outside golf course suggestions
 

We are Ptimers and each time we are here, we only play TV courses. This trip we want to play one outside our bubble. What is everyones suggestion is the best within a 20 mile radius..Best being ..in great shape, beauty etc...not concerned with price...Thanks!

Two I would recommend. Juliette Falls in Dunelleton and Mission Inn at Howie in the Hills.

I do not go outside TV often to golf. There is something about putting my golf shoes on in my garage and driving to the course in my golf cart that is extremely enjoyable for me.

I am interested in some current course names this thread will produce for the future. I hear good things about Mission Hills (never been there)

Of the places I have been and would recommend are:

Deer Island: http://www.deerislandgolf.com/
Interesting place, a community that never took off. Large houses with boat docks. I was told (and did not confirm) <start of rumor> that the reason the development stopped is that the original plan called for a bridge from Deer Island to Mount Dora. When that was not built getting to the Island became less convenient; folks now have to drive quite a ways for a quart of milk, etc. <end of rumor>. IMO, this is tough golf course as there are many hazards along the way. The greens are usually pretty well kept and fast. I am a pretty decent golfer and this course is tough for me as I have a tendency to spray my tee shots occasionally :ohdear:. There is also quite a bit of wild life to enjoy in the event the game is not quite there that day.

Baseline: No web site, Located in Belleview. This course is somewhere between an executive and championship course in TV. One interesting thing is it has 19 holes! Do not expect a beverage on the 19th; there are really 19 holes :). The reason I mention it in this thread is not that it is in the category of Deer Island or Mission Hills, but because it is so darn pretty. It is built on an old nursery with lots of plantings and flowers. It is very relaxing and offers enough challenge for any golfer. Conditions have always been good when I have been there.

Mission Inn website: http://www.missioninnresort.com/

I believe Baseline has no reservations - first come, first served.
It's on SE 58th Ave (CR 35) East of 441/27

Closer to TV are Spruce Creek, Spruce Creek South, Stonecrest, Water Oaks, etc, etc, etc.


http://www.playeagleridgegolf.com/go...agleridgegolf/

http://linksatsprucecreek.com/golf/p...atsprucecreek/

http://www.stonecrestgolfclub.com/

http://www.suncommunities.com/mobile..._country_club/


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I have not played Water Oaks, but I have played the other three and did not find them particularly remarkable or what I thought wlou was looking for. DO not get me wrong, the courses are good challenging courses, fun to play and IMO conditions were on par with TV courses.

To be fair, I did not play them this winter, but I played quite a bit two winters ago. In addition, I have only played them in the winter, I am sure the conditions should improve in summer.

Have they been in great shape this year?

Mission Inn is beautiful. We've played the "El Campeon" course. The winter rates are quite high, probably $100 or so, but now I believe there is a Villager's rate on ?Mondays for $39.99. You'll want to call any course beforehand this time of year to make sure they're not plugging the greens.

Thanks! exactly what I was looking for! Lots of courses to consider!

My bad - reread his question; he asked "what ... was considered the best..."

I believe the best within 20 miles is Mission Inn El Campeon in Howie in the Hills.


I played Stonecrest and Spruce Creek South in March and they were both nice.


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A little farther than the 20 miles you mentioned but right at a 1 hour drive or less from The Villages are 2 courses that are bargins at this time of the year. Both are top 100 courses in the country.

Orange County National is home of the 2010 PGA Q (Qualifying) School. Links are below. The driving range at OCN is the largest in the country 43 acres. Orange County National is the #1 rated public course is Florida and the #2 rated public course in the USA. The rates are $51.00 for 18 with a cart Monday - Friday before 11:00 AM less after. Orange County National has two 18 hole championship courses and 1 par 3 course. What a golf facility.

Orange County National is just off the 429 Trunpike at the 2nd exit from the FL Turnpike. Less than an hour drive.

http://www.ocngolf.com/


World Woods is located in Brooksville FL about an hour from The Villages. It is a top 100 rated course in the USA. One nine is closed for the summer for maintaince. Current rate at World Woods is $40.00 with cart during the Summer.

http://worldwoods.com/

Information about World Woods.

http://www.worldwoods.com/world-wood...course-reviews

Both of these courses are well worth the drive. These are world class courses.

Water Oak is a Goat Lot!

I forgot to mention in my previous post Harbor Hills Country Club. In the Friday sports section of the Daily Sun there is always a coupon to play Harbor Hills the current coupon is for $29.00 with a cart and includes a $5.00 food voucher in the Signature Grill.

I have eaten at the grill and it is very good. The views from this golf course are great and it is a nice layout. I have taken guest out there just to see the view from the club house and have lunch at the grill. The view over looking Lake Griffin is worth the trip. Harbor Hills is located just East of The Villages and has a Lady Lake mailing address. Link is below

http://www.harborhills.com/golf.html

great courses
 

I agree that spruce creek ( eagle ridge) is always in great shape. I played with a medium size group this winter at Silver Springs Shores. At least half of the group was from the Villages and all agreed this course was in better shape than any of the Villages Courses. (very challenging also)

Don't forget Continental country Club - straight down Buena vista turn left, you can't miss it. Very resonable and it has TREES, a resturant and bar; what more do you want?

These were already mentioned but worth saying again - Deer Island at Mt Dora and Baseline. Baseline is best groomed course in the area.

Last Feb. we played Mission Inn for $49. It is a beautiful course. They had an ad running every week in The Daily Sun.