Golfing off campus
 

Many of us golf off campus in the winter. It would be great if we could start a thread that we could share our experiences golfing outside The Villages. Here is what our group just experienced...On 11/01/21 our group played Green Valley CC in Clermont. We didn't care much for the front nine (not in great shape and very tricky greens) but the back nine was in good shape and a very nice layout. The afternoon price was only $30. I would go back just to play the back nine again. I would also go back because of the little bar / restaurant there. Best cheeseburger I ever had. Great waitress and service.

Great idea. I golf weekly winter off campus with a friend from Ocala. Too expensive to bring him here as a guest since he lives in Marion County.

If possible, post a link to the course’s web site in your write up…..

Congratulations for breaking out of jail.

Big Bear Golf in Mount Dora
 

My group went to Big Bear two weeks ago. Greens were very slow. The fairways were in good shape. Lots of moguls in the fairway. Many greens are uphill from the fairway. The greens are quite small, in particular several par 5's. But fun to play, the moguls make it different. Black Bear Golf Club | Mount Dora Golf | Mount Dora Golf Courses

Off Campus
 

Black Bear is a Pete Dye course, I've played it for years, you might also try Red Tail in Sorrento, Sanctuary Ridge in Clermont, there are many others worth looking into. Eagle Dune is on st rt. 44 Eustis, bring your sand bucket and shovel it is a challenge. All of these courses are approx. 1 hr drive. You could go just a bit further to Deland and play Victoria Hills well worth the drive.

Has anyone played Deer Island in Tavares lately? If so, what condition was the course in?

There is or was a big group that played outside TV. It was or is called: (Troops or Troupes) Groups. They organized everything and usually included golf plus lunch. Do they still exist?

Bring lots of balls because you will probably end up in the water several times. They changed the name, I think.

Sanctuary Ridge is a big question mark
 

We played Sanctuary Ridge last year and it was terrible. Hardpan on all fairways, weeds in bunkers.....complete lack of maintainance. Has anyone played it recently?

I just read that Sanctuary Ridge has been sold and temporarily closed for major renovations.
It think it will be renamed Clermont National.

Harbor Hills, Ocala National, Juliet Falls, Mystic Dunes, Mission Inn - all good courses in my opinion.

Just attended a golf outing at Arlington in Leesburg. The course was in terrible condition, ordered a sandwich from the cart person and received it 2-1/2 hours later, had dinner after the outing and they would not provide water. Had to purchase it in bottles for a high price. Bought several bottles for the table and when I turned my back the waitress removed the full unopened bottles. Would not recommend this course.

Any reviews of Stone Creek or Spruce Creek?

Deer Island did change their name but changed it back i think. Love the course, lots of water. Last played several months ago and it was in good shape then.

Royal Oaks
 

Our group played our favorite course yesterday 11/10/21. Royal Oaks (near Rt.484 & 200) never disappoints. Mint condition, plush fairways, perfect greens. $38 after 11:00.
Only negative was the beer is overpriced.

Off campus golfing
 

I joined Big Summer Golf. They aren’t expensive and they play on Monday’s. Usually very good courses at a reduced rate. Two weeks ago I played Orange County National for $59.00 including range balls and cart.
Last Monday was mystic dunes but I couldn’t make it.
Just another option where someone else handles all the work.

Heard Disney gives TV residents a locals discount? Anyone know if this is true?

I just asked my husband and they do give a discount. He said it isn't huge but you get money off.

He recommends Mission Inn and Juliette Falls. His favorite off site is Golden Ocala but the green fees are around $150

Continental Country Club keeps getting better. Greens fast and conditions improving. $36.95. Great lunch.

Baseline in Ocala
 

Just venturing off campus for the first time. Heard this one wasn't in good shape. Anybody know?

Harbor Hills, 15 minutes east of TV was enjoyable last week, $37 I think. Good Lunch.

Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto last week. $150 but a superb course in outstanding condition.

When I called Golden Ocala for a tee time I was told it’s not open to the public.

Played Baseline on Wednesday
 

and thought is was in fine shape. It is a pretty course that is basically an expanded executive layout with a number of shorter par 4's on each nine. They do not accept advanced tee times but getting on is not a problem. Nice clubhouse with a lot merchandise for sale and excellent hot dogs. They also have a driving range and the course is very walkable.

My husband has played there at least a dozen times. He has not played there since COVID. He is playing in a charity tournament next month.

Question:
Do they require a day pass if one wishes to leave the "Campus" or do they allow one to leave on one's own volition? :1rotfl:

Real challenge
 

If you want a real , but fair, challenge the World Woods courses in Brooksville are very good. I golfed the Pine Barrens course last year. My son in law took me there, he’s a golf pro and that’s one of the courses they play when attending the annual PGA conference in Orlando. The course was is great shape. No fancy clubhouse, just great golf.

No day pass required as long as you take out a gate as you exit the bubble.

Golden OCala
 

if you know a golf pro, they can get you on. probably around $150

Thanks!

FYI:
Played Harbor Hills Saturday (11/13).
It was rough only for the carts because they just over seeded the fairways earlier that week.

Try Eagle Ridge, just North of the Villages about 7 miles on Hwy 27.. Look for the big fountain on your right, just before Market or Marion. It's got 4 different nines. Great place, good rates, nice 19th hole patio as well.