Don't know of any private golf courses near The Villages. You would probably need to travel to Ocala or Orlando. But there are plenty of public access courses within a reasonable drive. But first check onto the course reviews before booking. Some may not be in the shape you are looking for.

Here's my knowledgable advice..
 

There's a very good chance you can get on Lopez, Hacienda Hills, or Southern Oaks, even without putting in a request. With a guest pass, Lopez is $78, Hacienda is $71.50, and Southern Oaks is $83 (yikes!).
Here are my rankings of outside courses, as a 9 handicap player. The caveat is that I've not played any of these recently, but I've played them all many times and have read all the recent reviews in preparation of playing outside the Villages until June 1st, as I do every year now.
1. Deer Island - great course, great condition. If you're not good, bring lots of balls. If the day is warm enough, you get to see gators too! It's worth the hour or so drive. $50
2. Mission Inn/El Campeon - close by, rare elevation changes, always great condition, but very difficult, not for crappy players. $85
3. Mission Inn/Las Colinas - close by, always in great shape. Surprisingly, $75, thought it would be cheaper than that.
4. Harbor Hills - close by, elevation changes, good condition. $50
5. Don't go to these nearby courses, for various reasons - Spruce Creek South, Stonecrest, The Lakes Golf Club.

Really???? Last played Juliette Falls about 3 months ago and it was $52 with a cart and lunch (hamburger and soft drink)

Never mind---just checked their website and they are $75 without the lunch----that's a 50% increase!!!

Continental just finished reseeding their greens and tee boxes and is in good shape, plus they usually have specials for afternoon golf... its a good back up but a good course with the improvements they've made.

I agree, live where we can see parts of two championship courses, see very light play, as the above comments noted, especially in the afternoons ! I agree, in tight financial times like these, the high prices probably do effect how often people play... but, January golf in Florida is not inexpensive anywhere, but there are other nice public courses other than the villages public courses (championship courses). If you want to travel as far a Clermont, Fl.... some really interesting golf in that area. Check out trip advisor reviews under "things to do" category.

Agree ! ! Of course some would argue that the "savings" by not paying villages rates, are wiped out by gasoline prices to travel to other courses...LOL !

WOW ! "inflation" is everywhere, 25% possible raise in water, recreation like golf courses increasing 50%, hamburger now about a 40% increase, is this really sustainable .... ?

The Lakes is a short course, almost "Executive", and not in that great condition, although improving. I wouldn't rule out Spruce Creek or Stonecrest. Stonecrest has new ownership and has done a good job of bringing the course back to playable conditions. Spruce Creek did a lot of overseeding and have greens that are in near perfect condition. You can play either for half the cost (or less) than a Villages championship course.

Nobody mentioned Saddlebrook or Copperhead courses which are tour level , and only 45 min and 1h15 min away.

Have had a condo an the 2 hole of Copperhead for 35 years and always been able to get my quests a tee time

They want villages experience. I just tried to request tee time for 4 including 2 guest and its not accepting the guest ID numbers. There are 7 numbers instead of 6 and says they are invalid. Can I even make a request using Guest ID numbers?

Cheers!

If I remember correctly, you will enter your friends as your Guest, under your ID number.

Correct. just did that.

Other Options
 

My local village is plannibg trips to these: Arlington Ridge, Del Webb Eagle Ridge, and Spruce Creek. They are very close to The Villages. Worth a look.

Ah-Ha that worked. Thanks.

I had trouble with this too. It's a little tricky. The first thing it asks you is whether you have any guests. You have to check yes here.