Palmetto 

Par 29

Level 3 playing from 1,106 – 1,787 yards

Uni Q

That’s how a friend of mine says “unique,” and it’s also a unique way to describe the Palmetto golf course. Palmetto stands out in many ways, and here are five reasons why:

 

  1. Two back-to-back par fours.
  2. Four holes that run alongside a busy retail road.
  3. No practice putting green.
  4. Along the way to the 2nd tee box, you will see the best looking, least utilized tree.  It's begging to be in a fairway!
  5. The 7gth hole boasts more sand trap rakes than any course in the nation (seriously!).

That last one cracks me up—it’s even funnier than the term “Uni Q.” Let’s dive into what makes Palmetto one of the most unique tracks in town.

The first hole is a fantastic way to kick things off—it’s packed with just the right amount of first-shot pressure. You’ll face water, three sand traps, and a long green that seems to stretch forever. No pressure, right?

Hole #2 quickly grabs your attention but for different reasons. It feels like it was initially designed to be a long par four, maybe even a par five, given the ride to the tee box. Instead, you’re left with a downhill drop shot that tempts you to grab a shorter club—don’t! Clear the front trap, or you’ll be looking at a bogey (or worse).

Holes #3 and #4 are shorter but demand accuracy. They wrap around a small pond, with plenty of sand to keep you honest. The 4th is also where my friend Clyde once sank a par putt and did his signature happy dance. These days, he saves that move for birdies!

Holes #5 and #6 border County Road 446A, a busy retail road lined with lots of commercial activity. Cars and trucks zoom past on your left, and you might even get a honk if your shot lands near the center. Hole #6 is particularly striking - it offers a clear view of the Evan’s Prairie Championship course in the background.

Stay focused and turn right at Hole #7—you’re in for a challenge. This long par four requires two precision shots. The water on the right juts into the fairway twice, and there are traps waiting on the left, so your first landing zone is tight. The green’s right-side pin placement adds to the difficulty, creating a tricky approach. And let’s not forget the infamous sand trap on this hole up on the right side - last time I played, there were nine rakes in it! Convenient? Sure. Unnecessary? I would hope so. Unique? Absolutely.

Visually, #7 is breathtaking. The cart path and elegant homes frame the left, while a shimmering pond hugs the right. At sunset, it’s postcard-worthy—easily one of the most beautiful holes in The Villages. Once you sink your putt, you might wish you could play it over and over.

Hole #8 keeps the challenge alive. It’s long—one of the longest in The Villages from the Gold tees—and plays uphill. Plus, the wind always seems to be in my face here.  You’ll need a solid drive to stand a chance at reaching the green in two.

Finally, cross Pinellas Place to Hole #9, a shorter, slightly downhill shot to a green with a gentle front-left slope. It’s a picturesque finish to a course filled with surprises.

There’s no other course in The Villages that combines so many fascinating features—technical challenges, scenic beauty, and quirky details like those rakes. Palmetto is truly unique. Or should I say, Uni Q!

Toughest to Easiest:

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

Answers to the three unique features:  1) Back-to-back par fours: Pimlico; 2) four holes along busy retail road: Loblolly; 3) Back-to-back holes on my Postcard or Hardest list: Sweetgum 7 & 8

From the blacks!

None of the par threes from the black tees exceed 158 yards. While you’ll need to club up slightly for each, none are excessively long. The real challenge lies in the angles of approach on Holes #1, #3, and #4, where you’ll contend with more water and tighter greens that demand accuracy.

The two par fours add some length (372 and 398 yards), meaning your second shot will require a longer iron to reach the green. Even so, you’ll only need about four clubs to tackle the course, whether you’re playing from the black or gold tees.

The longer par fours make the black tees feel most like a championship course experience—without the hefty price tag. That alone might be reason enough to give them a try!

Go Green!

Courses with two par fours will still feel long, even from the green tee box. However, the par threes are much more approachable, making Palmetto a great course to play from the greens. The opening and closing holes, in particular, will feel more manageable and less intimidating. 

What’s nearby?

My friends Bruce and Anne live very close to Palmetto.  That’s important because they’re our neighbors from Minnesota who first introduced us to The Villages.  So anytime I play Palmetto, I feel grateful to them for showing us the way to all this fun!  But they probably wouldn’t appreciate unannounced visitors, so here’s an alternative to what’s nearby – Jersey Mikes!  My favorite sandwich shop has a location on 466A.  You can even see it from the #6 tee box.  The exact address is 5625 Seven Mile Drive.  And the exact sandwich to order is the #42 – Chipotle Chicken Cheese Steak!  Now if you're looking for a sandwich that's golf cart accessible you can find that at the nearby Subway in the Pinellas Plaza (2460 Burnsed Blvd).

Here's the best-looking but least utilized tree in town.  It stands as a backdrop for the 2nd tee box.  Too bad the course wasn't designed to play around it more. 

Sky blue waters of Palmetto!

The 6th green is tucked next to the Evan's Prairie Championship course.  

My impressions are based on playing from the Gold tee boxes.  The Black and the Green tee boxes pose different challenges or benefits described as well.  The rankings of the toughest to easiest holes are just my opinions - yours will be far different, as will your favorite courses and most difficult and attractive holes.  I welcome your opinions or thoughts on any of this - click to leave a comment.