Yankee Clipper

Par 29

Level 3 from 1,323 – 1,978 yards

The Yankee Clipper has a storied past. It was a swift 19th-century sailing ship, a Pan Am flying boat in the 1940s, and even the name of Apollo 12’s Command Module. But here in The Villages, I’m convinced our Yankee Clipper golf course honors the most legendary Yankee Clipper of them all - Joe DiMaggio.

DiMaggio is a baseball icon.  He's famous for his record-breaking 56-game hitting streak and his equally famous (if short-lived) 237-day marriage to Marilyn Monroe. He embodied the heroic and Hollywood persona of the World War II era- an era that resonates with many original Villagers. Over a seven-year span, he hit more home runs than he struck out, a testament to his precision at the plate. Given his power as a hitter, it’s only fitting that Yankee Clipper is The Villages' longest executive course, stretching nearly 2,000 yards from the black tees.

In honor of my love for baseball - and the greatest Clipper of them all - I’m calling each hole an inning. So, step up to the tee box and let’s swing for the fences!

Last time out, the starter told us to pull up to the white line because we were "On Deck" - proof that the baseball theme is alive and well. It would be even better if they shouted, “Play Ball!” as we teed off!   You better tighten your batting gloves on the 1st inning hole because you’ll have to clear a wall on your opening drive. The first green? Tough. You’ll soon realize that all Yankee Clipper greens have distinct slants and ripples—like putting on a pitching mound.

Inning #2 feels like a replay of the 1st, but Inning #3 demands power - it’s the longest par three on the course, stretching over 170 yards from the gold tees. You’ll need a frozen rope to stick the green. Then, grab your driver for the 4th inning, the first of two par fours. This fairway is littered with sand traps that will vacuum up any bad bounces, but the enormous green offers some relief, making it the easier of the two par fours.

Today’s baseball players have their signature “walk-up” songs - on #5, you’ll have yours too. Music from the nearby Sea Breeze Pool will set the vibe as you step into the batter’s box. Enjoy that pre-shot swagger, choke up, and swing confidently at this beauty! But don’t be fooled - Yankee’s shortest hole is deceptively tricky. Like laying down the perfect bunt, precision is key. Once on the green, stay sharp and read the breaks carefully - this rolling surface doesn’t give up easy putts.

After tapping in, you’ll take a long cart ride “around the horn” to the 6th Inning. It's a challenging par four. Aim for centerfield off the tee to give yourself the best approach but be ready: this is the toughest green of the day. It slopes hard to the left, so plan your shot for an uphill putt.

Now, it’s time for the 7th inning stretch! You’ll finally reach for a different club - take a couple of extra practice swings in the on-deck circle before stepping up. At the 8th tee, you might spot some “ducks on the pond,” but don’t let the water mess with your head. Keep your eye on the ball, make solid contact, and avoid both the sand and the splash.

For the 9th Inning, bring in your closer. It’s uphill and plays into the wind, so club up and give it a little extra. Sink a par, "walk off" and tip your cap to the crowd. Then, start planning your next curtain call at Yankee with your friends real soon!

Toughest to Easiest:  

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