I think Don asks some very good questions and others have provided excellent suggestions. For those special "cliques" who are just so above all the rest of us, or at least think they are, you don't have to be a jerk to offer suggestions to all levels of players. I thought The Villages was America's Friendliest Hometown! I guess the "subtle cliques" are not part of that same town. That's sad. SO Don, I think you and other beginners should take the classes and then just partner up with other beginners until you feel comfortable playing at a more advanced level. Let's just all have fun.