#1 Cheeseburger in Paradise

The first hole is a perfect picture of paradise: sand and water next to a rolling green, grasses on the tees, and a line of trees in the back. It makes my list of the five “happiest” opening shots in town. When teeing off, you don’t have to be too particular or too precise - it’s heaven on earth with an onion slice.

#2 Pencil-Thin Mustache

One of the harder shots of the day, this hole earns its name because the narrow green behind a fully frontal trap is certainly pencil thin. You’ll need a perfect drop shot for any chance at par. One bad decision here, and you’ll be searchin’ for your lost ball in the sand.

#3 The Weather Is Here, Wish You Were Beautiful

This is a painfully plain hole - no water, no sand, no drama. It’s the only boring shot of the day. But in Florida, even a boring hole looks better under blue skies and warm sunshine. The weather is here, spirits are high, and the only thing worth worrying about is the severely sloping green - which, sadly, did not get the memo about being beautiful.

#4 Looking for My Lost Shaker of Salt

This hole requires a focused 130-yard shot through the center of two front traps. But that’s not the true view here. It’s the collection of stones of all sizes and shapes to the fairway’s left. One looks like a turtle, one like a zebra, and yes, one that looks like a saltshaker. But lose focus here and you’ll be nibbling on sponge cake, watching the sun bake, and wondering where your ball went.

#5 It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere

That means it’s time for your longest drive of the day. There are triple traps on the left and a green that rolls two feet downhill, so aim for the front for an uphill putt. Swing easy - there’s no rush – it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.

#6 Son of a Son of a Sailor

Your first water shot of the day. The pond bends out in front of the green more than you think, and anything short might have you screaming, “Son of a…!”  Aim away right and don’t get wet.

#7 Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

Time to change both attitudes and directions. Turning west, you face the longest par three of the day. If the gold tee is set back at 181 yards, this may be your toughest shot. That’ll require an immediate attitude adjustment - and possibly a fresh beverage afterward.

#8 Margaritaville

This hole looks like a welcome respite, but the green has so many dips and drops you’ll feel like you spent the day in Margaritaville. It’s only 120 yards, but it’s the toughest green.

#9 If We Couldn’t Laugh, We Would All Go Insane

The final encore is Tarpon’s only par four. At just 240 yards, the smart play is to lay up with an iron - but let’s be honest, we’re all insane, right? The moment the marker says Par 4, the driver comes out, even though laying up gets you to the green in two without taking risks. But what would Jimmy do? Pull the driver! Ok, but just stay right of center to avoid the slope into the water. Even knowing all that, I still hit a wild drive here every time - proof I’m growing older, not up!

From the Blacks! 

#7 and 5, the Changes in Latitudes and 5 O’clock Somewhere holes, will really have you wasting away in Tarpon Boil.  Both are over 190 yards.  But since "we’re all pirates living 200 years too late", might as well go for it!  

Go Green! 

There are no real advantages playing from the shorter green tees.  On average, the tees are 40 yards closer on each hole, but the angles are still challenging, especially on 2 and 9.  But if it makes you happy to play up, then Jimmy would approve. He said it best in his song titled Happily Ever After: “Some people never find it, some only pretend. But I just want to live, Happily ever after, now and then”! Go Green!

What's Nearby?

The clubs on your cart aren’t your only clubs that swing.  There are thousands of organizations that are Villager-led social clubs.  The Jimmy Buffett Parrot Heads Club is just one.  And just like Jimmy’s music, “nearby” is just a state of mind.  There’s a club nearby every golf course! Here’s a listing.