[Goldwingnut]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

And the solution to that is a bit more Draconian: Anyone new to golf, been playing less than 10 years or anyone with a handicap, let's say above 20, be required to take the "good golf" course before they are granted playing privileges.

Great thread, and I agree with everything you've said until this post. Your criteria is much too restrictive. It should be EVERYONE, no matter their age, handicap, or how long they've been playing, should take the Good Golf course before being allowed to play on the courses.

Yes, some will take offense because they have been playing "Forever", these are, in my experience for the last 10 years living in The Villages, the ones that need the "refresher" the most. A good golfer will not be offended, they will appreciate the emphasis on the care of the course which improves for the play of the game for all. The less experienced should be exposed to not only how to help maintain the course, but why. Show them an abused bunker, fairway, tee box, and green, and give them the opportunity to putt on a POS green that's been abused by the players, or chip out of a deep footprint on the edge of a bunker, and then on one that has been property cared for, open there eyes! Show them the difference in maintenance cost. Educate them on why it is important! The better the play them more they will love the game, they better they will play (I have to exclude myself from the last part of this statement, nothing is going to help my game).