The Villages, FL
Down To Earth took over the Lindsey Lane Executive Golf Facility contracts in October 2013. The facility consists of 45 holes of executive golf and is comprised of the following courses: Silver Lake, Hilltop, Mira Mesa, Chula Vista, and De La Vista.
Silver Lake
Dating from 1987, the venerable Silver Lake course was the very first executive course in The Villages. Silver Lake is a relatively level par 29 course and is unique in that it does not have bunkers on any of its nine easy-playing holes. It is quite scenic — almost park-like in appearance — with dozens of large oaks ornamenting the layout. Novices will enjoy the track from the front tees, while more advanced players will probably feel more challenged teeing-up further back.
The course is continues to be a very popular attraction, due in part to some updates the facility has undergone since its original construction. Major improvements were implemented in 2000 and again in 2012.
De La Vista
Next, a round of golf on De La Vista will quickly reveal why it’s one of the most popular courses on the trail. Your choice of tee box largely dictates whether it will be a relaxing day of golf or a challenging test of your true skill. You’ll enjoy two par 4 holes and will have to navigate the tricky placement of bunkers all around the track. In addition, the course boasts one of the best practice putting facilities along the trail and even hosts a well-attended men’s/ladies’ day. Depending on your selection of tee locations, the course can play from 1243 to 1645 yards.
Chula Vista
Continuing on the trail, Chula Vista is one of the first handful of executive golf courses built in The Villages. Constructed in 1993, the par 28 course was completely renovated in 2011 and now offers beginner to intermediate golfers a park-like setting in which to polish their skills while keeping score. The emphasis at Chula Vista is on fun, with a forgiving layout that fosters a relaxing day of golf from the forward and middle tees. If you want to kick it up a notch, play from the tips. It’s more challenging, but still an effective way to work on fundamentals while still having a great time. Choose to play short as 1298 yards and as long as 1507 yards.
Mira Mesa
Up next is Mira Mesa, The Villages’ fourth executive course. Constructed in 1993 and completely renovated in 2011, it now features two par 4 holes and continues to be a fun, challenging course that has a fair amount of contour to the land as it weaves through stands of oak and southern pine. The ninth hole is a tricky par 3 that takes you from an elevated tee box over a water feature to a narrow, well-guarded green. Par on this hole is an accomplishment — and a great way to finish a satisfying round of golf. Depending on your preferences regarding tee position, Mira Mesa can play as short as 1130 yards and as long as 1675 yards.
Hill Top
Finally, as the most senior course on trail, Hill Top was set up as more of a practice facility prior to 1985. At that point, the land was re-sculpted into a beautiful executive course that has remained popular throughout the years. A par 28 course with a single par 4 hole that plays 318 yards from the rear tees, Hill Top occupies some of the most elevated land in The Villages and in turn offers terrific views of the community. It plays 1165 yards from the front tees and 1347 yards from the rear tees.