[Ohiogirl]

I live in TV because I think the amenities are far superior to anywhere else, just like most of the rest of the non-wannabe's on this site, but back to the original poster's question - where can he play golf cheaper than $5,000/yr.

I don't know about Florida public courses, and probably they are a lot more expensive in the winter, but around Columbus, OH there are many public and private courses (for some reason, Columbus has an overabundance), and all of the public ones, as far as I know, offer yearly all you can play senior passes, although they might be limited to Monday thru Friday, before 1 pm or 3 pm restriction. Last year, they were about $700-900, I think.

Also, have you considered trying to be a ranger (Ambassador) or starter? Many people who do that work one or two shifts a week and get free golf in return. My brother-in-law does that at a country club in Ft. Myers, although he's limited in when he can play, but can also take guests.

I went on a girls' golf trip to Myrtle Beach last fall (before I moved to TV), and everywhere we played met "retired" starters who were doing it for the free golf.

I myself was a ranger/starter last August/Sept. at a public course in Columbus - still have vouchers to use this summer for 8 nine-hole rounds, including cart. Hoping to do it again this summer when we are back there.