Here is the "real" story. As you indicated, the web site says: As a Villager you’ll enjoy free membership to any of The Villages Golf & Country Clubs for life! Enjoy the challenge of a championship course with 12 distinctive country clubs located throughout The Villages. As a resident, you’re automatically a member meaning you can enjoy the game, unique dining experience, pro shops and more at every golf and country club!
But that really is just a marketing slogan to get you to buy a house here in The Villages. What it really means is that you can go to any country club and have dinner and drinks in the restaurant. It also means that just like a public golf course, you can play there when you pay your green fees. And since anybody, resident or not, can eat in one of the country club restaurants and play golf at the Championship course if they pay the green fee, it really isn't as exclusive as it sounds.
Now, if you want to use some of the other things that are at the Country Clubs, like the swimming pool and tennis (where available), you have to buy a priority membership. Sort of like joining a country club at other communities, and definitely NOT free for life. That also gets you a discount on the Championship green fees and gives you more options for making tee times.
And the web site marketing wording says if you buy a home here in The Villages, "Free Golf for Life". And while the residents are not charged a green fee at the Executive golf courses, there is a "trail fee" for every person riding in a golf cart. There is no "trail fee" if you walk so, I guess, there is "Free Golf for Life" but most ride in their own carts and pay the trail fee.
Bottom line is "don't believe everything you read". We can all remember great slogans for products and services, and Marketing is always trying to convince people that their product is the best.
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