[ogme480]

Played this course as part of a double-header yesterday afternoon in The Villages historic part. Only second time I ever played this one and enjoyed the afternoon outing with my wife.

I observed a lot of play in progress during our round. Green sizes were notably smaller and flatter than accustomed to seeing on other courses in The Villages with evidence of weeds on some greens. Balls rolled a little fast on the greens. Fairways & tee boxes in reasonable shape. Elevated locations around the course provided some spectacular views and challenging entry angles to several greens. Overall course in average condition.

The course is a must to play a round on to see the first executive course in The Villages where everything evolved from since its humble beginnings in the 80's. (My error in stating it was the first...as truly was a practice facility revamped later into an executive course. Silver Lake was 1st)

[stanley]

Originally Posted by ogme480

The course is a must to play a round on to see the first executive course in The Villages where everything evolved from since its humble beginnings in the 80's.

Yep cool little course, but Silver lake was the first exec course.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Hilltop was a big improvement over Silver Lake. I only wish that they would do something about the ninth hole.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by ogme480

Played this course as part of a double-header yesterday afternoon in The Villages historic part. Only second time I ever played this one and enjoyed the afternoon outing with my wife.

I observed a lot of play in progress during our round. Green sizes were notably smaller and flatter than accustomed to seeing on other courses in The Villages with evidence of weeds on some greens. Balls rolled a little fast on the greens. Fairways & tee boxes in reasonable shape. Elevated locations around the course provided some spectacular views and challenging entry angles to several greens. Overall course in average condition.

The course is a must to play a round on to see the first executive course in The Villages where everything evolved from since its humble beginnings in the 80's. (My error in stating it was the first...as truly was a practice facility revamped later into an executive course. Silver Lake was 1st)

Did the Parrots in the bird cage between the 8th green and the 9th T box converse with you. My wife always says hello to them and that starts a strange dialogue.

[ogme480]

We’re not out

[Bay Kid]

I'm still trying to stick the ball on the 1st green. One of these days Alice!

[collie1228]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

Hilltop was a big improvement over Silver Lake. I only wish that they would do something about the ninth hole.

Amen. The ninth hole on Hilltop is simply awful. The tee box is situated way left, the green tilts way right, and there is a large tree on the left side that has grown so wide that anyone who hits the ball straight will have little chance of keeping their tee shot on the green. Simply moving the tee box 30 yards to the right would fix 90% of the problem. I have always enjoyed playing Hilltop, but the nine hole is a bad design.

[stanley]

Originally Posted by collie1228

Amen. The ninth hole on Hilltop is simply awful. The tee box is situated way left, the green tilts way right, and there is a large tree on the left side that has grown so wide that anyone who hits the ball straight will have little chance of keeping their tee shot on the green. Simply moving the tee box 30 yards to the right would fix 90% of the problem. I have always enjoyed playing Hilltop, but the nine hole is a bad design.

For me two ways to play that hole, full swing high or punch low. I opt for high. I move back from the tee markers as much as allowable, tee up as far right as possible, ball forward and full swing with the 9. Works most of the time. I have more of a problem with the fourth hole, especially when the wind is blowing.....like it does all the time!