Quote:
Originally Posted by UpNorth
Years ago, one of The Villages' advertising pitches was "Free Golf For Life". I'm sure that may have convinced many of you to buy into the community. But perhaps that could be the reason for lack of tee times during the high season, and poor executive golf course conditions. So, let's take a look at this alternative idea - open for discussion:
Executive golf costs (let's say) $10 per round. This would likely reduce the amount of marginal and casual social golfers who only play because it is "free". This would make more tee times available during the high season. And if you book your tee time and don't show up, it still costs you $10. No refunds unless you show up for a credit.
To compensate for the above, the amenity fee gets reduced for all. How much? Maybe $30- $40 per month? Don't know. But it would certainly appreciated by golfers and non-golfers alike.
In addition, the $10 per round fee covers the so-called "trail fee". You can walk the course or drive your cart on the paths at no extra charge.
Perhaps the fees collected could provide superior course conditions. Plenty of room for improvement.
A good booking website is all you need to manage the payment system. GolfNow has been doing it for years.
The $10 fee and amenity fee reduction above are just guesses on my part. Someone would need to balance the figures. But perhaps this would provide a better experience for Executive Golf, for golfers and non-golfers alike.
"Free Golf For Life"? Or better Executive Golf? Open for discussion:
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The thing is, “marginal and casual social golfers” also enjoy playing and have as much right to play as “serious golfers.” $10 a round wouldn’t bother me, but there are thousands here who love golf but are scraping by with just a Social Security deposit every month. That $10 could mean they have to give up their major pleasure in life just so you and some pals can get a reservation more easily and play faster.
I play music at a bunch of rec centers, and I work hard at it, learning new material, practicing, and trying to play my best. Some people can only play a few chords and only know three or four songs and do the same ones every week. One thing I’ve realized, though, is that they have the same right to be there that I have, and part of my role as a participant is to encourage them, help them, make them feel valued, and make their time here happy. I’m thinking of some musicians who were frustrating for many of us, but they came every week and loved it. Then they were dead. What if I had said something that robbed them of their pleasure? We’re all in this together.