Silver Lake

Par 29

Level 2 from 1,432 – 1,613 yards

The Silver Lake course is our original executive course completed in 1987.  It’s located in the northeast corner of The Villages, so that automatically makes it out of the way for most.  But it’s a fun course that’s worth the trip.  And each time I’m paired up with locals who are incredibly happy and proud of their course – that’s the “Silver” lining in making the effort to get there!  Here’s a geographic question for you – can you name the three executive courses that are in all four corners of The Villages? (Quiz Question 22)

 

Geography aside, this venerable course deserves a special presentation.  Instead of the typical template used for the other courses, I’ll give Silver Lake a unique review.  In recognition of the only course in town with a color in its name, I’ll break down the holes in three “Olympic” categories – Gold, Silver and Bronze. 

The three best shots of the day will happen at the “Gold” Holes of Silver Lake: 3, 8 & 9

All three will challenge the best golfers.  Silver Lake is unique in that it has no sand traps, which moves the game along quicker but does take an element of risk off the table.  It also differs from newer courses in that the greens are very flat and a bit uninteresting.  Even with all that, these three "Gold" holes are some of the toughest in town.  Pictured here, #3 is a 169-yard par three playing uphill – depending on the wind direction you may need a driver.  The 8th is a beauty (pictured above).  It's a Postcard for sure - with massive oaks hanging over the sides and behind.  It's also the longest par 3, so literally the beauty and the beast of Silver Lake!  The last "gold" hole is the last shot of the round - a par four dogleg left that offers you a number of approach choices - an aggressive shot over the oak on the left corner bend, or the smarter play to aim at the house with the American flag and just hope for the best - that's both a good target and even better aspiration!

The next three best holes are the “Silvers”: #2, 5 & 6

The 2nd hole is the most memorable drive of the day.  It’s a par four where you'll have to thread a shot through the tightest opening – only about 40 yards of clearance (see picture)!  If you have a power fade, it's worth taking a full shot with it on this hole!  #5 has some water to fly and #6 has the coolest amoeba tee box!

 

No one's happy with the bronze medal.  The picture of McKayla Maroney says it all.  It's the worst of the best.  But hey, she parlayed that into an invite to the White House and a Presidential Photo Op!  So even the worst can have value - in the case of Silver Lake, the bottom three Bronze Holes (#1, 4 & 7) are all straight, flat and easy pars!  See?  That's not so bad!

 

 

 

When you complete your medal round on the 9th green, you’ll have experienced one of our most esteemed golf courses.  It’s obviously not as fresh and dynamically laid out as some newer ones.  But that’s not the point of playing it.  As with anything historic, we're drawn to it for the experience, and to appreciate the significant role it played in making our hometown a destination of choice.  It’s worthy of Olympic sized reverence!  As are the locals routinely playing it – they’re truly some of the best in The Villages!  

Toughest to Easiest

8, 3, 9, 6, 2, 5, 1, 4, 7

From the blacks!   

Silver Lake is one of a handful of courses that has no black tees, just gold and green.  But even from gold it plays over 1,600 yards (the 18th longest course in town). 

Go Green!

The advantage in playing from the forward green tees is most notable on #2 & 6.  The tee box on the 2nd hole (pictured in the Silver medal section), has a much more favorable angle so you won't have to shoot through that tight window like from yellows.  And at the 6th you won't have to hit over water!  All the rest of the shots are just shorter.  

What's Nearby?

The Sharon Morse Theatre, fondly known as “The Sharon” is a 1000+ seat theatre in the heart of the Spanish Spring Square.  She and her husband Gary are the original developers of The Villages.  The Theatre hosts musicals, dance and other entertainment performances.  Even The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra! Here’s the website with pictures and schedule. 

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.