rock-rimmed pond, it feels almost intentional - like an apology for the stretch near the Turnpike. It’s one of my top five closing holes on any executive course, and a terrific way to wrap up the round.

 

Laurel Oak may draw you in with its legendary 5th hole, but that’s not why you remember it. You remember the trucks. The fried chicken. The run from 6 through 8. And then that final shot. In the end, Laurel Oak delivers exactly what it promised - just what the Colonel ordered!

 

Resist the temptation to drive onto the Turnpike into the KFC drive-thru! 

Toughest to Easiest:

5 (Duh!), 6, 1, 7, 8, 2, 9, 3, 4 - hardest green #5 

Finger Licking Close: I've been told Villagers can get to the Kentucky Fried Chicken on the Turnpike via 301 without paying a toll.  It's located in the Okahumpka Rest Stop you can see from the 2nd green (when not blurred by trucks).  

Being this close to large fast-moving objects reminds me of my earliest experiences learning to play golf.  Growing up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, my dad taught me to play at the Elmwood public course. They had a nine-hole track for beginners that was close to the airport runway.  The planes were so low that the decibels and vibrations packed enough intensity to rattle the clubs in my bag.  That's similar to the vibe you get when Turnpike Trucks are blazing just feet away from Laurel! 

From the blacks!   

Yes, it can be done.  It's a box checker for sure.  You'll be amped up to give it a go on #5, but you'll need your A game all the way around to play from the black tees at Laurel Oak.  The opening hole, and the fabulous backstretch from 6-9, will challenge the best golfers from black. When you're done, you may not believe it, but Laurel Oak is not the longest executive course from the black tees.  Do you know which one is? (Quiz Question #3)

Go Green!

You'll still get your money's worth playing Laurel Oak from green.  The monster 5th can play from as far back as 382 yards from the green tees.  To put that in perspective, 382 yards would make it the 6th longest hole from the black tees in all the executive courses.  That would be a badge of honor for sure!  The rest of the holes will give you a breather with 6 of them shorter than 120.  And you won't have to hit over water on 6 or 7.   

What’s Nearby?

Sawgrass Grove is the newest entertainment destination in The Villages.  There's one large restaurant, McGrady's, and three smaller ones inside the Marketplace, two stand-alone bars (although I’ve never seen anyone actually standing alone) a coffee shop and some other retail.  Even a pro shop for the Southern Oaks Championship Course with some great clothing choices.  Plus, there's live music outdoors on a one-of-kind stage and setting! And bring your putter along to play the huge 18-hole Clifton Cove Putt and Play course.  See more here.  

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.