The Villages is home to more than 40 executive courses, and choosing favorites isn’t easy.  And, most certainly, everyone will have their own opinion.

 

I have my Top Five.  They're not based on difficulty, scenery alone, or even how well I play. Instead, these are the courses I’d choose if friends were visiting. Playing all five on consecutive days would be the perfect way to showcase the diversity and quality we are afforded here - and provide a resounding answer to the question, “Why do I live here?”

 

My top five include both established favorites and newer additions. Two sit on the outskirts of town, while two are right in the heart of it, each offering distinct character. Some feature tree-lined fairways and canopied greens; others boast dramatic elevation changes and challenging wetlands. All are captivating and fun to play.

 

Here are my top five, listed in alphabetical order:

    Amberwood – The classiest track with spectacular greens and oak lined holes. 

    This is the 5th - a long par three framed by two protective traps around a difficult upward sloping green - it's the beginning of Amberwood's Amen Corner!

    Read the story about that Corner and the course's great opening by clicking here. 

      Gray Fox – Cut out of the Fenney Springs Wetland, Gray Fox is a real beauty!  This picture is the 9th.  The opening and closing holes feel like I'm back home in northern Minnesota.  

      Gray Fox has more top-rated holes than any other course in town.  It was my first Top Five entrant!  Read all about it here.

       

        Mira Mesa – Vintage course with narrow fairways, perfect greens and some of the best trees in town.  It was recently refurbished and looks and plays incredible.

        This picture is the beautiful 6th!  Along with the 7th, it's a duo of back-to-back Postcards holes.  And there's a great house across a lake from the 8th!  

        You can read the course story about the Mira Mesa vets I met by clicking here.

          Pelican – There is no course quite like Pelican - it’s a How-To for designing a golf course in a wetland – the most diverse set of holes in The Villages.

          The opening shot is pictured. Believe it or not, there is a flag out there.  And that's just the way this big bird lifts off!  Holes #2 through 6 will amaze you with their difficulty and beauty.  There's even a chance to shoot at Old Glory at 5. 

          Read about that magnificent stretch of shots here.

           

            Roosevelt – Who says Florida is flat?  Every hole at Roosevelt has elevation and challenge.  

            This picture is the 5th - it's earned its place as one of my 18 Hardest because of its difficult downhill angle - oh and that trap, tree and pond.  And the green is really sloped!  Teddy would love the challenge! 

            Read why I think it makes sense this course honors Teddy Roosevelt by clicking here.  

              Many holes on these five courses are included in the Hardest and Postcard Lists >>>  

              Honorable Mention

              Longleaf is a great track with The Villages' most famous tree!  It's hard and gorgeous and always fun to play. And that tree will vex you on the 3rd and mesmerize you on the 8th!  

              When Pelican was down for a while, Longleaf stepped in admirably.  

               

               

               

               

               

               

                The Top Five Courses are just one of many Top Fives.  Click here to see the others.

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