With over 1200 horse farms including about 600 Thoroughbred farms, Ocala, Florida and the surrounding area has rightfully earned the distinction as the "Horse Capitol of the World" as given by the US Department of Agriculture. However, look past the gentle rolling hills and the beautiful farmlands of this quite, unspoiled city just and hour and a half north of Tampa and you will also find world-class championship golf at its finest.

At the top of the list in Ocala, El Diablo (located in Citurs Springs just 30 minutes southwest of Ocala) proudly claims to have the "best greens in Florida." Rated 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play" for 2007, the well-kept design features tight, rolling fairways that lead to large, undulating greens. Designed by Jim Fazio, this fantastic layout opened to rave reviews in 1998 and is always a favorite when visiting the area.

Golden Hills completed a two-year redesign project under the watchful eye of Rees Jones, with nine holes being renovated each summer of '03 and '04. The result is a tremendous golf course that rolls through beautiful horse country and boasts the highest elevation in Marion County. The elegant Southern Colonial clubhouse features a renovated grillroom adorned with jockey silks, horse memorabilia, and a wide-screen television — a great place to grab a bite to eat after your round.

Other local favorites include Candler Hills which features the longest par-five hole in Florida at 669 yards, Harbour Hills, a Clifton, Ezell & Clifton design is situated on an ideal piece of land overlooking Lake Griffin, one of Florida's largest lakes, and plays through gentle hills and valleys as well as brand new Tifdwarf greens. Pine Ridge, a throw back to classic course design with a strong emphasis on accuracy, is reminiscent of traditional northern designs with rolling fairways are through towering pines and stately oaks. Royal Oaks at Oaks Run is a Terry LaGree design that is well known in the Ocala area for its spectacular scenery and course conditions. Twisted Oaks features interesting elevation changes with severely rolling fairways as well as the unique "twisted" oak trees that are abundant throughout the track.