Quote:
Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer
For ten years I and my wife were priority golfers. About six years ago I became disillusioned with the priority program.We found that even with priority membership it was getting more and more difficult to get tee times.The final straw was when I conducted a personal survey of the geen fees in the area. I did my survey in March, (high season). I collected the green fee cost for 23 local golf courses. I was astonished when I concluded that for a resident, the six most expensive courses within 25 miles were those in the Villages. I just feel that we as Residents, that we who support the Villages in so many ways, primarily golf, should be given something in return for this support. I know some will comment that in Chicago Illinois the green fees are double what they are in the Villages. First the golfing season in Chicago only lasts 7 months at best. Basically the courses up north must develop income in seven months what the Villages develop in 12 months. And lastly, what the courses in California, Maine or wherever charge has no revelancy to what the Villages area courses charge. Like apples and oranges. I play in the Villages during the summer low cost season and outside the Villages the remainder of the year.
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Couple of years ago I started playing off property, in the winter, twice a month and then twice a month on property. Most I have payed off property is $41 and I have found the courses in better condition than in TV. During the summer months, with the lower rates, I will play 18 once a week and then nine championship maybe three times a week. Doubt I will ever get a priority membership. Rates here in TV are higher than most in our general area and I suspect folks in charge believe they have a "captive audience". If folks want to pay the extra that is fine, I prefer to split my time.
In case you have not seen it yet the new rate sheet already shows a $1 increase on most of the championship courses for next winter.