Lake Co. resident turns front yard into world-famous golf hole

Don Snelten says he feels a "certain serenity and satisfaction" when he gazes at the 3,000-square-foot golf green in front of his home near Ingleside.

That's probably not surprising.

It took two years, tens of thousands of dollars and countless hours for the former golf pro to construct a replica of the famous 17th hole at the TPC at Sawgrass golf course in Florida.

He said it's common for drivers to pause and gawk at the man-made island.

"I've had people stop their cars and yell, 'That's awesome,' Snelten said. "They are fascinated by it."

Snelten has been playing golf since he was 9 years old, and went pro in the late 1970s. He's always dreamed of owning his own golf course, but settled for a replica of one of the most famous holes in the country.

Construction required more than 4,000 yards of dirt to be excavated, leaving an island supported by railroad ties. Rainwater from the neighborhood flows into the pond from two culverts connected to Snelten's property.

Yes, the hole is a novelty, but it's construction has created an observable ecosystem too. Snelten says he really enjoys watching muskrats swim along the reeds. He's spotted bullfrogs, deer and an occasional heron.

"It's my own little science project," he said.

Snelten's green is about 60 percent as big as the original in Ponte Vedra Beach near Jacksonville, Fla. Known simply as the "Island Green," the par-three hole is feared and revered by the pros. Tee shots either land in the water or on the green. The only other option is a hole-in-one.

Though he now plays golf only about 20 times a year, the game is still in blood and his business. Snelten runs Turf Systems Inc. They install synthetic putting greens and athletic surfaces.

He uses his replica green to practice chip shots and putting, and will occasionally host parties allowing family and friends to give it a shot, too.

Snelten admits the project was a bit over-the-top, but offers no apologies.

"I'm nuts to have done this," he said. "But that's who I am. Golfers are an odd lot."

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Video</h2> <ul class="video"> <li><a href="/multimedia/?category=9&type=video&item=224">Lake Co. yard a replica of the 17th hole island green at the TPC at Sawgrass</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>