Executive Courses 6" Diameter Cups

[Happy Villager 1]

Todd Basso, golf operations manager for The Villages, announced he
has ordered some 6 inch diameter cups to be used on selected executive
courses this summer on a trial basis. This was in yesterday's Daily Sun
article written by Steve Trivett.
I was waiting to see if someone else on TOTV was going to post comments
and am curious what people feel about it. Personally I am not in favor of
it. I am also wondering how it will work. The article stated it is more of an
experiment and will be rotated around the executive courses and they will
cut two holes on the greens - one a regulation hole and one a 6 inch hole.
You play the hole you want to play.
I guess I'm thick but how can you have two holes? What if I want to play
the regulation hole and the 6 inch hole is in my line?
Thoughts anyone?

[rdhdleo]

I think golf should be played as originally intended. Part of the excitement of golf is the challenge it presents and in turn pushes you do keep learning and trying to do better.

[Happy Villager 1]

I think golf should be played as originally intended. Part of the excitement of golf is the challenge it presents and in turn pushes you do keep learning and trying to do better.

Very good response! Short and to the point and exactly how I feel.

[Barefoot]

Todd Basso, golf operations manager for The Villages, announced he has ordered some 6 inch diameter cups to be used on selected executive courses this summer on a trial basis. I guess I'm thick but how can you have two holes? What if I want to play the regulation hole and the 6 inch hole is in my line? Thoughts anyone?

I'll bet the golf architects have figured out the two-hole experiment.
It will be interesting to hear the comments after people have played the "trial" courses.
I wonder if they're doing the trial in the summer so by the time Peak Season arrives again, the "kinks" will be worked out.

[Indydealmaker]

This seems like just another effort at DUMBING DOWN America! If it is difficult, just lower the bar. It is now politically correct to be incompetent.
Michael Jordan is not a fan of Dumbing Down.
40116

[ilovetv]

I think it is a bad idea. It will convey a false image to newcomers, wannabe's and home buyers that these courses are full of old duffers who cannot play at a normal pace and the play is slow and not challenging--which is not the case.

[jcgolfs]

I am not in favor of this move to take the skill out of putting. It is the same mind-set that a few years ago had #5 on Amberwood as a par 4 and #6 a par 5. Clear thinking minds had them put back to proper par.

[TVMayor]

Todd Basso, golf operations manager for The Villages, announced he
has ordered some 6 inch diameter cups to be used on selected executive
courses this summer on a trial basis. This was in yesterday's Daily Sun
article written by Steve Trivett.
I was waiting to see if someone else on TOTV was going to post comments
and am curious what people feel about it. Personally I am not in favor of
it. I am also wondering how it will work. The article stated it is more of an
experiment and will be rotated around the executive courses and they will
cut two holes on the greens - one a regulation hole and one a 6 inch hole.
You play the hole you want to play.
I guess I'm thick but how can you have two holes? What if I want to play
the regulation hole and the 6 inch hole is in my line?
Thoughts anyone?
I am currently working on a one hole portable overpass device. Market price $99.95.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Todd Basso, golf operations manager for The Villages, announced he
has ordered some 6 inch diameter cups to be used on selected executive
courses this summer on a trial basis. This was in yesterday's Daily Sun
article written by Steve Trivett.
I was waiting to see if someone else on TOTV was going to post comments
and am curious what people feel about it. Personally I am not in favor of
it. I am also wondering how it will work. The article stated it is more of an
experiment and will be rotated around the executive courses and they will
cut two holes on the greens - one a regulation hole and one a 6 inch hole.
You play the hole you want to play.
I guess I'm thick but how can you have two holes? What if I want to play
the regulation hole and the 6 inch hole is in my line?
Thoughts anyone?

The other whole would be treated as ground under repair and as such you would be entitled to relief if it is between your ball and the hole when your ball lies on the putting green.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Rounds played to the larger holes could not be used for handicapping or any kind of competition except between members of a small group.

Other than that, if people have more fun, what do I care?

[billlaur]

what a gr8 idea,make it easier for all, more people would play and have a much better attitude,more hole in ones...this is fabulous,all courses should be done that way...:wave:

[billethkid]

This seems like just another effort at DUMBING DOWN America! If it is difficult, just lower the bar. It is now politically correct to be incompetent.


exactly my sentiments on the subject.
We keep lowering the bar so more (supposedly) will feel good/better........while the rest of the world is going gangbusters and beating us at almost anything one wants to discuss/measure.....ANYTHING!!

THere is no need to make the game easier to be able to enjoy it. Does anybody even think this will take strokes off very many people's scores......some very few yes.....the rest of us will still more strokes than we like.

Hypothetical future argument....what is a true hole in one? Regulation hole and 6" holes dis-allowed?

The best thing we can all do is provide feedback to those who manage our courses and tell them to save the effort.....the 6" hole idea is stupid and counter productive and an insult to most players.

Lowering the bar when we should be raising the standards. The majority could possibly lose another one if nobody does anything about stupid!!

[dbussone]

This seems like just another effort at DUMBING DOWN America! If it is difficult, just lower the bar. It is now politically correct to be incompetent.


I agree!

[OpusX1]

What will the call the new game? Large hole golf? It certainly can not be called golf because it isn't. Coca Cola tried changing years ago, they called it new coke, a big flop as I recall.
As far as this speeding up the game I don't see it. The game is slow here because too many people don't play ready golf, park the carts too far away, don't take enough clubs and have to walk back, lots of reasons. A 2 minute delay per hole adds almost 20 minutes per nine. Now I'm not in a hurry and most executive rounds take about just 90 minutes but when one takes 2 hours you can usually see why.

[blueeagle65]

It is bad enough that they keep moving tees closer and removing bunkers from the front of greens without bowing to this debacle..... I have been playing in TV for ten years and have a grand total of ONE H-I-O and it hasn't deterred me from playing. These are the same people that advocate using bumpers when bowling to raise their scores. Enough is enough! :swear:

[clod]

Adding a six inch hole will slow play even more. Many will then putt out both holes on the green.

[jim1941]

Hockey….make the goal bigger for more scoring

Basketball….raise the basket to eliminate dunks

Baseball….bring the fences in so there will be more home runs

Football…..you only need five yards to get a first down

Golf……make the hole bigger

I can't believe that The Villages is gullible enough to try this experiment and ruin golf as we know it.

[Fourpar]

Really??? ...And how about some windmills, gates, & tunnels, etc. just to make it more entertaining?

[Bigben007]

what a gr8 idea,make it easier for all, more people would play and have a much better attitude,more hole in ones...this is fabulous,all courses should be done that way...:wave:

Oh, boy! Why not have an Ambassador at each green and give everyone coming off a Gold Star so everyone can feel good. Yaaa. Go Team!

[russtcc]

Seems like a few are cranky about this. I've played for golf for 48 years down to a 4 handicap in the past. I play the ball down and follow all the rules. I will play the regulation hole. But my wife who let me play all those years is a novice. I'm sure she will enjoy playing with the larger hole. I appreciate the Villages giving it a try on some of the executive courses.

If you don't like it don't play on the courses that have it. I think there are plenty of courses to play. I'm betting a lot will find it fun. Fun is why we moved to the Villages.

[ilovetv]

This seems like just another effort at DUMBING DOWN America! If it is difficult, just lower the bar. It is now politically correct to be incompetent.

This is it, exactly.

Today, JFK would be told not to put forth any ideas of landing a man on the moon....too difficult.

[fraurauch]

Let's get rid of all the water and sand traps.

[TheVillageChicken]

I guess you would have to "call your shot" on the tee box, and tough luck if you call one hole and "ace" the other.

I've played many courses with two cups per green. Most of them were nine hole courses that also had two teeing locations so the nines could be played twice as an eighteen hole layout. Some holes were par four on one nine and par five on the other. Different colored flags for each nine. Also the Old Course at St Andrews has seven double greens, so it is an old concept. Larger holes is not an old concept, and this iteration is a marketing ploy by Taylor Made to boost interest and therefore sales.

[George Bieniaszek]

I am new to golf (2 years) and enjoy the game very much. It can be frustrating as well as getting the best feeling in the world when you hit that great tee shot or sink that long putt, etc. so I am on the fence as far as offering an opinion on this matter.

Golf is a hard game to master, and takes a long time to develop the skill set to make it enjoyable, so the idea to make the game a little easier for the novices is a step in the right direction.

Maybe enlarging the holes to 6 inches on all the Level 1 courses here would be a great idea. The novices can start off and have an enjoyable experience, and the more experienced golfers can still have their regulation courses. Just a thought

[rustyp]

We had a course up north that did the two hole green experiment. One regulation hole and a six inch hole. I found the six inch hole fun. I am a decent golfer tee to green but mediocre putter. I quit the game once for years because of my frustration with putting. Any way the two hole did have a problem with the holes getting in the way of each other. Actually I was surprised how often it seemed to happen. As for the purist play the game as intended argument - why do we have five sets of tees? It's OK to compensate for the long game but not the short game? Another point - have you seen the difference in gimmees between sets of golfers.

[OpusX1]

Executive golf is real golf as all the rules of golf apply.
The idea of using the big holes on the beginner, 1 rated, courses is not a bad idea.

[marlinguy]

Geez, really. I mean, the REAL problem is far too many golfers wanting to play CHEAP golf! Hard to say if having a larger hole will speed things up. After all, if everyone was conscious of their speed (or slowness) of play I think there would be some improvement or lesser waiting. Given the inevitability that nothing much is going to change,then, how do we get to play the game we all love so much, yet improve the quality of play? Basic economics really. Raise the price and the demand diminishes! So, raise the fees across the board until enough "chaff" disappears and the play is normalized. The same revenue can be maintained and fewer players> A perfect solution. Sure, some will be angered that they cant play free anymore, but seriously, if you want to have good courses to play on and good golfing experiences,,"FREE" isn't part of the equation. So, let's get a petition going to raise the fees!!

[Tom Hannon]

I like the idea. Especially for stater golfers.

[ugotme]

r i d i c u l o u s !!!!

[rdhdleo]

Geez, really. I mean, the REAL problem is far too many golfers wanting to play CHEAP golf! Hard to say if having a larger hole will speed things up. After all, if everyone was conscious of their speed (or slowness) of play I think there would be some improvement or lesser waiting. Given the inevitability that nothing much is going to change,then, how do we get to play the game we all love so much, yet improve the quality of play? Basic economics really. Raise the price and the demand diminishes! So, raise the fees across the board until enough "chaff" disappears and the play is normalized. The same revenue can be maintained and fewer players> A perfect solution. Sure, some will be angered that they cant play free anymore, but seriously, if you want to have good courses to play on and good golfing experiences,,"FREE" isn't part of the equation. So, let's get a petition going to raise the fees!!

That's fine for those that can afford it but many people moved here to be able to better afford to play the game they love and I would bet they're in the majority.

[Tom Hannon]

It would speed up the game

[rdhdleo]

It would speed up the game

We have Golf Ambassadors to help keep pace. Besides why the rush most of us are here to enjoy ourselves.

[billlaur]

GREAT IDEA, THEY SHOULD GO TO 10 INCHES, SPEEDS THE GAME UP AND
AND EVERYONE FEELS GOOD..:wave:

[zcaveman]

Rounds played to the larger holes could not be used for handicapping or any kind of competition except between members of a small group.

Other than that, if people have more fun, what do I care?

Since they do not handicap the executive courses what does it matter.

Z

[wendyquat]

great idea, they should go to 10 inches, speeds the game up and
and everyone feels good..:wave:

love it!

[BarryRX]

I read all the posts and got a strange vision of the hole being 5 feet wide and some guy plumb bobbing from a foot away for 30 seconds before he putts.

[Ceafolks]

Executive golf is real golf as all the rules of golf apply.
The idea of using the big holes on the beginner, 1 rated, courses is not a bad idea.

Now that's an idea that could work. Pick an easy course in each geographic section of the villages. Use the six inch cups and advertise them as a different game for beginners, visiting youngsters, ect. Players of any level would then have a choice. Just please, please don't cut two cups on every green. It will just make all kinds of mess. :pray:

[anarick]

I read all the posts and got a strange vision of the hole being 5 feet wide and some guy plumb bobbing from a foot away for 30 seconds before he putts.

That was a sink hole.

[ugotme]

All right - let's settle it once and for all -

Let's make the whole green the "hole!"

Holes in one; eagles; albatross WOW WHAT FUN !!!!

[Bay Kid]

They should make all the executive courses available to the handicap system. Golf should be golf, not putt-putt.

[rjn5656]

Not a good idea. If you want to play golf, learn how to play right. If you expand the hole, then what next. You can't move the tees any closer.
You need to learn how to use all the clubs, otherwise miniture golf is an option.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Geez, really. I mean, the REAL problem is far too many golfers wanting to play CHEAP golf! Hard to say if having a larger hole will speed things up. After all, if everyone was conscious of their speed (or slowness) of play I think there would be some improvement or lesser waiting. Given the inevitability that nothing much is going to change,then, how do we get to play the game we all love so much, yet improve the quality of play? Basic economics really. Raise the price and the demand diminishes! So, raise the fees across the board until enough "chaff" disappears and the play is normalized. The same revenue can be maintained and fewer players> A perfect solution. Sure, some will be angered that they cant play free anymore, but seriously, if you want to have good courses to play on and good golfing experiences,,"FREE" isn't part of the equation. So, let's get a petition going to raise the fees!!

I guess that would work if all of people that can't afford the higher rates were the slower players. In my experience, I have seen good players, poor player, wealthy players and not so wealthy players who were slow. I've also seen fast players in all of those categories.
The problem of slow play is not as simple as many people want to make it out to be. There is not one cause. Many people are slow for many different reasons. Having a lot of money does not make people faster.

[alwann]

Instead of making the holes larger, how about making the greens putt-able? The greens on many of our executive courses are in sad shape. The fairways and rough are pretty bad too on a lot of them.

[rubicon]

This is all about speeding up play(.) The golf industry is concerned about profits and are trying to dumb down the game so more people stick with the game. To me all these gimmicks with trying to make the game easier amounts to cheating. Its like retaining the training wheels on a bicycle...how are you ever going to learn. I am a high handicapper who understands ready golf but you take away much of the challenge and many players will lose interest.

My personal view is that making the game easier will make it more sociable and in the end defeat the goal of stepping up play.

If you designate certain courses as 6" and certain courses as 4 1/4" you will limit everyone's choices and perhaps unintentionally create a scarcity of available tee times

Finally ask yourself why did golf invent the handicap? answer to place all players on a level playing field. what else could you want? I'll bet some folks would answer self initiating drone clubs that when programed allow you to play par golf.

[DonH57]

Todd Basso, golf operations manager for The Villages, announced he
has ordered some 6 inch diameter cups to be used on selected executive
courses this summer on a trial basis. This was in yesterday's Daily Sun
article written by Steve Trivett.
I was waiting to see if someone else on TOTV was going to post comments
and am curious what people feel about it. Personally I am not in favor of
it. I am also wondering how it will work. The article stated it is more of an
experiment and will be rotated around the executive courses and they will
cut two holes on the greens - one a regulation hole and one a 6 inch hole.
You play the hole you want to play.
I guess I'm thick but how can you have two holes? What if I want to play
the regulation hole and the 6 inch hole is in my line?
Thoughts anyone?

I believe they are alternating the size of the hole from one to the other . I can't see how you can have 2 holes on one green unless you have a large green too play with.

[TheVillageChicken]

This is all about speeding up play(.) The golf industry is concerned about profits and are trying to dumb down the game so more people stick with the game. To me all these gimmicks with trying to make the game easier amounts to cheating. Its like retaining the training wheels on a bicycle...how are you ever going to learn. I am a high handicapper who understands ready golf but you take away much of the challenge and many players will lose interest.

My personal view is that making the game easier will make it more sociable and in the end defeat the goal of stepping up play.

If you designate certain courses as 6" and certain courses as 4 1/4" you will limit everyone's choices and perhaps unintentionally create a scarcity of available tee times

Finally ask yourself why did golf invent the handicap? answer to place all players on a level playing field. what else could you want? I'll bet some folks would answer self initiating drone clubs that when programed allow you to play par golf.


Here you go

Swingless Golf Club - YouTube

[Nipper]

Seems like a few are cranky about this. I've played for golf for 48 years down to a 4 handicap in the past. I play the ball down and follow all the rules. I will play the regulation hole. But my wife who let me play all those years is a novice. I'm sure she will enjoy playing with the larger hole. I appreciate the Villages giving it a try on some of the executive courses.

If you don't like it, don't play on the courses that have it. I think there are plenty of courses to play. I'm betting a lot will find it fun. Fun is why we moved to the Villages.

Thank you. I couldn't agree more. This is not the PGA --- this is recreational golf for all skill levels. If you don't like it, play on the championship golf courses. It has nothing to do with a person's intelligence. Dumbing down?? Really?

[Barefoot]

Here you go
Swingless Golf Club - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhCtkZbLpWs)

I would buy a swingless golf club just to see the look on my husband's face when I hit the ball 200 feet.
Priceless.

Now, back to the topic ....
A few larger holes on some of the easier Level 1 and 2 courses?
It's not going to cause anyone major trauma.

[jebartle]

Your kidding me!...Really!!!!!

[blueash]

Geez, really. Raise the price and the demand diminishes! So, raise the fees across the board until enough "chaff" disappears and the play is normalized.

And while we are raising the cost to get rid of the chaff, we should start charging for tennis time and pickleball. We need to go at least $2 for a rack of billiards balls so there is not so much wear and tear on the tables. And of course put tolls booths at all the gates, or you can get a MorsePass on your cart linked to your credit card to get the number of golf carts down. The options to get the chaff people to stay in their house leaving uncrowded recreation only available to superior wheat people are endless. And of course I want Marlinguy to be the one to draw the line. I only don't understand how paying more means we get the wheat not just the wealthy. In my experience some of the nicest people, and some of the faster golfers might be priced out of the game if we raised the cost. Geez really.

[TheVillageChicken]

I think the larger holes should have a mechanism at the bottom that automatically transports the ball into the ball washer at the next tee box. This will prevent us old timers from falling into the chasm as we retrieve our balls and will also speed up play.

Now, to let everyone know that we have chosen to play the sissy pins, all balls should be pink for this option.

The holes should not be round, but rather have varied shapes such as hearts, puppy dogs, angel wings, shamrocks, and smiley faces.

To prepare for a round, there should be a sufficient number of these giant holes on the practice green. If not, the complaints department will be overwhelmed.

Now, for the greens keeper's dilemma. The first time they cut the big hole (with equipment that has yet to be invented) what do they do with the plug...there is no old hole to receive it???

Anyone who responds to the above remarks as if they were meant to be taken seriously must be a joy to be around.

[bargee]

Whats next,clowns,windmills and water fountains?

[Barefoot]

Really??? ...And how about some windmills, gates, & tunnels, etc. just to make it more entertaining?

Whats next,clowns,windmills and water fountains?

OK, that's two posts in favor of windmills. Anyone else?


The holes should not be round, but rather have varied shapes such as hearts, puppy dogs, angel wings, shamrocks, and smiley faces.


Pink balls and holes shaped like hearts, now you're talking! :0000000000luvmyhors

[zonerboy]

If you don't like a restaurant (too expensive, too slow, too noisy, poor food, etc.) then don't eat there.

If you don't like a game, don't play it.

If you don't like six inch cups on certain executive courses (too easy, not "real" golf, whatever), then play on courses with regulation cups.

Good Grief! Don't let the control freaks rule the Universe!

By the way, slow play is not a matter of poor putting. It's a matter of hitting a bad tee shot, then spending ten minutes looking for your one dollar ball.

[TheVillageChicken]

If you don't like a restaurant (too expensive, too slow, too noisy, poor food, etc.) then don't eat there.

If you don't like a game, don't play it.

If you don't like six inch cups on certain executive courses (too easy, not "real" golf, whatever), then play on courses with regulation cups.

Good Grief! Don't let the control freaks rule the Universe!

By the way, slow play is not a matter of poor putting. It's a matter of hitting a bad tee shot, then spending ten minutes looking for your one dollar ball.

How about the folks who stand paralyzed at address until they have had every negative thought possible about the shot?

[Dafoe]

Very good response! Short and to the point and exactly how I feel.

I also agree! If they want to create an easy playing area, why not create miniature golf rather than enlarging the holes!!

[Dafoe]

this seems like just another effort at dumbing down america! If it is difficult, just lower the bar. It is now politically correct to be incompetent.

i totally agree!

[Warren Kiefer]

Todd Basso, golf operations manager for The Villages, announced he
has ordered some 6 inch diameter cups to be used on selected executive
courses this summer on a trial basis. This was in yesterday's Daily Sun
article written by Steve Trivett.
I was waiting to see if someone else on TOTV was going to post comments
and am curious what people feel about it. Personally I am not in favor of
it. I am also wondering how it will work. The article stated it is more of an
experiment and will be rotated around the executive courses and they will
cut two holes on the greens - one a regulation hole and one a 6 inch hole.
You play the hole you want to play.
I guess I'm thick but how can you have two holes? What if I want to play
the regulation hole and the 6 inch hole is in my line?
Thoughts anyone?

If the golf division has the mindset to lower the skill level of golf to appease the least skilled golfers why not have four holes in each green. the regulation hole, the proposed 6 inch hole, and another hole at 8 inches and the fourth at 10 inches. The Villages already has the perception that we are a bunch of old people just one step from nursing home care. I personally would be embarrassed to tell any outsiders that we have "extras big golf holes"...
:jester:

[rustyp]

The diameter of a golf ball today is 39.5% of the hole. If the hole were 6 inches the ball would be 28.0% of the whole - NOT FAIR. I say lets go to 6 sets of tees. Never mind - let's just start the hole by placing the ball on the green but to be fair, at the farthest point from the hole.

[Warren Kiefer]

Todd Basso, golf operations manager for The Villages, announced he
has ordered some 6 inch diameter cups to be used on selected executive
courses this summer on a trial basis. This was in yesterday's Daily Sun
article written by Steve Trivett.
I was waiting to see if someone else on TOTV was going to post comments
and am curious what people feel about it. Personally I am not in favor of
it. I am also wondering how it will work. The article stated it is more of an
experiment and will be rotated around the executive courses and they will
cut two holes on the greens - one a regulation hole and one a 6 inch hole.
You play the hole you want to play.
I guess I'm thick but how can you have two holes? What if I want to play
the regulation hole and the 6 inch hole is in my line?
Thoughts anyone?

My question is revelent to your words. You state Todd Basso, "golf operations manager for the Villages" has ordered etc ........ We the residents actually are the owners of nearly all of the executive golf courses, so why is Todd Basso the golf operation manager the private company "GOLF MANAGMENT SOLUTIONS" the company owned by Ken Creely making decisions for courses you and I own???? I am opposed to any decision like this that degrades the ancient rules of golf. This is really a stupid idea. My solution for the person who likes the 6 inch hole idea, is simple, any ball that is within 1 inch of going in the hole can be determined to be:loco: "in the hole".

[Suzi]

Seems like a few are cranky about this. I've played for golf for 48 years down to a 4 handicap in the past. I play the ball down and follow all the rules. I will play the regulation hole. But my wife who let me play all those years is a novice. I'm sure she will enjoy playing with the larger hole. I appreciate the Villages giving it a try on some of the executive courses.



If you don't like it don't play on the courses that have it. I think there are plenty of courses to play. I'm betting a lot will find it fun. Fun is why we moved to the Villages.

I'm pretty new to the game and doubt I have enough years left on earth to get decent with it. I moved to TV for fun and would like to try the 6" holes golf. Are there not enough courses for those who golf good to play on that they might deny a couple of easier courses for us beginners? I resent being referred to "miniature golf" status just because I would like to TRY the 6" holes. Really?

[Bay Kid]

I'm pretty new to the game and doubt I have enough years left on earth to get decent with it. I moved to TV for fun and would like to try the 6" holes golf. Are there not enough courses for those who golf good to play on that they might deny a couple of easier courses for us beginners? I resent being referred to "miniature golf" status just because I would like to TRY the 6" holes. Really?

Keep the golf courses real. If it isn't working for anyone to hit the hole take lessons.

[Happy Villager 1]

My question is revelent to your words. You state Todd Basso, "golf operations manager for the Villages" has ordered etc ........ We the residents actually are the owners of nearly all of the executive golf courses, so why is Todd Basso the golf operation manager the private company "GOLF MANAGMENT SOLUTIONS" the company owned by Ken Creely making decisions for courses you and I own???? I am opposed to any decision like this that degrades the ancient rules of golf. This is really a stupid idea. My solution for the person who likes the 6 inch hole idea, is simple, any ball that is within 1 inch of going in the hole can be determined to be:loco: "in the hole".

Warren I'm by no means an expert on how our system works but I believe we are only residents of this community and as such do not own any of the recreational facilities which include the executive golf courses. I say this because in my purchase agreement, page 5 of 8, it states: Purchasers of Homesites further agree, by the acceptance of their deeds and the payment of the purchase price therefor, acknowledge that the purchase price was solely for the purchase of their Homesite or Homesites, and that the owners, their heirs, successors and assigns, do not have any right, title or claim or interest in and to the recreational areas, security facilities, dedicated or reserved areas or facilities contained therein or appurtenant thereto, by reason of the purchase of their respective Homesites, it being specifically agreed that, (1) the Developer, its successors and assigns, is the sole and exclusive owner of the areas and facilities, and (2) the Contractual Amenities Fee is a fee for services and is in no way adjusted according to the cost of providing those services."
It goes on to further state: "Developer reserves the right to enter into a Management Agreement with any person, entity, firm or corporation to maintain and operate the portions of the Subdivision in which the Developer has undertaken an obligation to maintain, and for the operation and maintenance of the recreational areas, security facilities, and dedicated or reserved areas. Developer agrees, however, that any such contractual agreement between the Developer and a third party shall be subject to all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Declaration. Upon the execution of any Management Agreement, Developer shall be relieved of all further liability hereunder".

[gustavo]

what a gr8 idea,make it easier for all, more people would play and have a much better attitude,more hole in ones...this is fabulous,all courses should be done that way...:wave:

I vote to make the whole green the hole, that way there will be a lot of holes in one and everyone will have a chance to be special.

[Indydealmaker]

I am a little puzzled by this experiment. Putting is the easiest part of the whole game.

[TheVillageChicken]

Next thing you know, pitchers won't have to bat in the American League.

[Mikeod]

I am a little puzzled by this experiment. Putting is the easiest part of the whole game.

I agree. You can put almost anyone on a green, and they will get the hang of putting in a short time. That's not to say they will make every putt, but they will soon learn how to swing the putter to move the ball toward the hole.

As far as pace of play, most beginners have more trouble getting to the green than they have on the green. On the other hand, it seems the more experience/skill a golfer achieves, the slower they are on the greens.

I really cannot see enough benefit to make this a plus for anyone. I would rather see them provide a free/inexpensive set of group lessons to introduce people to the game to include swing fundamentals and etiquette.

[mulligan]

This really has to be an April Fool's joke. I find it hard to believe that the golf management people would even be engaged in a discussion about changing the hole size.

[gustavo]

I am a little puzzled by this experiment. Putting is the easiest part of the whole game.

If you were joking, I get it. If not, I would humbly disagree. Although the mechanics of the putting stroke are simple, green reading, pace, the mental aspects are by no means easy. Most great golfers who felt they could no longer compete left competitive golf because of degraded putting. I can hit a 250 yard drive down the middle or hit a 180 yard drive into the right rough. Can still make par in either situation. A missed 3 foot par putt is gone forever.

[Barefoot]

This really has to be an April Fool's joke. I find it hard to believe that the golf management people would even be engaged in a discussion about changing the hole size.

I thought this was an experiment suggested by the Head of the PGA.
And that it was going to be tried at 100 golf courses across the USA and Canada.
If that is the case, I'd think the Golf Management People would be discussing it.
Especially since there are a lot of older newbies moving to TV and trying the game for the first time.
Wouldn't it make sense to try a pilot on some of the easier Level 1 and 2 courses?

I'm not saying I like the concept .. but it is only an experiment.

.

[Mallory]

This is just the third installment of the initiatives started a few years ago by the USGA. They were initially brought forward by Tom Weiskopf and have been championed recently by Jack Nicklaus. If you are a USGA member or get their communications this is not new to you. The first initiative was the play it forward idea of playing from the tee that matched your abilities. Here in TV this resulted in the yellow, forward tees on the championship courses. The second initiative was about faster play and brought about the "while we're young" commercials. This is just the third step in that USGA program.

If you have a complaint, take it to the USGA and or the R&A.

[TheVillageChicken]

As evidenced by this Q & A with the current USGA president, the organization is careful to point out that the larger holes will not be considered golf, but rather a similar game that might lead folks to golf and is not a USGA initiative.


Q. This is for Tom. I wonder if you could talk a little bit about the USGA's perspective on the movement to have -- play outside the rules for beginners, alternative golf formats. How does the USGA look upon that when the goal is to help grow the game?

TOM O'TOOLE, JR. : Well, there have been some initiatives recently and one currently that contemplate larger holes and different implements in balls. You know, our view is that if these programs or these initiatives will ultimately draw people to our game, then that's a good thing. We're not going to call them golf, nor are we going to bring them in our governing of what we do in golf, nor will we have them operate under our golf rules, equipment standards.
So I think some of these things that would enhance or entice people to play golf by playing a different game, that's perfectly okay with us.

[zonerboy]

This issue has nothing to do with The Villages.
The powers that be in the word of golf have noted in recent years definite downward trends in both the number of people who play golf and the number of rounds played. They are looking for things they can do to stimulate interest in the game.
They need to address the facts that the game is quite difficult, it's expensive, and it requires a goodly amount of time.

[chvlt57]

Lots of thoughts, hope this extra hole does not get in the way of my first ever legitimate hole in one.

Probably proposed by the same people who forced Amberwood into shortening the par 4 & 5!!!

[Bosoxfan]

Instead of making the holes larger, how about making the greens putt-able? The greens on many of our executive courses are in sad shape. The fairways and rough are pretty bad too on a lot of them.

The only fairways on the executive courses are par 4's. Par 3's are tougher if you don't hit the greens

[eweissenbach]

Having read all the posts in this thread I have formed my personal opinion on the larger holes. Outside of tournament play or money games it is my opinion that everyone should play under the rules with which they are comfortable and not worry about what anyone else is doing. I play 45 to 50 rounds on the execs in the winter and generally play with at least two random strangers. I have witnessed most playing the ball "up", occaisionally taking a mulligan, conceding their own five foot putts, and even throwing the ball from the sand. None of this bothers me as long as they keep up the pace. I don't feel that the integrity of the game played on the executive forces will be severely compromised by alternative six inch cups.

[ivanhoe]

What the heck ever happened to "Junior Golf"?
As kids we would hang around the starter shack until someone would be kind enough to take us out.
"It's junior golf for you guys you know?"
"Right... we got it"
Tee it up..hit the short grass...carry to the 100 yard marker fire at the pin.
Hit the green, carry to 15 feet...putt to putter grip distance out from the edge of the cup..score it as in!
Otherwise...pick it up!