Redfish Run

Par 28

Level 3 from 957 – 1,632 yards

You'll get a full workout on Redfish Run!  It's got a crazy roller coaster closing green - a water launcher tee shot - and a marathon in the middle.  There’s even a hurdle or two thrown in.  Now that’s a complete cardio!  It shares a starter shack with its sister course, Tarpon Boil, and right across the street is Bonita Pass, so you can always try to combo a couple courses.  But from my perspective, a Run is better than a Pass or a Boil, so play Redfish first.   Ok, here’s the rundown:

You don’t get to loosen up much as your run starts on a 142-yard tester. It plays downhill so remember to follow-through and aim for the left side of the 1^st green.  On #2, (pictured above) you’ll be hitting uphill from about the same distance, so the club will probably be different.  Your third run of the day is a sprint – one of the shortest in town at just 88 yards from golds.  But it’s got a trap that covers nearly the entire front of the green so short surely doesn’t mean easy at Redfish!  You’ll follow that with the longest water shot of the day.  #4 is about 150 yards mostly over water to a green that’s hard to stick.  It's also your first shot into the easterly wind, so be conscious of your club selection – better long than wet! 

Redfish 5 is The Villages longest par four if you’re playing from blacks.  403 yards!  From golds a manageable 363! Ha!  Here’s a challenge for you>> Play this one hole from blacks today.  That may eliminate your chance for par, but it’ll gain you some marathon running bragging rights!  I did it and immediately stuck a “26.2” sticker on my cart!  It’ll take two strong strides to reach this tough hole.   By the way, from the black tees Redfish 5 is the longest hole in all The Villages Executive Courses!  Can you name the next five longest from the blacks?  (Quiz Question #17) 

Ok, you’ve made it to the furthest point in your run, time to make the turn for home.  The 6^th green has a large trap covering most of the front.  Don’t feel bad if you don’t feel confident to hurdle over this trap.  Instead, aim left for an uphill chip or putt from the fringe.  Remember, it only takes a little "I" to turn Run into Ruin, so listen to yourself when the voice in your head says “instead”!  Moving on, you'll like the look of the 7^th - the 145 yards to the green is far more reachable.  While it's hard to run uphill, it's easier to putt, so aim for the green's front to putt up the 3-foot slope.  Ok, now before you run out of steam, hydrate with a big drink from your water bottle because the 8^th and 9^th hole sequence is one of the best you’ll play.  Both par threes – one requires a camera, the other a cardiac kit.  The 8^th is the best-looking shot of the day with a set of cascading palms providing the backdrop and the direction to the flag on this elongated green.  The 9^th is a beauty too, just another type.  It’s the longest par three at 154 yards to a two-tiered green with a 4-foot downward slope.  That makes it one of the Hardest Greens in town!  Click here to see the others.   Aim your final drive to the lower level to finish this run with a chance at par! Then wipe off the sweat and let the endorphins flow knowing you ran one of the best courses in town!  

Toughest to Easiest:

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