Golf after starter shacks close

[Milo123]

Are residents allowed to just go and play on the executive courses after the starter shacks closes and no one is teeing off on the first hole. My wife still feels uncomfortable being grouped with others because she doesn't feel she plays well enough. So what's the rules regarding play after the shacks close and what time do they close this time of year. Thanks

[Villageshooter]

you might want to take her to a driving range to get her used to other folks around whne she plays ,,, i have found new players are like puppies u have to get them used to being around people to get them to relax,,, if you bring treats ( bud light) tends to make them relax a bit! u bettter not go onto the course without supervision. u know there are cameras hidden all over! u never know who is watching

[CFrance]

you might want to take her to a driving range to get her used to other folks around whne she plays ,,, i have found new players are like puppies u have to get them used to being around people to get them to relax,,, if you bring treats ( bud light) tends to make them relax a bit! u bettter not go onto the course without supervision. u know there are cameras hidden all over! u never know who is watching

But I think OP wants to know if it is allowed. Anyone?

[Polar Bear]

I'd like to know the answer to this too. I love to tee up as late as possible and finish nine holes just as it gets too dark to play. :^) On an executive course in summer, I could start after 8:00 and finish easily.

[Carl in Tampa]

But I think OP wants to know if it is allowed. Anyone?

I don't know if it is "allowed," but I know it "happens." I see it all the time.

I would doubt that it would be officially approved because they would not be collecting fees for using a golf cart on the cart path. Also, there is no control over unscheduled use on the days set aside for maintenance of the course.

The more pertinent question might be, what do they do to you if they catch you using the course when it is closed?

I just now spoke with a former Community Watch person who said that if anyone were to be enforcing rules on the course it would be an Ambassador. If they are gone it is unlikely that any action would be taken.

I was also told that if the golfer was walking then the golf cart fee is not involved.

No official answer here, just some conjecture.

Here's a late thought. Why not just get the last tee time of the day? There would be no one behind you to watch you play or to get impatient if you play slowly. Enjoy!

:gc:

[Carl in Tampa]

I'd like to know the answer to this too. I love to tee up as late as possible and finish nine holes just as it gets too dark to play. :^) On an executive course in summer, I could start after 8:00 and finish easily.

The official word is that the executive courses tee times end approximately 30 minutes before dusk.

Golf The Villages (http://www.golfthevillages.com/executive-golf/schedule.asp)

[CFrance]

The official word is that the executive courses tee times end approximately 30 minutes before dusk.

Golf The Villages (http://www.golfthevillages.com/executive-golf/schedule.asp)

I'm not a golfer. My question is... you can't play nine holes of golf in a half hour, can you? Does that mean the course has ambassadors on it till 30 minutes before dusk, and they could possibly stop you from walking on, or kick you off? Do you have something with you to prove you have a tee time?

[emconover]

Last tee time 7:00 PM

Sunset 8:17

[buggyone]

If the executive starter shacks are closed in the late evening, there is no problem in going out on your own.

In this off season, you can just go to almost any executive course after 3 and find it wide open. You will not be paired up hardly ever. I went to Hawks Bay at 6 this evening, played 9 holes with a buddy and home at 7:30.

The OP should have his wife take lessons at Palmer and she will have a great time playing.

[Sail41]

My wife isn't a golfer yet, but she just finished the Golf Your Best with Sandra Chester at Oxford range. She's ready to go out on the course(later in the day) to begin playing. Strongly reccomend this for your wife. It's all women (6 max) and it gives them a great foundation. I've seen a lot of improvement in just 1 week.

[wholman66]

We go a lot during the summer months, we have had starters and Ambassadors(sp) tell us it is okay. As long as one has paid their trail fee, if they want to drive their cart on the course cart paths, there shouldn't be a problem.

[Polar Bear]

Latest tee time for summer months is listed as 7:00. Since sunset is MUCH later than that, it still begs the question. But it sound like if you walk or have a paid-up trail fee, it's unlikely to cause any trouble.

<crosses fingers...heheh>

[Happinow]

In the summer months we like to play after the starter goes home on the executive courses. It's more calm and not many people around. It may be a good time to golf if you are new to the game.

[DonH57]

In the summer months we like to play after the starter goes home on the executive courses. It's more calm and not many people around. It may be a good time to golf if you are new to the game.

Being a beginner myself I usually come over to the course at about 6:30 pm. Sometimes the starters are there but not always. It doesn't bother me if I would be joined by other beginners.

[The Great Fumar]

We play often in the evening after hours and have for years.....Only once have I been asked to leave the course and that was because I was embarrassing myself.....

Your welcome ......

[karostay]

My wife just started playing and like your wife didn't want to be around others and I didn't want her to be intimidated by more experienced golfers.
They tend to forget how they got started.
Our routine was we would head over to a driving range around 4pm hit a bucket of balls and stop by the starter shack Chula Vista a good beginner course and ask if there was an open slot this time of year 4 to 6 pm not an issue.
The other course for beginners is El Santiago.
She now has her confidence to be around groups and we have met many fine people.Good Luck

yes we walk on other more challenging courses after 7 play a few holes and leave

[wereback]

I feel sorry for the people that live on the course and have tee time players all day it would be nice if the course were fully closed when the starter left so property owners would have some evening peace

[jimmy D]

Milo Let me help you out here. People will always be watching, so your wife need to get used to this and she probably is not very good right now but if she keeps on playing she will get better and better. Then people will watch how good she is. You can not stop someone from watching someone else. I personally believe that those people who tee off after the ambassadors leave are just trying to save some $$$ and they also play late so that they will not have to rake bunkers and fix divots. Tell your wife to keep on golfing it gets better

[justjim]

If you want to be fair & honest and drive a golf cart to play golf after shack closes, your trail fee should be paid. You can walk and play----no problem.

I'm sure you get my drift!

Some basic lessons (with a professional) to start is absolutely the best thing for someone who has never played golf. In addition, good golf school! Otherwise, you might find golfing so frustrating that you might never enjoy it.

If you live in TV, you should take the time to learn & play if you are physically able. And by that I mean if you aren't bed fast----we all at our age have some physical challenges! FORE!

[jimmemac]

I will admit to playing after the usual tee times-why? 2 reasons-I love seeing the sunsets and watching the waterfowl come back to roost as the day ends. As long as you have paid the trail fees why not slow things down and enjoy more than just the golf and friendship of fellow players?

[perkfarm]

At the risk of someone posting a negative comment to this posting, I will offer my opinion anyways. After the starter shack has closed, that is a great time to go play golf. Especially if you are a beginner. You can take your time and practice your different shots and maybe learn some golf etiquette as well. If you are a new player and you have a player behind you, allow them to play through. As far as I know...there is no rule against playing after the starter shack closes.

[blueash]

Agree. On the executive courses with a paid yearly fee you can tee off until dark. Yesterday however we saw what seemed to be two pre-teens with 2 adults teeing off on Bogart one at about 7:30 PM This was more likely the successful attempt to avoid the age and dollar rules. So there is some of everything. But I have been told by ambassadors that there is no prohibition to playing after the shacks are closed on the executive courses. Championship... completely different.

[wereback]

Really surprised have not had a comment on my post.Guess we don't have many considerate of people living on executive courses.

[Bogie Shooter]

I feel sorry for the people that live on the course and have tee time players all day it would be nice if the course were fully closed when the starter left so property owners would have some evening peace

Really surprised have not had a comment on my post.Guess we don't have many considerate of people living on executive courses.

Are they complaining? Are golfers at any time disruptive to these people living on exec. courses? Having players on the course is just one of the prices you pay for living on a golf course.
Why feel sorry?

[DonH57]

At the risk of someone posting a negative comment to this posting, I will offer my opinion anyways. After the starter shack has closed, that is a great time to go play golf. Especially if you are a beginner. You can take your time and practice your different shots and maybe learn some golf etiquette as well. If you are a new player and you have a player behind you, allow them to play through. As far as I know...there is no rule against playing after the starter shack closes.

That's what I did the very first 3 or 4 times I went out. Shot maybe 4 to 7 holes or so to feel out a course I could'nt do on a driving range. No one else around. I've had ambassadors and starters tell me not a problem as long as you are not impeding others, repair your divots and marks, and try to ignore the many others that think they are pro's. I use the practice putting greens and driving ranges a lot. I just wish I knew where there are practice bunkers.

[TheVillageChicken]

Really surprised have not had a comment on my post.Guess we don't have many considerate of people living on executive courses.

I have only played three of the executive courses, but so far only two holes have even come close to any homes.

[RErmer]

Really surprised have not had a comment on my post.Guess we don't have many considerate of people living on executive courses.

Didn't respond at first, now feel I should! My belief is that people who buy on courses know what they are getting into. Personally, I love sitting on our lanai watching golfers go by - so many of them. Make me feel so much better about my own game, after seeing theirs. Beginners, don't worry, just do your best. I love the game, have played for years, and still have a very high handicap.

[RErmer]

That's what I did the very first 3 or 4 times I went out. Shot maybe 4 to 7 holes or so to feel out a course I could'nt do on a driving range. No one else around. I've had ambassadors and starters tell me not a problem as long as you are not impeding others, repair your divots and marks, and try to ignore the many others that think they are pro's. I use the practice putting greens and driving ranges a lot. I just wish I knew where there are practice bunkers.

Practice bunkers are at Palmer, far end of driving range behind the custom golf shop building.

[DonH57]

I've never felt I've disrupted home owners on any of the courses I've played. If they acknowledge me I greet them in return. If they don't I don't bother their evening. If their grill smells good I'll tell them it's messing up my game. Just kidding.......

[DonH57]

Practice bunkers are at Palmer, far end of driving range behind the custom golf shop building.

Oh, yeah that's right. Forgot about it thinking it was for golf academy use.

[tbmorrisonjr]

Currently executive starters are in the shacks until 7:00 PM and ambassadors are out until 7:30 to 7:45. Ambassadors working late have to cover more than one course so you might not see them if you play after 7:00. If you play after the shack closes and see an ambassador they might ask for your Village ID and ask if your trail fees are paid. If you do not see them, you are free to play until just before dark. Even though you are on the honor system, please repair ball marks, repair divots and rake the sand traps as needed. If there is a Course Closed sign posted at the first hole, please do not go on that course as it was closed for a maintenance related issue. A total different set of rules are in place at country club courses.

[Topspinmo]

I got question for seasoned golfers around the villiages. How many and are there practice greens where you can pitch onto the greens. Most practice green won't allow pitching onto the greens. This for me is the hardest to get close to the pin using different wedges (especially the 56 degree wedges were you need to stop the ball) after long lay off .

[RErmer]

Oh, yeah that's right. Forgot about it thinking it was for golf academy use.

My instructor at the golf school there told me the bunker was available for anyone's use.

[Mikeod]

I got question for seasoned golfers around the villiages. How many and are there practice greens where you can pitch onto the greens. Most practice green won't allow pitching onto the greens. This for me is the hardest to get close to the pin using different wedges (especially the 56 degree wedges were you need to stop the ball) after long lay off .

Bonifay has a nice practice area where you can pitch the ball, as does Evans Prairie. Palmer has an area as well alongside the driving range, but the "green" is not cut short.

[Polar Bear]

Really surprised have not had a comment on my post.Guess we don't have many considerate of people living on executive courses.

You've got to be kidding, right!?! Nobody twisted the arms of those living on a golf course.

Golf is made to be played during all daylight hours. Those just before sunset are some of the best. Don't like it? Don't buy on a golf course.

[ajbrown]

Bonifay has a nice practice area where you can pitch the ball, as does Evans Prairie. Palmer has an area as well alongside the driving range, but the "green" is not cut short.

And Cane Garden out towards the first tee at Jacaranda.....

[robertj1954]

Starters leave at 7PM. Ambassador 7:30. If you are a resident and have a paid Trail Fee you are free to golf after 7. The Ambassador, if still on course, will check your ID and record # to ensure trail fee is paid. If not, you will be asked to come to the golf shop to pay the daily trail fee.

[Barefoot]

I feel sorry for the people that live on the course and have tee time players all day it would be nice if the course were fully closed when the starter left so property owners would have some evening peace

We back on a golf course, well away from the golf cart path.
We don't mind a few stragglers playing until dark, they aren't disruptive at all.
Perhaps your house is directly on the golf cart path?

[Polar Bear]

Starters leave at 7PM. Ambassador 7:30. If you are a resident and have a paid Trail Fee you are free to golf after 7. The Ambassador, if still on course, will check your ID and record # to ensure trail fee is paid. If not, you will be asked to come to the golf shop to pay the daily trail fee.


Executive courses only, right?

[k2at]

I have been going out after dinner for five years now. Once the starters count out their cash drawers, u can go on the courses for nothing and play till dark. If u go up to the starter shack, they will tell u when to T off without cost. Sometimes they even let u go out early. 6PM is a gud time to go to the shack. U won't have to wait very long.

[Indy-Guy]

Currently executive starters are in the shacks until 7:00 PM and ambassadors are out until 7:30 to 7:45. Ambassadors working late have to cover more than one course so you might not see them if you play after 7:00. If you play after the shack closes and see an ambassador they might ask for your Village ID and ask if your trail fees are paid. If you do not see them, you are free to play until just before dark. Even though you are on the honor system, please repair ball marks, repair divots and rake the sand traps as needed. If there is a Course Closed sign posted at the first hole, please do not go on that course as it was closed for a maintenance related issue. A total different set of rules are in place at country club courses.

After 30 posts the original question has been correctly answered.

[Barefoot]

Currently executive starters are in the shacks until 7:00 PM and ambassadors are out until 7:30 to 7:45. Ambassadors working late have to cover more than one course so you might not see them if you play after 7:00. If you play after the shack closes and see an ambassador they might ask for your Village ID and ask if your trail fees are paid. If you do not see them, you are free to play until just before dark. Even though you are on the honor system, please repair ball marks, repair divots and rake the sand traps as needed. If there is a Course Closed sign posted at the first hole, please do not go on that course as it was closed for a maintenance related issue. A total different set of rules are in place at country club courses.

After 30 posts the original question has been correctly answered.

According to you, the original question was correctly answered on May 25.
Is your post today a hint that you want us to stop gabbing about side issues?
Going off topic is half the fun! :blahblahblah::blahblahblah: :D

[rockyisle]

Golfyourbest.com
Sandra Chester... great teacher for anyone wanting to learn the game of golf.
We live on a golf course and I could care less how late people play. My joy is watching those of us who are healthy enough to get out and exercise.

[DonH57]

A lot of people do this. I see some take their grand kids out there. I did it occasionally when I first started. It was always usually at the courses where I knew the ambassadors and starters. Great for just shooting 2 or three holes. Quiet time. I never play in the dark though.

[tomwed]

Executive courses only, right?

Sorry if I missed the answer to this good question.

Can you also play the championship courses after they close?

[dbussone]

Sorry if I missed the answer to this good question.



Can you also play the championship courses after they close?


No.

[eweissenbach]

. I use the practice putting greens and driving ranges a lot. I just wish I knew where there are practice bunkers.

I got question for seasoned golfers around the villiages. How many and are there practice greens where you can pitch onto the greens. Most practice green won't allow pitching onto the greens. This for me is the hardest to get close to the pin using different wedges (especially the 56 degree wedges were you need to stop the ball) after long lay off .

Bordering 466A and Morse just north of the Sarasota Driving Range is an area with three greens, one for putting, one for chipping, and one for pitching along with a practice bunker.

[Bay Kid]

Kind of like stealing???