women golfers executive courses giving each other a putt within 9"

[steamdogman]

Ladies, why is it that you never give your fellow women golfer a putt! Men concede putts within the length of the grip of the putter. Why do you have to always putt out every single putt even when it is 6 inches? On the executive courses it is all about pace of play. You do not have to putt out every putt.

I do not think you are playing for big bucks. Enjoy the game and give your fellow golfer a putt once in a while. It would certainly speed up play

[Mudder]

Why do you think that it is ladies who slow down play??? On the contrary men will always putt out when playing for a quarter! Not fair at all to blame either group.

[rubicon]

Legally it is only with match play that putts can be conceded. Secondly never have I played with anyone here over these last eight years that conceded a putt the length of a putter. Third, conceding putts continually on executive courses makes for lousy play on championship. Fourth if what you say is true and many players are conceding such long putts well it explains the continually low score some golfers seem to brag about.

There are many ways to speed up the game but when people start making up rules as they go along well please don't call it golf and you might as well stop wasting score cards

[Happinow]

On the other hand....men, why do you hit from the black when it's clear that you should be hitting from the gold? Hitting from the proper tees would also speed up play. Just saying......

[jebartle]

:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn: Can I pass you some popcorn!

[JSR22]

On the other hand....men, why do you hit from the black when it's clear that you should be hitting from the gold? Hitting from the proper tees would also speed up play. Just saying......

I have been paired up with men from the black and they don't reach the forward green tees!

[Walter123]

I always putt out even if it's only 1 inch. I like the sound of the ball falling in the hole. Isn't that the point of golf anyway? Get the little ball in the hole. As long as you pick up after double par who cares? There are way more things that slow play down than putting out.

[tomwed]

Each tee off time is 9 minutes apart.

This means you will finish in an hour and a half. Ask yourself if you maintain that pace and what you can do maintain that pace.

I'm a retired high school coach who has coached many beginners and here are my suggestions to move along, enjoy your company and improve.

1]hit from the tees where you can reach the green on a par three. if you don't reach the drop zone move the ball to the dop zone
2]if you are sharing a cart, drop off the player with the worse shot and let them walk to the green and drive to your shot
3]after 4 shots pick up the ball and give yourself a 4

The game should be fun, social and involve a little bit of walking [when possible or practical]

The best Village golfer on the executive courses is a little better then a beginner compared to pros. Make the game fast and fun by forgetting the rules.

[philnpat]

Legally it is only with match play that putts can be conceded. Secondly never have I played with anyone here over these last eight years that conceded a putt the length of a putter. Third, conceding putts continually on executive courses makes for lousy play on championship. Fourth if what you say is true and many players are conceding such long putts well it explains the continually low score some golfers seem to brag about.

There are many ways to speed up the game but when people start making up rules as they go along well please don't call it golf and you might as well stop wasting score cards

I think the OP said a concession was given for the length of the putter grip...not the entire putter length.

[ajbrown]

When I was introducing my wife to the game I told her it was a 2 stroke penalty to mark any putt 18 inches or less :D

As she got better at the game and understood the rules and that I was just being an idiot again, I shared how I feel about putts given. I told her that unless she is in a match against someone, no one can give her a putt. It is her ball in play and it is her handicap. She can take any putt she wants and also putt any she wants...

Some folks thinking they are being nice will give putts. Fact is, unless you are in a match why would you ever give a putt to anyone? It is not yours to give...

I witnessed nice folks saying that is good to her when she had a three footer. Now she simply says thank you, but I need to work on this. She is anything but slow...

PS. If indeed she is in a match and someone does not concede a 9 inch putt she should find a new group :a20:

[RErmer]

On the other hand....men, why do you hit from the black when it's clear that you should be hitting from the gold? Hitting from the proper tees would also speed up play. Just saying......

:bigbow:
So very true....

[zcaveman]

I always putt out even if it's only 1 inch. I like the sound of the ball falling in the hole. Isn't that the point of golf anyway? Get the little ball in the hole. As long as you pick up after double par who cares? There are way more things that slow play down than putting out.

The reason the hole is there is so you can putt the ball into it. When me and my wife play we always putt out - sometimes to the dismay of our fellow golfers. We hate it when they kick the ball to us when we are close. After the first time we tell them that we putt out on every hole.

Besides, if you pick up, you will be waiting on the next hole anyway.

Z

[JoMar]

Ladies, why is it that you never give your fellow women golfer a putt! Men concede putts within the length of the grip of the putter. Why do you have to always putt out every single putt even when it is 6 inches? On the executive courses it is all about pace of play. You do not have to putt out every putt.

I do not think you are playing for big bucks. Enjoy the game and give your fellow golfer a putt once in a while. It would certainly speed up play

You knew this was not going to go well didn't you? :a20:

[wendyquat]

I like mine with lots of butter!:popcorn::popcorn:

[Living a Fantasy]

I thought a GMEEEEEEEEEEE was given if the distance from ball to hole was a FLAGPOLE LENGTH. I guess I'll need to get one of those FIVE FOOT LONG PUTTERS now.

[Walter123]

On the other hand....men, why do you hit from the black when it's clear that you should be hitting from the gold? Hitting from the proper tees would also speed up play. Just saying......

I play as a single most of the time and always play from the black tees. I'm usually 3-5 over on an executive course. I can't tell you how many times I played with three guys that hit from the gold but decide to hit from the black just because I am. The other day one of these guys was hitting THREE balls every other hole. He said he was new to golf and had just taken lessons and also did the "good golf school". LOL- he lost at least 10 balls that day on Redfish Run. He didn't rake the trap so I told him he "forgot" and boy, he did not like that one bit. It also cracks me up when I see beginners on Pelican. Play at your level and you'll have more FUN! I could play the blue tees on the championship's but I play the white most of the time because it's more fun. Remember to pick up after double par, get away from the hole quickly. Golf is as frustrating as you make it.

[legacyarts]

Granted, I am new to this game. But isn't the point to have a good time, work on gradually improving your score and get out in the sun and fresh air. I fail to see why there is such an emphasis on moving thru the course as fast as you can. The last time I played, my partner was so obsessed with keeping a rapid pace that I couldn't concentrate on my shots and it wasn't fun. It was just stressful. I'm not advocating dallying around, but for goodness sake...if you're so interested in moving fast - go for a run! (That's a joke...don't yell at me!)

[Walter123]

Granted, I am new to this game. But isn't the point to have a good time, work on gradually improving your score and get out in the sun and fresh air. I fail to see why there is such an emphasis on moving thru the course as fast as you can. The last time I played, my partner was so obsessed with keeping a rapid pace that I couldn't concentrate on my shots and it wasn't fun. It was just stressful. I'm not advocating dallying around, but for goodness sake...if you're so interested in moving fast - go for a run! (That's a joke...don't yell at me!)

Sounds like your partner has the right idea.

[zonerboy]

There is so much emphasis on "pace of play" because your group is not the only one on the course. On most executive courses a new group is sent off every nine minutes. That means your group has nine minutes to finish each hole. So don't spend six minutes of it looking for lost balls. If you want to practice go to a driving range.
As for putting, golf is a game, not a set of laws to be obeyed. Pick up whatever distance of putts you feel like. No one establishes a handicap playing executive courses.

[Challenger]

There is so much emphasis on "pace of play" because your group is not the only one on the course. On most executive courses a new group is sent off every nine minutes. That means your group has nine minutes to finish each hole. So don't spend six minutes of it looking for lost balls. If you want to practice go to a driving range.
As for putting, golf is a game, not a set of laws to be obeyed. Pick up whatever distance of putts you feel like. No one establishes a handicap playing executive courses.

Well said

Speed up play -- consider this

Pin placements- Quite often the pin placements on Ecexs are far too challenging for the level of play (sucker placements) ie far too close to the edge of the green, hidden behind traps, on downhill slopes, etc.
more reasonable placements could significantly speed up play. These are not "Championship courses".

Sand traps- many far to deep for level of play. Too many traps on numerous holes

Some work on the pin placement issue alone could pay significant time dividends.:pepper2:

[DonH57]

Pace of play is very important. No argument about that. One thing I have noticed on some executive courses when I've been out playing when groups in front of us start slowing down for whatever reason the group behind us start getting peeved off at us like it's our fault. Sorry, but until they move faster, I can't, and I'm not stepping aside.

[tomwed]

Well said

Speed up play -- consider this

Pin placements- Quite often the pin placements on Ecexs are far too challenging for the level of play (sucker placements) ie far too close to the edge of the green, hidden behind traps, on downhill slopes, etc.
more reasonable placements could significantly speed up play. These are not "Championship courses".

Sand traps- many far to deep for level of play. Too many traps on numerous holes

Some work on the pin placement issue alone could pay significant time dividends.:pepper2:

I think educating golfers may be a more realistic goal to speed up the game and lower scores.

For instance the best practice for a high handicapper is to aim for the center of the green no matter where the pin is. This gives you the widest margin of error. The fundamental axiom in golf is "risk vs reward."
I play with many woman who see the lake on the right and aim the ball left of the green. They got the concept. Their best chance of a par is a great chip or a great putt.

For sand shots that are too difficult, a player can call the ball unplayable, add a penalty stroke and drop it anywhere else in the trap if you like playing by the rules.

Unless I'm in a competition, I don't keeps score. Too many times I have played with others that keep score but innocently don't know all the rules. In real golf there are no drop zones, no mulligans, no grounding the club inside of the hazard stakes, and you hit provisional balls just in case you can’t find your first ball. If you didn't hit a provisional you would need to go back to the tee or the previous position. If you don't play by all the rules you really don't know what you shot so why keep score. What I do pay attention to is my “greens in regulation” score.

As others have said, enjoy the game on the executive courses and I’ll add "Just don't think you are playing golf." The executive courses are more like a little league field with lot’s of Homers. https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQzxXCzd1Q4ZZfhxBdCaLz9xHJx0T0mm nsQvugbIBg2KKpSftr8

[Barefoot]

There are many ways to speed up the game but when people start making up rules as they go along well please don't call it golf and you might as well stop wasting score cards

I guess everyone keeps score when they play?
Is that considered to be an important part of the game? That's a serious question.
I've only been golfing for a couple of years and I never keep score. I play for fresh air, exercise and fun.
Some of the people I golf with keep hitting balls until they get a hit they like.
So to me it seems pointless to keep score.
(But we do play ready golf and never keep the golfers behind us waiting)!

[steamdogman]

Yup

[Walter123]

I guess everyone keeps score when they play?
Is that considered to be an important part of the game? That's a serious question.
I've only been golfing for a couple of years and I never keep score. I play for fresh air, exercise and fun.
Some of the people I golf with keep hitting balls until they get a hit they like.
So to me it seems pointless to keep score.
(But we do play ready golf and never keep the golfers behind us waiting)!

Good point. I only keep score on the championship courses for a handicap. On exces I keep track in my head using the + - method. Ready golf is also a good idea. If you're close to the hole after your first putt just putt out or pick up. Don't mark the dang ball. Your marker will probably be in someone else's line anyway.

[TheVillageChicken]

I think educating golfers may be a more realistic goal to speed up the game and lower scores.

For instance the best practice for a high handicapper is to aim for the center of the green no matter where the pin is. This gives you the widest margin of error. The fundamental axiom in golf is "risk vs reward."
I play with many woman who see the lake on the right and aim the ball left of the green. They got the concept. Their best chance of a par is a great chip or a great putt.

For sand shots that are too difficult, a player can call the ball unplayable, add a penalty stroke and drop it anywhere else in the trap if you like playing by the rules.

Unless I'm in a competition, I don't keeps score. Too many times I have played with others that keep score but innocently don't know all the rules. In real golf there are no drop zones, no mulligans, no grounding the club inside of the hazard stakes, and you hit provisional balls just in case you can’t find your first ball. If you didn't hit a provisional you would need to go back to the tee or the previous position. If you don't play by all the rules you really don't know what you shot so why keep score. What I do pay attention to is my “greens in regulation” score.

As others have said, enjoy the game on the executive courses and I’ll add "Just don't think you are playing golf." The executive courses are more like a little league field with lot’s of Homers. https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQzxXCzd1Q4ZZfhxBdCaLz9xHJx0T0mm nsQvugbIBg2KKpSftr8

Good stuff, except for the "no drop zones." There are drop zones in golf, although I must admit they are normally established by the committee in tournaments vs everyday play.

[tomwed]

Good stuff, except for the "no drop zones." There are drop zones in golf, although I must admit they are normally established by the committee in tournaments vs everyday play.

I did a little research anf found this:

Monday, April 19, 2010
Ask Linda #195-Drop area across hazard
Hi Linda,

I play out of a golf course in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Hole #4 is a 350 yard par 4. A tee shot of 275 yards will put you in a ravine. For balls hit in the ravine a drop area exists next to the green. Normally, a player's poor second shot hit into the ravine allows for a drop in the drop area next to the green with a one stroke penalty. My question is, does a player's tee ball hit into the ravine entitle him to the drop area next to the green, or must he play his third shot (one stroke penalty) over the ravine? The ravine is not a lateral hazard, your ball must cross it to get to the green. The drop area is next to the green. The ravine starts about 75 yards in front of the green.

From,

Lou Lou


Dear Lou Lou,

I’m afraid I have nothing but bad news for you, Lou. Establishing a drop area on the green side of a water hazard is not permitted under the Rules of Golf. Neither the players who dump their second shot into the ravine, nor you, when your drive lands in the ravine, may use a drop area that allows players to cross a hazard without hitting their balls over it [Decision 33-8/2].

The only relief options for a ball hit into a water hazard are to return to where you hit your original ball and hit another, or drop a ball behind the hazard on the line-of-sight to the hole [Rule 26-1a, b]. Both relief options require that you add a one-stroke penalty to your score. A player is never allowed a free lift over a hazard.

I am well aware that a number of golf courses establish “illegal” dropping zones to assist with pace of play. If you and your friends opt to use the drop zone, then you need to be aware that you are not playing under the Rules of Golf. In the case of your playing this “fun” round, the procedure would be the same for any ball hit into the hazard, whether on the first, second, or even fifth stroke. You would have the same opportunity to drop your ball in the drop area after reaching the ravine with your drive as your friends would when they plunk their second shot into the goo.

However, all of this dropping on the other side of the hazard is illegal. If you’re serious about your golf, you and friends should ignore the illegal drop area and drop your ball behind the hazard according to rule.

You might want to mention to a course official that this drop area does not conform to the Rules of Golf. There are situations where dropping zones need to be established, but there is no valid reason to place them on the wrong (green) side of the hazard and thereby encourage golfers to break the rules.

Linda

Copyright © 2010 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.

Posted by Linda Miller at 9:35 AM

There are drop zones on regulation courses. You are right and I stand corrected. I wonder how many of the drop zones on the executive courses
would be considered legal. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they are there. I guess my point in the previous post is that even when you thinkk you are playing golf by the rules, as the pros do, you probably are not. So keep it fun and keep it moving.

BTW until now I didn't know that the course could not put a drop zone whereever it wanted and just call it a local rule. I also learned that even the PGA has drop zones in tournaments. In Sawgrass the island green had a drop zone in a PGA tournament. I always thought the pros had to retee. But I am forgetting more as I get older.

[SALYBOW]

Lately when I have been playing there has been a group of men or two couples that hold us up. It is rarely all women. Just Saying.

[Chi-Town]

I play as a single most of the time and always play from the black tees. I'm usually 3-5 over on an executive course. I can't tell you how many times I played with three guys that hit from the gold but decide to hit from the black just because I am. The other day one of these guys was hitting THREE balls every other hole. He said he was new to golf and had just taken lessons and also did the "good golf school". LOL- he lost at least 10 balls that day on Redfish Run. He didn't rake the trap so I told him he "forgot" and boy, he did not like that one bit. It also cracks me up when I see beginners on Pelican. Play at your level and you'll have more FUN! I could play the blue tees on the championship's but I play the white most of the time because it's more fun. Remember to pick up after double par, get away from the hole quickly. Golf is as frustrating as you make it.
3-5 over from the black tees is quite enviable. But isn't shooting par golf the goal? You would definitely be a par golfer from the golds and may enjoy the game even more. BTW, 3-5 over is my goal from the golds.

[rubicon]

Granted, I am new to this game. But isn't the point to have a good time, work on gradually improving your score and get out in the sun and fresh air. I fail to see why there is such an emphasis on moving thru the course as fast as you can. The last time I played, my partner was so obsessed with keeping a rapid pace that I couldn't concentrate on my shots and it wasn't fun. It was just stressful. I'm not advocating dallying around, but for goodness sake...if you're so interested in moving fast - go for a run! (That's a joke...don't yell at me!)

legacyarts: What you say may be true for you but having a good time on the golf course means different things to different people.

[rubicon]

I guess everyone keeps score when they play?
Is that considered to be an important part of the game? That's a serious question.
I've only been golfing for a couple of years and I never keep score. I play for fresh air, exercise and fun.
Some of the people I golf with keep hitting balls until they get a hit they like.
So to me it seems pointless to keep score.
(But we do play ready golf and never keep the golfers behind us waiting)!

Hi Barefoot: I don't keep score on executive courses except mentally. I play from the black tees because in my view the second shot on executive courses is the critical shot. I never hold up people behind me. if I am having bad golf day and/or hole I pick up after the second shot.

My putting is actually the best part of the game but then I usually pick up w/o putting to the hole, if my score for that hole is above four. I never take a mulligan

Essentially because there is a big push for faster golf it is literally impossible to follow the rules of golf on an executive courses.

Championship courses are a whole other thing

Have a good day

[Walter123]

3-5 over from the black tees is quite enviable. But isn't shooting par golf the goal? You would definitely be a par golfer from the golds and may enjoy the game even more. BTW, 3-5 over is my goal from the golds.

Seriously! If that were the case no one would ever tee off the black. However, you are wrong. The goal is to play from the tee that would allow you to make the green in regulation which I don't always do. Sometimes I'm a couple of feet right or left, sometimes the green is in bad shape and I two or three put and sometimes the bad me shows up. Maybe you should play from the green tees and you would definitely be a par golfer. :shrug:

[tomwed]

[/COLOR]

The goal is to play from the tee that would allow you to make the green in regulation which I don't always do.

That why I love golf. You play against yourself and you set your own goals. My goals vary from day to day.

When I'm paired up with a low handicapper my goal is to beat him or her. They don't know that. I try to go into a zone.

When I'm paired up with high handicappers my goal is to play where ever they play and help move them along. They don't know that either. I seem to be more social with high handicappers.

I carry around a camera with a 50x optical zoom lense. If I see water birds I put the ball in my pocket and keep up with my group. Waiting to tee off is also a good time to shoot pictures.

The golf is free and I play everyday so what's the difference?

[Bonny]

Ladies, why is it that you never give your fellow women golfer a putt! Men concede putts within the length of the grip of the putter. Why do you have to always putt out every single putt even when it is 6 inches? On the executive courses it is all about pace of play. You do not have to putt out every putt.

I do not think you are playing for big bucks. Enjoy the game and give your fellow golfer a putt once in a while. It would certainly speed up play
Why would you address this to ladies. My girl golf groups always give a putt if it's 1 foot or less.
I substituted for my hubby a couple of times with his golf buddies. They wouldn't give a putt even if it was 2 inches. You have to putt it in the hole when golfing with them.

[Bonny]

I always laugh when I see the guys in front of us putting. They hold up there club to align their putt. Then they stoop down and eye the break and they are only a foot or two away from the whole.
One time the guys were gathering checking their scores after. When we finished, I jokingly said wow, we were watching you. You guys play some serious golf & I smiled. One of the guys laughed and said, heck yea, we all have a buck on the line. We all laughed.

[dolpterry]

I played with a couple years that I gave the short putts to, and after adding up the scores she had her score 7 strokes lower. After adding up the card we found out the putts that were given she thought did not count on the score. Just a funny ending to a good golf day.

[LAshby50]

I only play about 4-5 rounds a year on the executive courses, so my perspective is only on the championship courses. Conceding putts or having people putt out is not the major issue with pace of play. The pace of play involves everything you do in the round. Being ready to hit when it is your turn. Walk with some pace when you leave the green. I see far too many people walk like they are going to the electric chair after they are done on the green. I also agree with many of the posts about play the correct tees. If I am a single and get paired with 3 guys playing the white tees and my normal is blue tees, I play the whites. It is kind of fun the see the course from a different perspective.

I also don't think it is women or men that are the slowest players. Slow players come in all types. I have had to tell people I have played with that they are slow in about everything they do on the course. It is a reason people hesitate to play with them at times. I have done it with 2 friends. One thanked me and tried to improve. The other was not as open to the feedback.

When I started to get me wife involved in golf I told her that nobody cares what you get for score. It is more important to play ready golf. She does great with pace of play and has a very high handicap.

FYI-Yesterday my Thursday group played Mallory. We teed off at 8:00, 8:08, and 8:16. I was in the last group. By 12:30 I was in my cart on the way home after playing 18 holes of golf and having lunch at Mallory. We finished golf at 12:00. I know a 3:45 round in The Villages is odd, but it can happen.

[tomwed]

I always laugh when I see the guys in front of us putting. They hold up there club to align their putt. Then they stoop down and eye the break and they are only a foot or two away from the whole.
One time the guys were gathering checking their scores after. When we finished, I jokingly said wow, we were watching you. You guys play some serious golf & I smiled. One of the guys laughed and said, heck yea, we all have a buck on the line. We all laughed.

I love it when everyone gets out their Inspector Gadget measuring tool. Some own the one on a hat that talks to you, some use a smartphone app, some that you look through and another that looks like a Dick Tracy wrist watch. Now that everyone knows the yardage to the inch you would think one of them would hit the green.

[Thnonne]

I think a few things cause slow play and they are not gender specific. One is not playing the tees for your ability level, not picking up once you have hit double par, talking and taking too much time at your cart when the hole is finished, and packing up your bag on the last hole when people are on the tee waiting. If we all stop doing these four things alone play will speed up.

[zcaveman]

I love it when everyone gets out their Inspector Gadget measuring tool. Some own the one on a hat that talks to you, some use a smartphone app, some that you look through and another that looks like a Dick Tracy wrist watch. Now that everyone knows the yardage to the inch you would think one of them would hit the green.

What I like is that all of these gadgets have different yardage.

Z

[TheVillageChicken]

I love it when everyone gets out their Inspector Gadget measuring tool. Some own the one on a hat that talks to you, some use a smartphone app, some that you look through and another that looks like a Dick Tracy wrist watch. Now that everyone knows the yardage to the inch you would think one of them would hit the green.

Measurements are useless on the executive courses. On all the ones I have played, the granite marker is pretty spot on. When they move the tee markers forward, they move the pins back a similar amount and vice versa.

[Steve & Deanna]

We prefer just to play the game and get the ball in the cup as do our partners. That said, if you double your par without getting the ball in the cup, I would suggest that you pick up your ball and move on. I believe that's the rule.

[Walter123]

The ambassadors should do their job. Twice this week there were two holes open if front of the group ahead of us. The lazy ambassadors drove right past them without saying a word. I saw it both times and even asked one of them why she didn't speak to them and she ignored me completely. So there you go. Take as long as you like and don't worry about playing slow.

[jebartle]

Not only is the yardage different but the brand of the gadget is the SAME!...Ha!



What I like is that all of these gadgets have different yardage.

Z

[steamdogman]

I do sir beg your pardon. I am very offended by your calling an ambassador LAZY. Being an ambassador is a very tough job in that you do not have a lot of power to say a lot to the golfers about speeding up.

You may think that because there is a whole hole open in front of the group ahead of you. There are a lot of things to consider!

What time did that group start? Many times the groups ahead of them might be faster or got out earlier than their allotted tee times. It is the ambassadors job to monitor pace of play. They have a time chart to go by and even though there is a hole open in front if they are on or even close to the pace of play schedule, they are on time.

Perhaps your group is made up of better golfers. Remember not everyone here in The Villages has a 10 or under handicap. Most of the players on the Executive Trail are either beginners or have a higher handicap. REMEMBER handicap has nothing to do with who gets to play golf here in The Villages!

[Walter123]

I do sir beg your pardon. I am very offended by your calling an ambassador LAZY. Being an ambassador is a very tough job in that you do not have a lot of power to say a lot to the golfers about speeding up.

You may think that because there is a whole hole open in front of the group ahead of you. There are a lot of things to consider!

What time did that group start? Many times the groups ahead of them might be faster or got out earlier than their allotted tee times. It is the ambassadors job to monitor pace of play. They have a time chart to go by and even though there is a hole open in front if they are on or even close to the pace of play schedule, they are on time.

Perhaps your group is made up of better golfers. Remember not everyone here in The Villages has a 10 or under handicap. Most of the players on the Executive Trail are either beginners or have a higher handicap. REMEMBER handicap has nothing to do with who gets to play golf here in The Villages!

Please re-read my comment. I said two holes were open and I saw it from the beginning. You weren't there, I was. The ambassadors do a couple of things well and that is provide water and sand, fix divots on the tee boxes, and pick up broken tees. As far as moving play along they are worthless. Like you said. they don't have a lot of power. Tough job? I don't think so. They are out for a paid afternoon ride IMO. Sorry, but I call it as I see it.

[dillywho]

Please re-read my comment. I said two holes were open and I saw it from the beginning. You weren't there, I was. The ambassadors do a couple of things well and that is provide water and sand, fix divots on the tee boxes, and pick up broken tees. As far as moving play along they are worthless. Like you said. they don't have a lot of power. Tough job? I don't think so. They are out for a paid afternoon ride IMO. Sorry, but I call it as I see it.

I would think that the proper thing for you or anyone who has a problem with how the ambassadors do or don't do their jobs would be to contact the Recreation Department and voice your concerns there. Perhaps they could give anyone with an issue with the ambassadors a better understanding of what they expect their employees to do or not do and how they are to do it. They are hired to do a job the way their employer instructs them to do it, not the golfers.

As for two holes being open, perhaps the golfers at that scheduled time did not show and nobody else was waiting and then you showed up for yours at your assigned time. Why not ask the starter about the situation? We have teed off when there was nobody in sight and then somewhere down the course caught up with another group. If someone came up behind us and saw two holes open, they might think the same thing as you did. Please keep in mind that things are not always as they appear.

[dillywho]

Please re-read my comment. I said two holes were open and I saw it from the beginning. You weren't there, I was. The ambassadors do a couple of things well and that is provide water and sand, fix divots on the tee boxes, and pick up broken tees. As far as moving play along they are worthless. Like you said. they don't have a lot of power. Tough job? I don't think so. They are out for a paid afternoon ride IMO. Sorry, but I call it as I see it.

If golfers would fix their own divots, pick up their broken tees, rake their traps properly, and repair ball marks on the greens the ambassadors wouldn't have to do it. (One male golfer even said that he didn't have to rake the traps because that was the ambassador's job!) Play would also go faster if golfers would not leisurely leave the green, would post scores at the next hole, and replace head covers enroute to the next hole or after arrival. At least, that is how I was taught to play (golf etiquette).

Unfortunately, women are notorious for having to finish a conversation before getting out to hit when they get to the tee box (or ANY shot) and then try to decide which club they want to hit after they do. Likewise, they also want to finish their conversation before moving on to the next hole. Men sometimes like to look like they are really better than they are with all they go through. Sorry, Green Jackets are reserved for The Masters Tournament and lengthy conversation is for the 19th hole.

[Walter123]

I would think that the proper thing for you or anyone who has a problem with how the ambassadors do or don't do their jobs would be to contact the Recreation Department and voice your concerns there. Perhaps they could give anyone with an issue with the ambassadors a better understanding of what they expect their employees to do or not do and how they are to do it. They are hired to do a job the way their employer instructs them to do it, not the golfers.

As for two holes being open, perhaps the golfers at that scheduled time did not show and nobody else was waiting and then you showed up for yours at your assigned time. Why not ask the starter about the situation? We have teed off when there was nobody in sight and then somewhere down the course caught up with another group. If someone came up behind us and saw two holes open, they might think the same thing as you did. Please keep in mind that things are not always as they appear.

Hellooooooooooo.......They were , slow, slow and that's it. You make it sound like that couldn't happen here in The Villages.

[Walter123]

Unfortunately, women are notorious for having to finish a conversation before getting out to hit when they get to the tee box (or ANY shot) and then try to decide which club they want to hit after they do. Likewise, they also want to finish their conversation before moving on to the next hole. Men sometimes like to look like they are really better than they are with all they go through. Sorry, Green Jackets are reserved for The Masters Tournament and lengthy conversation is for the 19th hole.

Uh-Oh.....Now you've done it. How do you know this?

[Mikeod]

Please re-read my comment. I said two holes were open and I saw it from the beginning. You weren't there, I was. The ambassadors do a couple of things well and that is provide water and sand, fix divots on the tee boxes, and pick up broken tees. As far as moving play along they are worthless. Like you said. they don't have a lot of power. Tough job? I don't think so. They are out for a paid afternoon ride IMO. Sorry, but I call it as I see it.

Please re-read Steamdogman's post. Every course has a time par. As long as a group is on time or nearly so, the ambassadors do not consider them slow. The presence of open hole(s) in front of them is not evidence they are behind time.

This time of year there are gaps built into the schedule to allow watering of the overseed during the day. This will create situations where there is space between groups that looks suspicious, but is not.

Nope, I'm not an ambassador. But I appreciate the work they do on the courses. Categorizing them as "lazy" or "out for a paid afternoon ride" is grossly unfair.

They are called ambassadors, not marshals for a reason.

[Bonny]

Wow, this thread is getting very rude sounding.
Remember everyone ! These are our golden years to have fun & enjoy life!
The ambassadors are just our friends and neighbors also enjoying life and doing the best they can at there job so everyone has enjoyable round of golf.
They have to be careful what they say and how they say it to the golfers. They take a lot of verbal abuse out there the minute they tell someone to speed up their pace of play.
Everyone always has to have someone to blame.
Let's cut them some slack, relax and enjoy our lives here in the beautiful Villages ! :)

[Walter123]

Wow, this thread is getting very rude sounding.
Remember everyone ! These are our golden years to have fun & enjoy life!
The ambassadors are just our friends and neighbors also enjoying life and doing the best they can at there job so everyone has enjoyable round of golf.
They have to be careful what they say and how they say it to the golfers. They take a lot of verbal abuse out there the minute they tell someone to speed up their pace of play.
Everyone always has to have someone to blame.
Let's cut them some slack, relax and enjoy our lives here in the beautiful Villages ! :)

Bonny, you are absolutely correct. I guess the best advice I can give myself and everyone else is to get to the next tee box and be ready to hit when the group ahead is leaving the green. Since I walk 95% of the time I can simply slow down a little if I see it getting backed up. Maybe take some pictures of wildlife, and no, I'm not being sarcastic. I realize that the ambassadors have no power when it comes to moving things along and I apologize for my lazy comment. I was just venting coming off a couple of very long rounds.

[Bonny]

Bonny, you are absolutely correct. I guess the best advice I can give myself and everyone else is to get to the next tee box and be ready to hit when the group ahead is leaving the green. Since I walk 95% of the time I can simply slow down a little if I see it getting backed up. Maybe take some pictures of wildlife, and no, I'm not being sarcastic. I realize that the ambassadors have no power when it comes to moving things along and I apologize for my lazy comment. I was just venting coming off a couple of very long rounds.
This is a very nice post. I hope you have a great day !!:wave:

[steamdogman]

I happen to be an ambassador and starter on the executive courses. I do this job for one reason and no it is not the money! Having been in sales for many years I enjoy people. I enjoy the interactions that I have with the golfers both in the starter shack and on the course.

By and large the people who play the executive courses are out for a good time and may even get a par or two. Pace of play on executive courses can run anywhere from 1:30 to 2:30 hours per round.

The difficulty of the course pretty much determines the pace of play. Of course the caliber of the players comes into play as well.

Look we are now in season if you are playing golf and think you are going to play fast, you had better wait until May.

[Barefoot]

I happen to be an ambassador and starter on the executive courses. I do this job for one reason and no it is not the money! Having been in sales for many years I enjoy people. I enjoy the interactions that I have with the golfers both in the starter shack and on the course.
By and large the people who play the executive courses are out for a good time and may even get a par or two. Pace of play on executive courses can run anywhere from 1:30 to 2:30 hours per round.
The difficulty of the course pretty much determines the pace of play. Of course the caliber of the players comes into play as well.
Look we are now in season if you are playing golf and think you are going to play fast, you had better wait until May.

It's my understanding that Ambassadors are trained to be polite, friendly and inoffensive.
If someone was having a heart attack, I know they would help. But I sure wouldn't complain to them about pace of play.
I think they are Good Will Ambassadors, not Golf Police.

[tomwed]

The ambassadors should do their job. Twice this week there were two holes open if front of the group ahead of us. The lazy ambassadors drove right past them without saying a word. I saw it both times and even asked one of them why she didn't speak to them and she ignored me completely. So there you go. Take as long as you like and don't worry about playing slow.

I have been told that on an executive course the ambassador cannot tell anyone to pick up the ball and move forward. I wish they could. I just think the slow pokes don’t know any better.

If I were king of everything I would tell beginners that executive golf is a form of golf not real golf. In executive golf if you don’t reach the drop zone move the ball to the drop zone. Eventually you will improve and no longer need to move it. From the drop zone you have 3 more chances to get it.
All too often I see a beginner try hit an almost impossible shot because “that’s the rule”.

The tee and the drop zone is like the Bunny Slope of skiing. I say move the ball to the “Bunny Slopes” until you have an “Intermediate” swing. No one learns how to hit out of the sand on the golf course. You learn on the practice sand traps.

[tomwed]

I happen to be an ambassador and starter on the executive courses. I do this job for one reason and no it is not the money! Having been in sales for many years I enjoy people. I enjoy the interactions that I have with the golfers both in the starter shack and on the course.

By and large the people who play the executive courses are out for a good time and may even get a par or two. Pace of play on executive courses can run anywhere from 1:30 to 2:30 hours per round.

The difficulty of the course pretty much determines the pace of play. Of course the caliber of the players comes into play as well.

Look we are now in season if you are playing golf and think you are going to play fast, you had better wait until May.

[from the time i wrote to the time it was posted, someone answered my question,,thank-you]

If the tee times are 9 minutes apart [81 minutes per round] and the round lasts 2:30 hours, how do the starters get everyone out on time or close to it? I think the golf staff does an amazing job. I think the courses, considering the amount of play, are in great shape.

[RErmer]

A few weeks ago while playing ladies day, the first group out was extremely slow (10+ minutes over pace of play), so we had plenty of time to chat with the ambassador. He told us that ambassadors talk to a slow group two times. If that doesn't result in a speed up, then the ambassador calls the outside course manager. The manager came out to talk to the slow group and the pace of play sped up immediately. Now, this is on championship, not exec course, so I don't know if the same thing happens on exec courses.

Ambassadors do what they can while being polite!

[graciegirl]

Granted, I am new to this game. But isn't the point to have a good time, work on gradually improving your score and get out in the sun and fresh air. I fail to see why there is such an emphasis on moving thru the course as fast as you can. The last time I played, my partner was so obsessed with keeping a rapid pace that I couldn't concentrate on my shots and it wasn't fun. It was just stressful. I'm not advocating dallying around, but for goodness sake...if you're so interested in moving fast - go for a run! (That's a joke...don't yell at me!)

I am not going to yell at you. Well a little. Keep the pace of play. If you are not ready to hit when the group ahead of you vacates the green, you are probably not paying attention. Watch where your ball goes as well as other members of the foursome. Be planning your next shot, and if you are not sure take two or three clubs to the ball . You can enjoy golf and repair divots and rake traps but you have to be aware of what is happening. There is etiquette and rules in every game and golf is to me the most polite. You must play your game and think of others in your foursome and on the course that day.Find the rules for ready golf and follow them and everyone will love to play with you no matter how new you are.

Here is one of my favorite fellows reminding you to not horse around;

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=arnold+palmer+while+we're+young&FORM=VIRE4#view=detail&mid=BC6DF775853991BBC201BC6DF775853991BBC201

[graciegirl]

Uh-Oh.....Now you've done it. How do you know this?

I vouch for the fact that Dillywho is not a beginner or a duffer and is married to a very, very good golfer. Dilly made the point clearly that it is possible early in the day to begin with a two hole gap. I know Dilly and hubs would quickly close the gap. I was just admiring some very fancy crystal and sterling trophies at their home just this week.

[tomwed]

I am not going to yell at you. Well a little. Keep the pace of play. If you are not ready to hit when the group ahead of you vacates the green, you are probably not paying attention. Watch where your ball goes as well as other members of the foursome. Be planning your next shot, and if you are not sure take two or three clubs to the ball . You can enjoy golf and repair divots and rake traps but you have to be aware of what is happening. There is etiquette and rules in every game and golf is to me the most polite. You must play your game and think of others in your foursome and on the course that day.Find the rules for ready golf and follow them and everyone will love to play with you no matter how new you are.

Here is one of my favorite fellows reminding you to not horse around;

arnold palmer while we're young - Bing Videos (http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=arnold+palmer+while+we're+young&FORM=VIRE4#view=detail&mid=BC6DF775853991BBC201BC6DF775853991BBC201)

That's a funny video. I forgot about rodney dangefield saying "while we're young" in caddyshack. I coached hs golf for 33 years. I remember playing a kid in practice and I was about 2 ft from the hole. When I went down to pick it up he said "hey coach, there's still some meat on that bone". I laughed and putted and probably missed the putt. He was a much better player.

[Walter123]

I vouch for the fact that Dillywho is not a beginner or a duffer and is married to a very, very good golfer. Dilly made the point clearly that it is possible early in the day to begin with a two hole gap. I know Dilly and hubs would quickly close the gap. I was just admiring some very fancy crystal and sterling trophies at their home just this week.

Don't know why you responded to me with this????

When I said "how do you know this" I was responding to dillies comment about woman talking too much and men thinking that they are better than they think.. I thought that was pretty clear. Sorry that you seemed to have
mis-understood. Normally, someone would get flamed for saying something like that.

this is what dilly said.

Originally Posted by dillywho View Post

Unfortunately, women are notorious for having to finish a conversation before getting out to hit when they get to the tee box (or ANY shot) and then try to decide which club they want to hit after they do. Likewise, they also want to finish their conversation before moving on to the next hole. Men sometimes like to look like they are really better than they are with all they go through. Sorry, Green Jackets are reserved for The Masters Tournament and lengthy conversation is for the 19th hole.

[graciegirl]

Don't know why you responded to me with this????

When I said "how do you know this" I was responding to dillies comment about woman talking too much and men thinking that they are better than they think.. I thought that was pretty clear. Sorry that you seemed to have
mis-understood. Normally, someone would get flamed for saying something like that.

this is what dilly said.

Originally Posted by dillywho View Post

Unfortunately, women are notorious for having to finish a conversation before getting out to hit when they get to the tee box (or ANY shot) and then try to decide which club they want to hit after they do. Likewise, they also want to finish their conversation before moving on to the next hole. Men sometimes like to look like they are really better than they are with all they go through. Sorry, Green Jackets are reserved for The Masters Tournament and lengthy conversation is for the 19th hole.

Sorry for misunderstanding. I am on the side of keeping things moving and so are you and so is she.

AND new people, golf isn't an easy, relaxed game in the sense that it just looks easy and relaxed. If you are good at it, then it gets a little easier and a little more relaxed. The primary person you are playing against is yourself. Just a tad off, just a little pressure, just a slight variance in stance and it gets to be another day that you are never going back. Ask me how I know? I have been going back for more than forty years, and some days I love the game and some days I hate it. I never know which me will show up.

[tomwed]

Unfortunately, women are notorious for having to finish a conversation before getting out to hit when they get to the tee box (or ANY shot) and then try to decide which club they want to hit after they do.

If anyone has a walking problem then please ignore what I am about to say.

I walk the course and unless the course is empty in front, I can keep up with any cart. One of the benifits of walking is that there is a lot more conversation time with any of the other walkers as you are walking. Another benifit is that you go right to the ball with all your clubs and on the way can't help but think about the upcoming shot.

At first, try walking the short holes. You will be glad that you did.

[Walter123]

If anyone has a walking problem then please ignore what I am about to say.

I walk the course and unless the course is empty in front, I can keep up with any cart. One of the benifits of walking is that there is a lot more conversation time with any of the other walkers as you are walking. Another benifit is that you go right to the ball with all your clubs and on the way can't help but think about the upcoming shot.

At first, try walking the short holes. You will be glad that you did.

That was dillywho's comment not mine.

This thread has run it's it's course. No pun intended. Try to keep up with the group directly ahead of you and enjoy.