Briarwood

Par 27

Level 3 from 950 – 1,461 yards

Briarwood is one of the most diverse, unique, and fun courses in The Villages. It shares a special bond with its sister course, Walnut Grove, making it nearly impossible to play one without the other. No two courses complement each other better - Briar and Walnut are true sisters!  Be sure to read the Walnut story along with this.

My first impression of Briarwood? It’s a ride. First, the journey to its location on the northern edge of town. Then, the way it rides alongside Walnut Grove and the beautiful Nancy Lopez Championship course. And finally, the sheer distance traveled between holes - you’ll rack up more miles here than on any other executive course. So, hop in and join me for a spin around this fascinating track of par threes. You’ll spot a circle of turtles, visit the best-looking restroom in town, experience a closing hole like no other, and maybe even find a birdie or two. Welcome to the Briar Ride!

The first hole will be the shortest ride of the day – just a few feet from the starter shake.  Just steer clear of the water and sand, then cross the road, and the real road trip begins.  The 2nd, pictured above, is a beautiful hole. A set of perfectly symmetrical trees paints the backdrop, making for a picturesque shot. Aim just right of the lone pine to set up an uphill putt and your best chance at par!  The 3rd hole introduces you to one of Briarwood’s most unique features: the circular fence enclosing an endangered species. If you check out the course on Google Maps, you’ll spot the ring. Up close, it’s even better. But club up on the drive to the green - it’s a tough uphill shot, often battling a southerly headwind.  It's on the 4^th that you get a better view into the turtle enclosure - except these aren’t turtles at all, but their close relative, the gopher tortoises. As a Minnesotan, I have a natural fondness for gophers, so I felt right at home teeing off with gophers looking on. (See my gopher tortoise fan in the picture below!)

The next leg of the ride takes you through a peaceful oak forest on the way to the 5th hole. Nestled in this park-like setting is the best restroom in town - seriously, make a pit stop! And before moving on, take one last look behind you and snap a photo of the turtle enclosure. 

Fully rested, you're ready for Briarwood’s signature 5^th hole.  It has a narrow approach over a well-positioned trap.  But the green is a thrill ride of its own - fast and furiously downhill. The longest journey between holes comes next, as you travel from #5 to #6. One you arrive at the 6th you'll find a short-but-tricky 114-yard hole that demands precision over a frontal sand trap - the worst kind. The good news? Like all Briarwood greens, this one is massive, fair, and in great shape. At the 7th you'll need to power up - literally. Take a cue from the overhead power lines and club up for this uphill shot over water. When in doubt, go long!

You will love Briarwood 8.  It has three great views. First, look up at the power line stanchion - see the eagle’s nest perched on the crossbeam? Last time I spotted two birds, a hopeful omen for my final two holes! Next, glance left for another stunning view of the Nancy Lopez course.  Briarwood is one of six executive courses that are immediately adjacent to a Villages championship course.  Can you name some of the others? (Quiz Question 12) The third view on the 8th is the most important one because it’s the one you need to land. This uphill 137-yard shot comes with sand lurking on the left, so just aim right for your last solid chance at par. Let’s hope you’ve saved some energy for the Briarwood’s 9^th.  Easily one of the hardest holes you’ll ever play in The Villages. Stretching 179 yards, it’s guarded by massive traps on the left, while the fairway slopes hard right into a grove of trees. My natural fade forces me to take on the sand or risk running deep into the woods.

What a way to finish! Grab a big club and let it ride. Like any great road trip, wherever your shot takes you, it'll be just another part of an unforgettable journey!  Briarwood is most certainly worth the ride.  

Toughest to Easiest

9, 7, 6, 1, 8, 5, 3, 4, 2 - toughest green – 5