[tophcfa]

They used to have three seasons, the expensive winter season, that ran January through April. Then the slow season inexpensive rates that ran from May through September. Then the mid cost season that ran from October through December. During slow season they also used to have very cheap evening rates (less than the 9 hole rate) that were a great deal during the longest days of the year. They also used to allow unlimited play during the afternoon wave base on availability. During that time one could pay for 18 and typically play all three 9 holes on the 27 hole courses. Then they went to two seasons and at first May was considered slow season, but was later changed to be included in busy season. Also, all published rates used to include taxes but that was changed. I have definitely noticed how empty the courses are during the afternoon wave in May since they began including that month in the expensive season rates. People wait until after 2:00 and play the 18 hole courses, when they can play 18 for the price of 9 holes.

They also used to have more tiered pricing by courses. Palmer was the most expensive , Lopez, Havana, Bonifay, Evans, and Belle, were the next most expensive tier, Glenview and Cane were the next tier, Tierra and Mallory were next, Hacienda next, and Orange Blossom was the cheapest. And back then, all the courses were generally always in good shape and they over seeded in the winter resulting in much better winter conditions. The flip side is there was a short period of time in the early spring when the conditions suffered while the Bermuda overtook the temporary winter grass. Obviously, Southern Oaks (and a whole crap load of homes) didn’t exist back then.

Although my memory is still pretty good, it’s not that good. I went to my Villages golf file and pulled out old rate sheets for the above information.