Silverthorn Country Club, Brooksville, FL

Yes, it's a fairly standard golf community course. Yes, on some holes the houses are close in by the fairway. But the course has some interesting and challenging holes, it's reasonably well-maintained, and the off-seaon rates are an absolute steal. Downsides: if you play before 1pm be prepared for painfully slow players. When there hasn't been any rain for a while the turf can be brutally burnt. (of course, this is true of most courses in the area) And never, ever come here without your own clubs; the "rental" set you'll pay $25 for seem to have been picked up at a yard sale for a buck, sometime in 1965. Staff has been both courteous and indifferent, depending on who's there. Clubhouse facilities are very nice. Again, the pricing off-season (April to December) is phenomenal given the quality of the course.

There are exceptions to every rule and Silverthorn is just that in Spring Hill where most courses are cow pastures ran by out of work car salesmen. Silverthorn's Pro shop although small is nice, clean and and staff is professional. The course is well designed through an over crowded neighborhood but in pretty good shape and fun to play. Everyone was friendly and I will play there again.