Marion County offers 27 golf courses, making it a popular (but not so crowded) destination for golfers in Florida. Visitors can choose from municipal and private courses, and from everything from amateur to highly complex professional courses and hazards. For those visiting Marion County and especially Ocala (Marion County's main city), there is much to see and do, no matter how long you plan to stay.
On Top of the World Tortoise and Hare Course
This is an 18-hole par 72 course with a rating of 67.6. The course is covered on Bermuda and Fairway grass and has a slope rating of 113. While this club is private, visitors can join at a distance and enjoy the premises when they get to town. There are no water hazards here, but don't let that discourage you. The sand traps, incline slops and many trees make this a challenging course nonetheless. Pull carts and carts are available but no caddies. You can also choose to walk from hole to hole. There' is a small bar and food and drink stand in the premises and players have access to a chipping area and putting green.
On Top of the World
8700 SW 99th Street
Ocala, Florida 34481
(352) 854-8430
Ocala Palms Golf Club
The Ocala Palms offers a 6,483 yards, 72 par course with a 130 slope. This 18-hole regulation length course has a rating of 72 and is popular because of its design structure and appealing hazards. These include sand bunkers, elevated greens, lakes, rocky sections and fairway bunkers. Because of its four-level tier, golfers of all abilities can play here.
Ocala Palms Golf Club
5174 NW 26th Street
Ocala, FL 34482
(352) 732-4653
Rolling Greens Executive Golf Course
This course is unique because is located inside a retirement community and has only been opened to the general public since 2001. This 2328-yard course has no water hazards, but don't let that discourage you. A par 58 with undulating greens and 34 sand bunkers, this is a course that will appeal to both beginners and experienced golfers. Large groups of trees make this a narrow and challenging course as well. Carts and clubs are available for rent and a pro is available for instruction.
Rolling Greens Executive Golf Course
1415 W. Gleneagles Road
Ocala, FL 34472
(352) 624-0511
About The Author
Diana Bocco is a health, wellness and travel writer with credits in publications such as Woman's Day, Marie Claire, Adirondack Life, Writer's Digest, and Self. Diana is also a seasoned independent traveler, having visited over 20 countries and lived in three continents. A certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant, Diana has worked with a number of athletes, including
