Golf Ambassadors

[sadie44]

Overall, the golf ambassadors do a nice job being "Village Ambassadors" which are no more than being glorified waterboys. There is no one on the courses making sure that the pace of play is adequate, people aren't dragging their spikes on the greens, raking traps etc. Today, we had to quit after 4 holes took 1hr 15 min. That means it would have taken us almost 3 hours to finish when we should be done in half that.

The foursome in front of us were playing off the gold tees and really needed to be playing the green tees, especially the 2 women in the group. They were not playing ready golf, taking up to 10 strokes on a hole and looking for their balls in the water instead of picking up. By the third hole, there were already 2 holes open in front of them. When I casually mentioned to the ambassador that the pace was too slow, he said it's slow all over and it's a nice day anyway.

Tee times are spaced 9 minutes apart and pace of play needs to be around 9 minutes or everyone behind a slow group suffers. I really like the ambassadors but they need to be given authority to tell people to pick up the pace, rake a trap or follow whatever rules the wonderful game of golf follows.

By the way, we're pretty decent golfers and were playing the golds because of the wind!!

[tuccillo]

I would recommend that you play on the more difficult Level 4 courses. I believe they attract fewer new players so the pace of play should be better.

Overall, the golf ambassadors do a nice job being "Village Ambassadors" which are no more than being glorified waterboys. There is no one on the courses making sure that the pace of play is adequate, people aren't dragging their spikes on the greens, raking traps etc. Today, we had to quit after 4 holes took 1hr 15 min. That means it would have taken us almost 3 hours to finish when we should be done in half that.

The foursome in front of us were playing off the gold tees and really needed to be playing the green tees, especially the 2 women in the group. They were not playing ready golf, taking up to 10 strokes on a hole and looking for their balls in the water instead of picking up. By the third hole, there were already 2 holes open in front of them. When I casually mentioned to the ambassador that the pace was too slow, he said it's slow all over and it's a nice day anyway.

Tee times are spaced 9 minutes apart and pace of play needs to be around 9 minutes or everyone behind a slow group suffers. I really like the ambassadors but they need to be given authority to tell people to pick up the pace, rake a trap or follow whatever rules the wonderful game of golf follows.

[ugotme]

I would recommend that you play on the more difficult Level 4 courses. I believe they attract fewer new players so the pace of play should be better.

I have to both agree and disagree.
We were all new to golf. However, everyone should learn to pick up after double par and move on. While I am not advising rushing, to be taking 10 shots (or more) on a par 3 is ridiculous. People must learn they are not the only ones on the course.

Yes, have fun, but be cognizant of groups behind you.

[golfing eagles]

Is this something unique to exec courses. I see the ambassadors speeding up play on championship courses all the time.

[Walter123]

Overall, the golf ambassadors do a nice job being "Village Ambassadors" which are no more than being glorified waterboys. There is no one on the courses making sure that the pace of play is adequate, people aren't dragging their spikes on the greens, raking traps etc. Today, we had to quit after 4 holes took 1hr 15 min. That means it would have taken us almost 3 hours to finish when we should be done in half that.

The foursome in front of us were playing off the gold tees and really needed to be playing the green tees, especially the 2 women in the group. They were not playing ready golf, taking up to 10 strokes on a hole and looking for their balls in the water instead of picking up. By the third hole, there were already 2 holes open in front of them. When I casually mentioned to the ambassador that the pace was too slow, he said it's slow all over and it's a nice day anyway.

Tee times are spaced 9 minutes apart and pace of play needs to be around 9 minutes or everyone behind a slow group suffers. I really like the ambassadors but they need to be given authority to tell people to pick up the pace, rake a trap or follow whatever rules the wonderful game of golf follows.

By the way, we're pretty decent golfers and were playing the golds because of the wind!!

Your life will be much better if you learn to accept the executive courses for what they are.

[Walter123]

Is this something unique to exec courses. I see the ambassadors speeding up play on championship courses all the time.

Yes.

[Polar Bear]

Your life will be much better if you learn to accept the executive courses for what they are.

To a point, yes. But only to a point IMHO.

Even terrible beginner golfers can maintain a decent pace with minimal effort and no loss of fun.

[graciegirl]

To a point, yes. But only to a point IMHO.

Even terrible beginner golfers can maintain a decent pace with minimal effort and no loss of fun.


I agree.



We will now read a bunch of posts from folks new to the game who will tell us, what's the rush, we are retired, we are no fun, etc. etc.


I do wish that our "Ambassadors" were more like the marshals or rangers we were always used to.


And there is no explaining keeping the pace of play unless you have played golf for years. And yes, we all were beginners, but I was taken well in hand and explained to how not to act on a golf course. You don't have to lose the fun to play the game in such a way that you are not slowing down the entire golf course for the entire day.

[Walter123]

Nothing will ever change no matter how much one complains. The championship courses are a different animal. We pay for those so they keep the pace of play at a more acceptable level. So I say again......


Your life will be much better if you learn to accept the executive courses for what they are.

or........you can let it upset you and have a bad game.

[jimbo2012]

If you're that bothered by the group in front going that slow talk to them directly, they may not be aware.

Rather than leave play ahead of them it's wide open

.

[Bosoxfan]

If you're that bothered by the group in front going that slow talk to them directly, they may not be aware.

Rather than leave play ahead of them it's wide open

.

I agree . I would go around them and as I went by I would try to explain to them the etiquette of playing at a pace that would be fun for everyone.

[billethkid]

FAr too many golfers that are either new, uninformed or just do not care.

The next time I see anybody in front of us playing ready golf will be the first time.

Further testimony and annoying a can be.....unrepair ball marks on the greens....and not raking the sand traps.

Ready golf.....repair ballmarks on greens....rake sand traps.....
BASICS......should be drummed with signage and articles in all the home owner papers, clubs, newspapers, closing papers, etc.

I am ready to conclude the problem is too many do not care and think that is some one elses job.

Other than those three things I enjoy being out on the course as muchas possible.

[tuccillo]

The executive courses "are what they are". The only real recourse is to avoid the courses where beginners play. Sort of like skiing: if you want to avoid new skiers, head off to the black diamond runs. The ambassadors don't seem to put golfers "on the clock" and I really don't blame them.


I have to both agree and disagree.
We were all new to golf. However, everyone should learn to pick up after double par and move on. While I am not advising rushing, to be taking 10 shots (or more) on a par 3 is ridiculous. People must learn they are not the only ones on the course.

Yes, have fun, but be cognizant of groups behind you.

[tomwed]

When is the last time anyone did not tee off on time?
This will tell you whether or not the system works with slow golfers.

[tuccillo]

Last week, Volusia, 20 mins late.




When is the last time anyone did not tee off on time?
This will tell you whether or not the system works with slow golfers.

[fred53]

Overall, the golf ambassadors do a nice job being "Village Ambassadors" which are no more than being glorified waterboys. There is no one on the courses making sure that the pace of play is adequate, people aren't dragging their spikes on the greens, raking traps etc. Today, we had to quit after 4 holes took 1hr 15 min. That means it would have taken us almost 3 hours to finish when we should be done in half that.

The foursome in front of us were playing off the gold tees and really needed to be playing the green tees, especially the 2 women in the group. They were not playing ready golf, taking up to 10 strokes on a hole and looking for their balls in the water instead of picking up. By the third hole, there were already 2 holes open in front of them. When I casually mentioned to the ambassador that the pace was too slow, he said it's slow all over and it's a nice day anyway.

Tee times are spaced 9 minutes apart and pace of play needs to be around 9 minutes or everyone behind a slow group suffers. I really like the ambassadors but they need to be given authority to tell people to pick up the pace, rake a trap or follow whatever rules the wonderful game of golf follows.

By the way, we're pretty decent golfers and were playing the golds because of the wind!!

that you're playing an executive course and you're right we are glorified water boys, but some of us are more proactive than others...still there are a limited number of things we can do to speed up groups like that...we can't kick them off unless they're belligerent so if you ask them to speed up and they're all 80+ years of age and can't move any faster what can you do? There should not have been two holes open and many a time a player said that to me it just wasn't even close to being true. Does that make you a liar? Nope...you're just wound a bit too tight. While I hate the saying "it is what it is" it is appropriate and if you have a gripe stop whining here and complain to GMS or the championship course that the exec belongs.

Since you don't happen on this type of slow play all the time I'd reign in your indignant attitude and realize that the rules of golf do not strictly apply at courses where the USGA has no say. If you want faster play then head on over to the championship courses where the people who play for fun and socializing rarely spend any time. You'll still find folks hitting from the wrong tees, but the ambassadors will keep it moving.

[Walter123]

that you're playing an executive course and you're right we are glorified water boys, but some of us are more proactive than others...still there are a limited number of things we can do to speed up groups like that...we can't kick them off unless they're belligerent so if you ask them to speed up and they're all 80+ years of age and can't move any faster what can you do? There should not have been two holes open and many a time a player said that to me it just wasn't even close to being true. Does that make you a liar? Nope...you're just wound a bit too tight. While I hate the saying "it is what it is" it is appropriate and if you have a gripe stop whining here and complain to GMS or the championship course that the exec belongs.

Since you don't happen on this type of slow play all the time I'd reign in your indignant attitude and realize that the rules of golf do not strictly apply at courses where the USGA has no say. If you want faster play then head on over to the championship courses where the people who play for fun and socializing rarely spend any time. You'll still find folks hitting from the wrong tees, but the ambassadors will keep it moving.

Right from the horse's mouth. Thank you Fred.

[rubicon]

So I hear many posters saying that because its free golf what do you expect. I hear posters say what you can you expect when people are old and feeble.

What nonsense and what a waste of amenities fees if the golf Administration won't take their responsibilities seriously. Perhaps there are a few cases of golfers who can't keep up but I have played with so called 80 year olds that had me running to play catch up with them, disabled ones too.

I am sick of hearing that people are playing from the wrong tees. That is not the major issue. its the manner in which they play such as their trance like address of standing over the ball until the cows come home . or of not picking up at least by the sixth stroke. I will not play more than four strokes on a executive course sometimes less and I don't take mulligans. if my game is off its off and people should not suffer because of my failing.

I am sick of the socialites on the course that only show up to talk more than play. some do not understand the etiquette of golf and feel entitled with an attitude that shows only their play and game is important and you will just have to wait for me because I'm special.

Ready golf doesn't mean six inch holes or what tee you play from. it means practicing good etiquette, being ready and positioned always to strike the ball and being within the moment to say I am allowed 9 minutes per hole and if I see I'm on my 8th strike for a par 3 hole I might want to pick up and move on

Simply stated most golfers understand the need for etiquette and ready play while a few are very selfish that or cognitively unaware.

We deserve better and its starts with a commitment from the Golf Administration

[Walter123]

So I hear many posters saying that because its free golf what do you expect. I hear posters say what you can you expect when people are old and feeble.

What nonsense and what a waste of amenities fees if the golf Administration won't take their responsibilities seriously. Perhaps there are a few cases of golfers who can't keep up but I have played with so called 80 year olds that had me running to play catch up with them, disabled ones too.

I am sick of hearing that people are playing from the wrong tees. That is not the major issue. its the manner in which they play such as their trance like address of standing over the ball until the cows come home . or of not picking up at least by the sixth stroke. I will not play more than four strokes on a executive course sometimes less and I don't take mulligans. if my game is off its off and people should not suffer because of my failing.

I am sick of the socialites on the course that only show up to talk more than play. some do not understand the etiquette of golf and feel entitled with an attitude that shows only their play and game is important and you will just have to wait for me because I'm special.

Ready golf doesn't mean six inch holes or what tee you play from. it means practicing good etiquette, being ready and positioned always to strike the ball and being within the moment to say I am allowed 9 minutes per hole and if I see I'm on my 8th strike for a par 3 hole I might want to pick up and move on

Simply stated most golfers understand the need for etiquette and ready play while a few are very selfish that or cognitively unaware.

We deserve better and its starts with a commitment from the Golf Administration

You're fighting a losing battle.

Have a nice day.

[graciegirl]

You're fighting a losing battle.

Have a nice day.



It isn't the Ambassadors not doing what they are told. It is the policy of the folks who make the policy to not get into any ****ing contests.


Thus the saving chairs, thus the rascals who keep doing water aerobics in the pools, etc. etc. "They" insist on not being heavy handed with us older people who should know HOW to act. They wouldn't couldn't win anyway. Too many people are always going to do what they damn well please.


AND....It well may be a good policy. It sure has been successful so far. We are the fastest growing community of this kind in the country.


I think it is because the Morses grew up in the center of the country. We are raised differently.


I would rather walk off the golf course than tell someone the etiquette of golf. You can't make a New Yorker out of an Ohio person. One is raised to speak up and the other is not.

[Walter123]

I would rather walk off the golf course than tell someone the etiquette of golf. You can't make a New Yorker out of an Ohio person. One is raised to speak up and the other is not.

More people walking off (whether you're from NY or Ohio) will surely speed up play.

[tomwed]

Last week, Volusia, 20 mins late.
Do you think you were you detained due to slow play?
Where I come from in South Jersey, "We're running 20 minutes late" for a tee off time; is on time.
I guess back home we're more easy going than the rest of the country.

[Walter123]

Do you think you were you detained due to slow play?
Where I come from in South Jersey, "We're running 20 minutes late" for a tee off time; is on time.
I guess back home we're more easy going than the rest of the country.

Hi Tom,

As you said before, when was the last time you tee'd off late in The Villages?

99% of the time I tee off early or at least on time.

Live, Laugh, Play.........

[tuccillo]

Yes, it was due to slow play. The person in the starter shack indicated that and you could see several groups of novice golfers. The bizarre pin placement on the first hole didn't help. I went there knowing it could be slow so it was not a big deal.

Do you think you were you detained due to slow play?
Where I come from in South Jersey, "We're running 20 minutes late" for a tee off time; is on time.
I guess back home we're more easy going than the rest of the country.

[golfing eagles]

More people walking off (whether you're from NY or Ohio) will surly speed up play.

Not really. It's like a Kanga line---you can only go as fast as the slowest foursome--and THEY'RE not the ones who will walk off

[Walter123]

Not really. It's like a Kanga line---you can only go as fast as the slowest foursome--and THEY'RE not the ones who will walk off

Doesn't matter who walks off. It will open up a slot and, increase the speed of play for anyone behind them.

In a perfect world no one would be waiting but we do not live in a perfect world.
Given the demographics of The Villages slow play is to be expected. That is obvious to even the most casual observer.

Now that the younger birds are arriving, there will be more of this subject. We were all young once and we will all be old. And when I'm 85, what's behind me will not be important.

[virgind]

Boy I'm sure glad I dont golf

[Spinning3]

Whether executive course or not, golf etiquette and the pick up rule should be observed. We all understand that this is not championship golf and there will be some wait time. However, hitting 3 or 4 balls, taking 10-12 shots, giving golf lessons on the course, having chit chat by the green while people are behind you and ready to hit is really a bit too much.

[tomwed]

So far only I person said they teed off late. I can't recall the last time I teed off late. I can recall many times being told you should try to get here 15 minutes early. In fact, down here, being 10 minutes early is 5 minutes late.

[Walter123]

So far only I person said they teed off late. I can't recall the last time I teed off late. I can recall many times being told you should try to get here 15 minutes early. In fact, down here, being 10 minutes early is 5 minutes late.

Tee'd off 15 minutes early on Pelican yesterday and completed the round in under 90 minutes! Oh, didn't lose any balls!

[golfing eagles]

Doesn't matter who walks off. It will open up a slot and, increase the speed of play for anyone behind them.


Not if the group(s) behind the open slot don't play any faster, they will just have more open holes ahead of them

[Walter123]

For all of the "follow the rules people" out there. You are allowed 5 minutes to look for your lost ball.

[tomwed]

For all of the "follow the rules people" out there. You are allowed 5 minutes to look for your lost ball.
That's not for me.
I buy mine at yard sales for about 10 cents each. If I can't walk up to the ball, I just drop another. I hate looking for balls, especially someone else's.

[tomwed]

Tee'd off 15 minutes early on Pelican yesterday and completed the round in under 90 minutes! Oh, didn't lose any balls!
When I play pelican with my pals, it doesn't matter what you shoot as much as it does that you didn't loose a ball. You can be doing great and than comes 9. By the way,,,they trimmed up Pelican, gave it a haircut and it looks great, like a different course.

[tuccillo]

I am glad to hear that Pelican is looking better. I haven't played there in a bit and the last time out it was looking a bit shaggy and hole 7 was closed. Thanks for the update.

When I play pelican with my pals, it doesn't matter what you shoot as much as it does that you didn't loose a ball. You can be doing great and than comes 9. By the way,,,they trimmed up Pelican, gave it a haircut and it looks great, like a different course.

[tuccillo]

Pelican is a "4". I don't believe you will find many novice golfers on it. When I play there, the pace of play is always good.

Tee'd off 15 minutes early on Pelican yesterday and completed the round in under 90 minutes! Oh, didn't lose any balls!

[Bosoxfan]

Slow play is mainly due to ,for lack of a better word, "inconsiderate" or "uneducated folks. You see as long as you are keeping up with the group in front of you things will be fine. Things that can help speed up play are ..leaving the greens when you're done...carry your clubs in your hand to the cart..don't put them away until you reach the next tee box. This is also the time you can mark your score card and discuss amongst your playing partners where you're going for dinner. Make sure you park your cart behind the green and walk off the green towards your cart. Parking your cart halfway between tee & green then going back for it after you finish the hole slows play considerably. Also as stated previously in this & many similar threads pick up after double par.:gc:

[Polar Bear]

...allowing 5 minutes to find your ball on an exec course where pace of play should be about 9 minutes per hole is way too much time!
:agree:

[DigitalGranny]

I'm a novice learning golf. I sincerely hope I do not inconvenience experienced golfers. I love the ambassadors on the courses I have played. I find them to be very helpful when asked and encouraging. One gave my husband a coupon for the pro shop just for repairing the marks on the green ( yours plus one more is what I learned in the good golf school). Here's what I do to try to respect others. We play late in the day when the course is less crowded. If I get slow, I skip my tee shot and just drop my ball where my husbands tee shot lands. He is teaching me, but limits the "tips" to one per hole. I pick up my ball if I reach 6 strokes. I play only the executive courses rated 1 or 2 for difficulty. I watch the people behind me and if they are moving faster, I skip a hole. I carry my chipper and putter as I approach the green and always park the cart past the green. Again, I hope I don't inconvenience anyone. I love playing -and find its beautiful on our courses here! More advice?

[Polar Bear]

I'm a novice learning golf. I sincerely hope I do not inconvenience experienced golfers. I love the ambassadors on the courses I have played. I find them to be very helpful when asked and encouraging. One gave my husband a coupon for the pro shop just for repairing the marks on the green ( yours plus one more is what I learned in the good golf school). Here's what I do to try to respect others. We play late in the day when the course is less crowded. If I get slow, I skip my tee shot and just drop my ball where my husbands tee shot lands. He is teaching me, but limits the "tips" to one per hole. I pick up my ball if I reach 6 strokes. I play only the executive courses rated 1 or 2 for difficulty. I watch the people behind me and if they are moving faster, I skip a hole. I carry my chipper and putter as I approach the green and always park the cart past the green. Again, I hope I don't inconvenience anyone. I love playing -and find its beautiful on our courses here! More advice?

My advice...Keep up the good work, DG!! :)

[golfing eagles]

My advice...Keep up the good work, DG!! :)

:agree: I'll second that

Polar Bear knows what he is talking about (usually):1rotfl: (Sorry, just had to do it)

[buckscounty]

I don't think so, they have no authority to do anything.

[carolmaidstone]

[QUOTE=fred53;1139509]that you're playing an executive course and you're right we are glorified water boys, but some of us are more proactive than others...still there are a limited number of things we can do to speed up groups like that.

Playing a local course today, one of the ambassadors stopped to offer water and I noted that he had taken this thread to heart. Obviously becoming more proactive- in his cart he was carrying an exceptionally large hammer.

[mulligan]

I don't think so, they have no authority to do anything.

Absolutely 100% not true. I am an ambassador and I know better.

[graciegirl]

Absolutely 100% not true. I am an ambassador and I know better.



Mulligan. I want to thank you again, for your patience and for remaining on the job here. I couldn't do what you are doing and I couldn't be a server here.


There are so many selfish and demanding seniors that I would quit in five minutes.


I have yet to meet an Ambassador on any of our golf courses here who wasn't helpful, very much on the job and every one of them knows golf well and are veteran golfers themselves. They are gentleman and ladies with very engaging personalities and groups I have been in have been reminded gently to speed it up. (I want everyone to know that slow play wasn't my fault)


Thank you Mulligan. Don't quit!!!!!! But I want to ask.... Are you allowed to eject people from the course? I never thought so...

[TheVillageChicken]

///

[Challenger]

Slow play is mainly due to ,for lack of a better word, "inconsiderate" or "uneducated folks. You see as long as you are keeping up with the group in front of you things will be fine. Things that can help speed up play are ..leaving the greens when you're done...carry your clubs in your hand to the cart..don't put them away until you reach the next tee box. This is also the time you can mark your score card and discuss amongst your playing partners where you're going for dinner. Make sure you park your cart behind the green and walk off the green towards your cart. Parking your cart halfway between tee & green then going back for it after you finish the hole slows play considerably. Also as stated previously in this & many similar threads pick up after double par.:gc:

Yes-Yes_yes

[mulligan]

Mulligan. I want to thank you again, for your patience and for remaining on the job here. I couldn't do what you are doing and I couldn't be a server here.


There are so many selfish and demanding seniors that I would quit in five minutes.


I have yet to meet an Ambassador on any of our golf courses here who wasn't helpful, very much on the job and every one of them knows golf well and are veteran golfers themselves. They are gentleman and ladies with very engaging personalities and groups I have been in have been reminded gently to speed it up. (I want everyone to know that slow play wasn't my fault)


Thank you Mulligan. Don't quit!!!!!! But I want to ask.... Are you allowed to eject people from the course? I never thought so...

Thank you for your kind words Gracie. We are trained to assess a slow play situation, and do what we can to speed up play. We are advised to step away from confrontation, and call a manager. The management will back us up 100% if we have taken the proscribed steps to resolve the situation. That may include ejection from the course, and suspension of the offender's ID number depending on the severity of the situation. Ambassadors who feel they have been abused are encouraged to report such to management.

[Edjkoz]

I appreciate golfers who are considerate of others and keep the pace going

[Bogie Shooter]

Thank you for your kind words Gracie. We are trained to assess a slow play situation, and do what we can to speed up play. We are advised to step away from confrontation, and call a manager. The management will back us up 100% if we have taken the proscribed steps to resolve the situation. That may include ejection from the course, and suspension of the offender's ID number depending on the severity of the situation. Ambassadors who feel they have been abused are encouraged to report such to management.

Thank you!
Too often folks forget that most of you are our neighbors!!

[Polar Bear]

Just one more 'thanks!!' to the Ambassadors. :)

[tomwed]

Thank you for your kind words Gracie. We are trained to assess a slow play situation, and do what we can to speed up play. We are advised to step away from confrontation, and call a manager. The management will back us up 100% if we have taken the proscribed steps to resolve the situation. That may include ejection from the course, and suspension of the offender's ID number depending on the severity of the situation. Ambassadors who feel they have been abused are encouraged to report such to management.
off topic
What is the fine for going in a restricted area, a conservation area? The proper name escapes me.
There are warnings but the posted warnings I've seen seem like a slap on the wrist.

[Polar Bear]

Violation/penalties can vary with each individual permit.

[Rbgold]

It's a shame that all residents who wish to golf don't take the Good Golf session offered by The Villages, although I am sure that many believe that Ready Golf doesn't apply to them. Case in Point: I play in Friday league on the executive courses. A few weeks ago, as our group was heading out, the ambassador stopped us and said that he hoped we had a lot to talk about that day. We looked at him quizzically, and he told us that there were 8 foursomes ahead of us (virtually the entire course) and they were playing 'worst ball'! Don't ask how how it is played, but we waited and waited and waited on every hole! The ambassador told us that he had no control over how people choose to play the game i.e., best ball, worst ball, etc. we suggested that he might want to bring this to the attention of the golf management.
The delay did not prevent us from enjoying the beautiful day, we just had to wait a little longer to get to lunch!
Life is (still) good!!!

[tomwed]

Violation/penalties can vary with each individual permit.
I don't know what that means.

[Polar Bear]

I don't know what that means.
Nothing mysterious or anything, but maybe I'm not understanding your original question. If you're asking about permit requirements, restrictions, violations, etc., each wetland, preservation, development site, etc. has a specific permit associated with it. Each permit (County, SWFWMD, FDEP, etc.) can impose different restrictions on the site for which the permit applies. There is no "standard" set that applies to all sites.

[Bogie Shooter]

Nothing mysterious or anything, only that each wetland, preservation, development site, etc. has a specific permit associated with it. Each permit (County, SWFWMD, FDEP, etc.) can impose different restrictions on the site for which the permit applies. There is no "standard" set that applies to all sites.

No worries if you stay out!

[Djembe dude]

Kudos to the ambassadors, they have their hands tied. If they try and enforce anything some idiots who thinks they are above the rest of us will complain and the ambassador will be fired.

[Bogie Shooter]

Kudos to the ambassadors, they have their hands tied. If they try and enforce anything some idiots who thinks they are above the rest of us will complain and the ambassador will be fired.

Ambassadors have posted on TOTV, that this is not true.

[rubicon]

Thank you for your kind words Gracie. We are trained to assess a slow play situation, and do what we can to speed up play. We are advised to step away from confrontation, and call a manager. The management will back us up 100% if we have taken the proscribed steps to resolve the situation. That may include ejection from the course, and suspension of the offender's ID number depending on the severity of the situation. Ambassadors who feel they have been abused are encouraged to report such to management.

Dear mulligan: I have lived here for over 9 years and what you say rings true. I often play as a single and have been teamed up with players that have been very confrontational and rude to ambassadors turning the air blue with their foul language, etc. This has happened more than once in my presence and on both championship and executive courses.

The issue isn't which tee you play from as much as your cooperation in playing ready golf, applying the Callaway rule (in the pocket after two-three-four strokes on executive courses and moving on. Its not standing over the ball like in a trance and remembering that your group is probably thinking "while I'm still young". too long over the ball almost guarantees a bad shot.No the big issue boils down to lack of etiquette

[tomwed]

Nothing mysterious or anything, but maybe I'm not understanding your original question. If you're asking about permit requirements, restrictions, violations, etc., each wetland, preservation, development site, etc. has a specific permit associated with it. Each permit (County, SWFWMD, FDEP, etc.) can impose different restrictions on the site for which the permit applies. There is no "standard" set that applies to all sites.
If you walk into a restricted area you may be given a fine of $250. Is that a myth or is it the truth?

[dbussone]

If you walk into a restricted area you may be given a fine of $250. Is that a myth or is it the truth?

I was in a foursome when one of our group retrieved a ball from a restricted area. An ambassador rushed up and told him that he faced a $250 fine and loss of his golfing privileges if he was ever caught doing it again. (The ambassador did not say this in a joking manner, either)

[tomwed]

I was in a foursome when one of our group retrieved a ball from a restricted area. An ambassador rushed up and told him that he faced a $250 fine and loss of his golfing privileges if he was ever caught doing it again. (The ambassador did not say this in a joking manner, either)
Thank-you
That's fair but the fine should also be posted if everyone wants it to stop.

There a stake and I can't remember the color of the top but it's a warning that the area is dangerous. On Valushia there is one by the rocks. I guess it's snakes.

[Bogie Shooter]

Thank-you
That's fair but the fine should also be posted if everyone wants it to stop.

There a stake and I can't remember the color of the top but it's a warning that the area is dangerous. On Valushia there is one by the rocks. I guess it's snakes.

No, not snakes. You need to ask the starter they can explain ,all, of the stakes.

[tomwed]

This explains the Environmentally Sensitive Areas.
http://www.golfthevillages.com/turftalk/Environmentally%20Sensitive%20Areas.pdf

[golfing eagles]

Despite all that, some people just don't get it. I live on a course with a protected pond about 60 yards from my lanai. Everyday I watch golfers walk into the protected area, fish for golf balls and hack around with a club. Why bother even looking when you are not permitted to retrieve it anyway? All that to risk a large fine, a snake bite or an alligator attack for a $2 golf ball? If it is not found outside the hazard, just drop one and take your penalty stroke. From what I observe, it looks like for most of them it's the difference between shooting 117 and 118 anyway. From the way they act, you would think it was the record score at the US Open on the line.

[graciegirl]

I would recommend that you play on the more difficult Level 4 courses. I believe they attract fewer new players so the pace of play should be better.



Excellent advice.


And to the OP, don't malign the Golf Ambassadors. They are doing exactly what they are instructed to do or not do. I have yet to meet one who was not a gentleman or a gentlelady in all of the rounds of golf I have played here. If you want more, umm, traditional golf and golfers, pay to play on the 18 hole courses.

[Bay Kid]

Life goes by very fast, enjoy the view.

[Blessed2BNTV]

I'm a novice learning golf. I sincerely hope I do not inconvenience experienced golfers. I love the ambassadors on the courses I have played. I find them to be very helpful when asked and encouraging. One gave my husband a coupon for the pro shop just for repairing the marks on the green ( yours plus one more is what I learned in the good golf school). Here's what I do to try to respect others. We play late in the day when the course is less crowded. If I get slow, I skip my tee shot and just drop my ball where my husbands tee shot lands. He is teaching me, but limits the "tips" to one per hole. I pick up my ball if I reach 6 strokes. I play only the executive courses rated 1 or 2 for difficulty. I watch the people behind me and if they are moving faster, I skip a hole. I carry my chipper and putter as I approach the green and always park the cart past the green. Again, I hope I don't inconvenience anyone. I love playing -and find its beautiful on our courses here! More advice?

I found my soul mate! That's what I do while I am in the learning process of golf. I love this game!

Would love to play with you and hubby!

[tomwed]

Despite all that, some people just don't get it. I live on a course with a protected pond about 60 yards from my lanai. Everyday I watch golfers walk into the protected area, fish for golf balls and hack around with a club. Why bother even looking when you are not permitted to retrieve it anyway? All that to risk a large fine, a snake bite or an alligator attack for a $2 golf ball? If it is not found outside the hazard, just drop one and take your penalty stroke. From what I observe, it looks like for most of them it's the difference between shooting 117 and 118 anyway. From the way they act, you would think it was the record score at the US Open on the line.
The people I play with regularly buy used balls, find balls in unrestricted areas without slowing down play and don't loose very many balls. We don't worry about gators if the ball can be scoped in a couple of seconds. We never step on the rocks, snakes. Having said that we laugh at the people you describe because they are risking a huge fine for a 10 cent ball. Maybe they think they are saving a stroke because it's not "lost".

The person that was fined that I heard about was turned in by a golf course homeowner. He took his picture and turned it in with the time. The next day someone showed up a the golfers house, asked if this was him and than fined.

If I'm playing with a stranger that's either new to golf or new to the area, 99% of the time I'm comfortable enough to tell them what I heard.

[rjn5656]

Has anyone ever taught new golfers _ if you are slow and there are open holes ahead of you, you can speed up or let the group behind you play through.

[golfing eagles]

Has anyone ever taught new golfers _ if you are slow and there are open holes ahead of you, you can speed up or let the group behind you play through.

Probably 7 billion times in the history of golf. But how often do they listen or actually do it?

[graciegirl]

Probably 7 billion times in the history of golf. But how often do they listen or actually do it?



NEVER. We will now get lectured on we are retired, what's the hurry. Oh dear.


WHILE WE ARE YOUNG....Arnie says.


Double par, pick it up.


Don't even THINK about hitting two balls.


Can't wait to read the next posts but I feel better.

So glad you are part of this forum, Doc.

[golfing eagles]

NEVER. We will now get lectured on we are retired, what's the hurry. Oh dear.


WHILE WE ARE YOUNG....Arnie says.


Double par, pick it up.


Don't even THINK about hitting two balls.


Can't wait to read the next posts but I feel better.

So glad you are part of this forum, Doc.

Actually GG, I'd turn that around. What's the hurry? Probably nothing, or maybe someone allotted just so much time to play 9 short holes. Maybe they have an appointment, or a dinner reservation, or a movie time, or company coming over. Take a drive to LA on I-10--but go 25 mph.---what's the hurry?

So they better question is: What's all the lollygagging all about? No other place to talk incessantly than a golf course? No driving ranges to practice at? You've convinced yourself that a 9 is better than a 10 on a 100 yd. hole? There aren't any sidewalks to take a slow stroll?

There are defined average time parameters to play a golf hole---this helps with the enjoyment of the game for EVERYONE. Not playing at a REASONABLE pace (not rushing but not dawdling) affects everyone else on the course (behind you)

[drooney60@hotmail.com]

My husband is a Golf Ambassador for the Glenview Golf and Country Club. Yes, there are some Ambassadors that never get out of their cart, but the majority of them do a great job. My husband has been there for 3 years and folks have often complimented on how he does his job. He is a people person and treats everyone the way he would want to be treated. Granted, the job doesn't seem that difficult, but when you have folks that are really slow and don't want to listen to you, there is some stress involved. Kudos to the Golf Ambassadors in the Villages!!!

[golfing eagles]

My husband is a Golf Ambassador for the Glenview Golf and Country Club. Yes, there are some Ambassadors that never get out of their cart, but the majority of them do a great job. My husband has been there for 3 years and folks have often complimented on how he does his job. He is a people person and treats everyone the way he would want to be treated. Granted, the job doesn't seem that difficult, but when you have folks that are really slow and don't want to listen to you, there is some stress involved. Kudos to the Golf Ambassadors in the Villages!!!

:thumbup::thumbup::BigApplause::bigbow:

[Polar Bear]

...Kudos to the Golf Ambassadors in the Villages!!!
:beer3:

[rdhdleo]

Thank you for your kind words Gracie. We are trained to assess a slow play situation, and do what we can to speed up play. We are advised to step away from confrontation, and call a manager. The management will back us up 100% if we have taken the proscribed steps to resolve the situation. That may include ejection from the course, and suspension of the offender's ID number depending on the severity of the situation. Ambassadors who feel they have been abused are encouraged to report such to management.

Thank you Mulligan, you are so right. My husband is an Ambassador and works in the shack also depending on the day. He loves his job and most all the people he meets, but there's always that exception. Only a few times have people gotten confrontational with him and that is when he offers to call Management so their issue can be addressed further. Yes people remember these Ambassadors are your neighbors and fellow golfers also. lets just be kind to one another. I have to say some of the stories he has related to me have my head shaking though.... Thanks again Mulligan :)

[Topspinmo]

Is this something unique to exec courses. I see the ambassadors speeding up play on championship courses all the time.

Championship courses equals = money $180 plus round of four, that's the reason for speeding up play. Executive course equal CAPUT, other the trail fees.

[Bogie Shooter]

Championship courses equals = money $180 plus round of four, that's the reason for speeding up play. Executive course equal CAPUT, other the trail fees.

If the tee times are all booked, how does the pace of play effect the $$$$?

[tomwed]

Tee times are spaced 9 minutes apart and pace of play needs to be around 9 minutes or everyone behind a slow group suffers.

Does anyone tee off past their tee off time? They don't like it when you show up on time and not 20 minutes earlier but I don't recall teeing off late. Am I the only lucky one that doesn't get held up on the first tee because of slow pokes up ahead?
I don't think it's happened to me 1 out of 50 times.

[Mikeod]

Does anyone tee off past their tee off time? They don't like it when you show up on time and not 20 minutes earlier but I don't recall teeing off late. Am I the only lucky one that doesn't get held up on the first tee because of slow pokes up ahead?
It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. I've experienced occasions when the starter will say they are running late because of a group or two.

[Jimigolf]

Is this something unique to exec courses. I see the ambassadors speeding up play on championship courses all the time.

Absolutely not! They won't say boo about speed of play for fear of losing their jobs. The give out sand and water and don't do squat about speed of play on any of the Championship Courses. They hire wimps and demand that they act as such.

[bluedog103]

Slow play is mainly due to ,for lack of a better word, "inconsiderate" or "uneducated folks. You see as long as you are keeping up with the group in front of you things will be fine. Things that can help speed up play are ..leaving the greens when you're done...carry your clubs in your hand to the cart..don't put them away until you reach the next tee box. This is also the time you can mark your score card and discuss amongst your playing partners where you're going for dinner. Make sure you park your cart behind the green and walk off the green towards your cart. Parking your cart halfway between tee & green then going back for it after you finish the hole slows play considerably. Also as stated previously in this & many similar threads pick up after double par.:gc:
Where's that "Like" button!

[kcrazorbackfan]

FAr too many golfers that are either new, uninformed or just do not care.

The next time I see anybody in front of us playing ready golf will be the first time.

Further testimony and annoying a can be.....unrepair ball marks on the greens....and not raking the sand traps.

Ready golf.....repair ballmarks on greens....rake sand traps.....
BASICS......should be drummed with signage and articles in all the home owner papers, clubs, newspapers, closing papers, etc.

I am ready to conclude the problem is too many do not care and think that is some one elses job.

Other than those three things I enjoy being out on the course as muchas possible.

I'd like to add 1 more to those 3 things - filling divots with free sand that is at all the courses and on the ambassadors carts. That bottle mounted on the back of your carts is not a urinal; take a moment to fill all the results of all those crappy practice swings.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Absolutely not! They won't say boo about speed of play for fear of losing their jobs. The give out sand and water and don't do squat about speed of play on any of the Championship Courses. They hire wimps and demand that they act as such.

Waaaa! Call the waaambulance. Smack talk from a Jr. Newbie. Stay off their a**. These guys make minimum wage and are ALL RETIRED, most from successful careers. They are doing what the mission statement of their employer (Golf Management Services) is - "to provide the friendliest golf and country club experience in the world". All the courses are full and, for the most part, everyone is happy.

Head to the Country Club of the executive/championship course you're playing and complain to the General Manager, or, better yet, go to GMS in the La Reina building at Spanish Springs and complain to them. Report back to us after either of those meetings.

[sling438]

I agree with Walter 123. If you're level of golf is "pretty good", then you should probably be playing some of the championship courses. Ten strokes on a par 3 course is a lot though.

[robertj1954]

I disagree with a few of the posts. There are at times issues with slow play on Executive courses, but it is not the norm. These courses are offered to Villagers as free golf and the courses are set up in different levels for all to enjoy. The majority of executives allow 1 hour and 45 minutes to play 9 holes. If pace of play is far behind. You will know when you check in with the starter, because your tee time will be pushed back. That RARELEY happens!

There will AWAYS be a few groups that have difficulty meeting the time pace. As for the poor golf etiquette that goes on the careless golfers. But to condem every Ambassador for those rare issues and label them "Glorified Water Boys" is insulting and inappropriate.

The Champion courses are available and pace of play is closely monitored to ensure the wave is able to keep tee times on time. The majority of golfers on Championship courses are good golfers and follow golf etiquette. Of course there will always be the 1% who don't. So if the pace of play is that oppressive to your golfing enjoyment then becoming a priority golfer just might be in your interest.

[Scott8147]

Although we are good golfers, when we moved here, we went to the free lecture about Villages golf to get a sense of the local rules. One thing I remember is the golf pro telling us about ready golf and that you should pick up after you had scored "double par". As he said it: "There is only so much fun you can have on each hole."

[jgreen12]

My complaint is with the champ courses such as Bel Glade, etc. The ambassadors need to speak to the players that are holding up play and leave the players that are waiting on the tee box and in the field alone. Aggravating the players that are keeping up only increases bad play. I agree that the better players should play the more difficult courses, or play from the black tees. Also, consider playing earlier in the morning. New players usually play later in the day. Remember....we were ALL NEW at one time.

[OhioBuckeye]

Overall, the golf ambassadors do a nice job being "Village Ambassadors" which are no more than being glorified waterboys. There is no one on the courses making sure that the pace of play is adequate, people aren't dragging their spikes on the greens, raking traps etc. Today, we had to quit after 4 holes took 1hr 15 min. That means it would have taken us almost 3 hours to finish when we should be done in half that.

The foursome in front of us were playing off the gold tees and really needed to be playing the green tees, especially the 2 women in the group. They were not playing ready golf, taking up to 10 strokes on a hole and looking for their balls in the water instead of picking up. By the third hole, there were already 2 holes open in front of them. When I casually mentioned to the ambassador that the pace was too slow, he said it's slow all over and it's a nice day anyway.

Tee times are spaced 9 minutes apart and pace of play needs to be around 9 minutes or everyone behind a slow group suffers. I really like the ambassadors but they need to be given authority to tell people to pick up the pace, rake a trap or follow whatever rules the wonderful game of golf follows.

By the way, we're pretty decent golfers and were playing the golds because of the wind!! I agree, but the Ambassadors I'm sure are instructed to not ruffle any feathers. The Villages are here only to sell homes & make everybody happy & to have the ambassadors tell a golfer they're playing to slow might make some people mad (so what) & The Villages can't have that. You're are exactly right though but I really don't think these glorified water boys are going to be instructed to say anything to the golfers.

[OhioBuckeye]

The Villages are in business to sell homes not to make anybody mad because they're playing to slow on the Executive golf. I'm sure the ambassadors are doing their jobs on how they were instructed. I don't blame them as much as I do The Villages Board. There's no way if we had some pro's playing here, even if it was for fun that they would have slow play, in fact they would have any body on the course. I'm just happy it only cost me $140. a yr. for a trail pass & FREE for the golf. It is pretty sad that these golfers don't have any ETIQETTE or were instructed better at the start of their round!

[Ithreeputtoo]

I agree that play on the Executive courses is slow a lot of the times I play. Not sure how much good it might do but I think EVERYONE should be required to take the Good Golf School. They could do this for each new resident card issued. Then maybe the new to golfers would have some idea about pace of play, play Ready Golf, play the right tees for your level of play, rake the sand traps and pick up and move on after 6 shots of par 3's. This would be good for ALL golfers. I also agree that the executive ambassadors have no authority to do anything to correct any of the issues which is unfortunate for all.

[golfing eagles]

I agree that play on the Executive courses is slow a lot of the times I play. Not sure how much good it might do but I think EVERYONE should be required to take the Good Golf School. They could do this for each new resident card issued. Then maybe the new to golfers would have some idea about pace of play, play Ready Golf, play the right tees for your level of play, rake the sand traps and pick up and move on after 6 shots of par 3's. This would be good for ALL golfers. I also agree that the executive ambassadors have no authority to do anything to correct any of the issues which is unfortunate for all.

Everyone is a broad category. If Phil Mickelson or Jordan Spieth moves here, you would REQUIRE them to attend good golf school? There are many players here that have played for a long time and at high levels who probably know as much about etiquette and the rules as those teaching the course.

My complaint is with the champ courses such as Bel Glade, etc. The ambassadors need to speak to the players that are holding up play and leave the players that are waiting on the tee box and in the field alone. Aggravating the players that are keeping up only increases bad play. I agree that the better players should play the more difficult courses, or play from the black tees. Also, consider playing earlier in the morning. New players usually play later in the day. Remember....we were ALL NEW at one time.

I think the ambassadors are reluctant to do this in general---they'll get nothing but grief, and I'm not sure they always are aware of where the problem is. I'll relate this story from last year---and this is the ONE and ONLY time and is not reflective of the ambassadors in general. I was in a foursome playing EP Osprey to Egret and as we approached our 16th green the ambassador came specifically to me and said it was OK to pick up if I was taking too many strokes. I found this quite strange for the following reasons:
1) I was looking at a 12 foot birdie putt
2) I was 2 over par thru 15
3) The group in front was on the 17th tee and the group behind was 1 1/2 holes behind
4) From tee off to the time I was driving out of the parking lot was 3 hrs, 54 minutes---recommended PLAY time 4 hrs, 18 minutes. So the group ahead played in the same time.
I had no idea what to make of this, so I smiled and thanked him for his suggestion---maybe a bad day or lost track of which group he wanted to speak to, but this was an isolated incident.

[justjim]

We play the executive courses about twice a week. Over the last 10 years we have seen "it all" on the executive courses. Very slow play seems to happen about 10% of the time and slow play another 15-of the time. So you do the math. i know it may seem more to a lot of golfers. We have learned to play the level 3 & 4 courses and stay away from late in the evening play unless we are just killing time" and don't care about slow play.

I agree nothing is going to change because of what others have already posted. Fore!

[DonH57]

There have been very, very few times my group have had to wait to tee off. In fact 7 of ten times we've been pushed out 15 to 20 minutes early and it would be fine except on most of these cases by the time we are at the 4th or 5th hole here comes the traffic jam.

[The Mountaineer]

If you're that bothered by the group in front going that slow talk to them directly, they may not be aware.

Rather than leave play ahead of them it's wide open

.

If they're on the 4th fairway, just go to the 5th tee and continue on your way. Does it really matter that you skipped the 4th hole? When you play daily, one hole isn't the end-all and be-all of your life.

Many on the executive courses have never played golf till they retired. Sure, the pace can destroy your game. But you're in the sunshine, you don't have to go to the office and you're among friends.

Life doesn't get much better than that.

[Villag]

As an Ambassador I take personal offense at being called a "glorified waterboy". Our mission is to ensure that EVERYONE can enjoy their round of golf. To say that we have no authority is very wrong. We can report individuals to our Managers and to GMS who will always follow up, and will call the person(s) that have given the Ambassadors a bad time. There have been many cases where golfers lose their golfing privileges for periods up to one year for not following the Ambassadors instructions or causing possible harm to others.

When approaching a group that is seriously out of position to suggest that they pick up their pace of play, most people comply. The arrogant players verbally attack the Ambassador for doing his job and always say that it's the group in front of them that's causing the slow play - (never mind that there are two holes open in front of them). Most Ambassadors work very hard to ensure that the course is well maintained, that people have enough water and sand, and that play is moving along. We are responsible for the management of the course.

When I see a person hitting multiple balls when there are groups directly behind them, I'll "politely" ask that they only play one ball so that others can enjoy their round. Some people seem to think that the executive courses are designed for practicing. THEY ARE NOT! They're there to be PLAYED! So, when you're putting for your 10th stroke on a par three, or looking for golf balls by the water, or giving instructions to another golfer, we ask that you be cognizant of your fellow golfers that are patiently waiting behind you.

The Ambassadors are there to support you so that you can enjoy your round of golf. We ask that you Respect the Game and have consideration for others behind you.

[golfing eagles]

Very well said!!! Keep up the good work.:bigbow:

[pearlsam]

AMEN! I have said the same thing for 9 years. Please start acting like ambassadors and do all of us a favor. There is nothing unreasonable about good golf practices.

[mdticket]

Absolutely not! They won't say boo about speed of play for fear of losing their jobs. The give out sand and water and don't do squat about speed of play on any of the Championship Courses. They hire wimps and demand that they act as such.


Your statement couldn't be further from the truth!!!

[golfing eagles]

I think there is a very simple way of looking at this. If you are keeping pace and not doing anything stupid, the most you'll hear from an ambassador is an offer for a drink of water or more sand in your bottle. However, if you are 2 holes behind, hitting 2 balls, not repairing divots or ball marks, not raking sand, yacking 5 minutes on each tee, giving constant lessons to your group, or hacking through protected wetland, YOU ARE EXACTLY the person(s) that the rest of us want the ambassador to address. If you didn't know any better, you should have, and now you do. If you knew and chose to ignore these simple rules, there should be some sort of action taken. Unfortunately, these are the very golfers that give the ambassadors a hard time. They probably also curse the police for doing their job as well. I'm glad 99% of the people here are NOT like that.

[mdticket]

If the tee times are all booked, how does the pace of play effect the $$$$?

At this time of year slow play even by the first group of the morning can mean folks in the afternoon could end up in the dark. This can also lead to people getting rain checks especially those in twosomes or threesomes. Even when play is ahead of pace play will seem slow for such groups. It is always better to play in a foursome if a slower pace effects your play or attitude.

[Grill Meister]

I am an ex-ambassador, having been fired and have joined a very exclusive and fast growing number of ex-golf course employees...without explanation. That being said, the ambassadors are not glorified water-boys. They normally do a fantastic job...sometimes in the face of abuse from players who think they are glorified water-boys!

The executive courses are totally different from the championship courses. Usually players move along with no delay and no one gets upset.....in the 5 years I worked the executive courses, I had only once incidence for slow play.

Now.....on the championship courses, it's way different.

What you experienced is way out of line and you should have brought this to the attention of the club pro or the "outside manager" who is responsible for seeing that the ambassadors are making sure the "pace of play" is maintained. Each ambassador is given a list of players and their starting times for the nine holes that the ambassador is responsible for. On that list (starting sheet) are times that indicate the time, on the clock, that each group should be at each of the nine holes. If a group starts to fall behind, the ambassador should approach the group, greet them and...."I need you to do me a favor, your group is behind XXXX minutes, and I will appreciate your picking up the pace of play so that others and not being held up. The ambassador marks this event on his starting sheet. The ambassador should "touch" each group at least 3 times during the nine holes. If the tardy group is behind after the ambassador asks them politely to speed up pace of play, the ambassador should then tell the group to move immediately to the appropriate position on the course. If they refuse or do not get into the proper position on the course, the outside manager is called to the course for appropriate action. All of this is thoroughly documents on the ambassador's starting sheet.

Next time, let the pro know!

[arickis]

You need the right frame of mind to play the exec's. I have tried playing the harder courses to no avail...still beginners with no clue, playing from the blacks. If you play for the excersise and some practice, it will be less stressfull....otherwise....it will eat you alive!

[dewilson58]

I am an ex-ambassador, having been fired and have joined a very exclusive and fast growing number of ex-golf course employees...without explanation. That being said, the ambassadors are not glorified water-boys. They normally do a fantastic job...sometimes in the face of abuse from players who think they are glorified water-boys!

The executive courses are totally different from the championship courses. Usually players move along with no delay and no one gets upset.....in the 5 years I worked the executive courses, I had only once incidence for slow play.

Now.....on the championship courses, it's way different.

What you experienced is way out of line and you should have brought this to the attention of the club pro or the "outside manager" who is responsible for seeing that the ambassadors are making sure the "pace of play" is maintained. Each ambassador is given a list of players and their starting times for the nine holes that the ambassador is responsible for. On that list (starting sheet) are times that indicate the time, on the clock, that each group should be at each of the nine holes. If a group starts to fall behind, the ambassador should approach the group, greet them and...."I need you to do me a favor, your group is behind XXXX minutes, and I will appreciate your picking up the pace of play so that others and not being held up. The ambassador marks this event on his starting sheet. The ambassador should "touch" each group at least 3 times during the nine holes. If the tardy group is behind after the ambassador asks them politely to speed up pace of play, the ambassador should then tell the group to move immediately to the appropriate position on the course. If they refuse or do not get into the proper position on the course, the outside manager is called to the course for appropriate action. All of this is thoroughly documents on the ambassador's starting sheet.

Next time, let the pro know!


Good information.
Thanks for he post.

[tmbromley]

Your life will be much better if you learn to accept the executive courses for what they are.

I accept that executive golf courses are for those that are learning the game and it is a good place for that but it is not a substitute for the practice tee. There are rules of play so that everyone enjoys the game on the executive courses as they are no one persons private practice range.

People that take up the great game of golf should follow rules of etiquette and play:

If you are learning pick up after 7 shots on a par 3 and go to the green with the other members and practice a putt if you like but you should not continue to hit shot after shot after 7 shots. That is completely inconsiderate of others and the game of golf has rules of etiquette.

If you have never played the game it is totally inappropriate to go to an executive course and start by playing. That is also a sure fire way to build in wrong swing thoughts and actions. The golf swing is not natural. You should get lessons first and practice those lessons before subjecting the course or other golfers playing behind you to an untried swing.

Learn how to fix ball marks and rake sand traps - priority golf membership does not entitle one to forget those things - the ambassador is not anyone's personal caddie! They are not responsible to rake your traps for you or fix your ball marks either.

When fixing ball marks learn how to do that correctly by folding the grass back in place by pushing the ground around the mark down and towards the center of the mark and while you're at it fix a few more like all good golfers do. Do the same in the bunkers.

The game of golf is a great fun game and is made a whole lot more fun by following rules of etiquette and learning the golf swing off the course before playing. It is a game of a lifetime but it shouldn't take a lifetime to play a round. Be considerate and learn the game correctly and you will have a whole lot more fun! I know I have been playing for 35 years and I started incorrectly. I didn't take a lesson for 2 years and after my first lesson it took me 20 years to stop making the mistakes I had ingrained in my swing from those first 2 years. It was a terrible mistake. But if one takes the time to learn the game correctly you can be playing good golf so much sooner and enjoying it so much more and those that play with you and behind you will surely appreciate that a whole lot!

I hope this is helpful as it is intended to be. It is not intended to be directed at any one person it is intended to be a post for all of us that love the game of golf.

Thank you for reading

[tmbromley]

Nothing will ever change no matter how much one complains. The championship courses are a different animal. We pay for those so they keep the pace of play at a more acceptable level. So I say again......


Your life will be much better if you learn to accept the executive courses for what they are.

or........you can let it upset you and have a bad game.

Please tell us what the executive courses are for? They are for having fun are they not - slow play is and always has been the nemesis of golf. We all have a lot more fun when the course moves along nicely.

[tomwed]

.....in the 5 years I worked the executive courses, I had only once incidence for slow play.
We live in unusual place. The retired minimum wage earners here were successful before and overqualified. It's like when I was a teacher. Period 3 the AP teacher with a PHD in literature gives an amazing lesson and Period 4 she has cafeteria duty.

I'm not sure why there cant' be more water stations on the course. Golfers should be responsible enough to fill up a water bottle, and refill it on any tee. My guess is that most of their time is spent handing out water. You said that ambassadors are supposed to check each group 3 times in 9 holes. I like that.

I think their job should be ask each group if everything is OK and move on, not hand out water. If the ambassador gets a sense that this will be a slow group then it's OK at the first visit to remind them or instruct them to keep up with the group up ahead and I'll see you in a little while. On the second visit if there is a back-up ask them to move up to the Red Stake and put a temporary Red stake in the ground where they should be. People may not like it if they are golfers and beginners may like it because it's instructive.

Try this out and see what happens.

I'd like to hear about the "slow play incident". I lasted 1 day as an ambassador on a local public course. I was 23. I'd tell people twice my age who just spent a considerable amount of money on green fees, teed off late to pick up the pace and they yelled at me. My pay was free golf and it wasn't worth the aggravation.

[Bogie Shooter]

As an Ambassador I take personal offense at being called a "glorified waterboy". Our mission is to ensure that EVERYONE can enjoy their round of golf. To say that we have no authority is very wrong. We can report individuals to our Managers and to GMS who will always follow up, and will call the person(s) that have given the Ambassadors a bad time. There have been many cases where golfers lose their golfing privileges for periods up to one year for not following the Ambassadors instructions or causing possible harm to others.

When approaching a group that is seriously out of position to suggest that they pick up their pace of play, most people comply. The arrogant players verbally attack the Ambassador for doing his job and always say that it's the group in front of them that's causing the slow play - (never mind that there are two holes open in front of them). Most Ambassadors work very hard to ensure that the course is well maintained, that people have enough water and sand, and that play is moving along. We are responsible for the management of the course.

When I see a person hitting multiple balls when there are groups directly behind them, I'll "politely" ask that they only play one ball so that others can enjoy their round. Some people seem to think that the executive courses are designed for practicing. THEY ARE NOT! They're there to be PLAYED! So, when you're putting for your 10th stroke on a par three, or looking for golf balls by the water, or giving instructions to another golfer, we ask that you be cognizant of your fellow golfers that are patiently waiting behind you.

The Ambassadors are there to support you so that you can enjoy your round of golf. We ask that you Respect the Game and have consideration for others behind you.

Thank you!

[Bogie Shooter]

I think there is a very simple way of looking at this. If you are keeping pace and not doing anything stupid, the most you'll hear from an ambassador is an offer for a drink of water or more sand in your bottle. However, if you are 2 holes behind, hitting 2 balls, not repairing divots or ball marks, not raking sand, yacking 5 minutes on each tee, giving constant lessons to your group, or hacking through protected wetland, YOU ARE EXACTLY the person(s) that the rest of us want the ambassador to address. If you didn't know any better, you should have, and now you do. If you knew and chose to ignore these simple rules, there should be some sort of action taken. Unfortunately, these are the very golfers that give the ambassadors a hard time. They probably also curse the police for doing their job as well. I'm glad 99% of the people here are NOT like that.

And come on here and call them "glorified waterboys"....................

[Brownwood Bob]

Well said!!!

[BarryRX]

When is the last time anyone did not tee off on time?
This will tell you whether or not the system works with slow golfers.

That's not the problem. I often tee off on time and then run into 3 foursomes wating at the fourth hole.

[DonH57]

There have been a few times when our foursome checked in 25 minutes early and were told you are next to tee off, hole is open. We go out and one foursome is on the green and another is waiting to tee off. LOL. Somebody's not looking out the window. I think the best ran courses are by the starters standing out with the clipboards verifying who is teeing off and when.

[Barefoot]

I really like the ambassadors but they need to be given authority to tell people to pick up the pace, rake a trap or follow whatever rules the wonderful game of golf follows.:agree:

Playing a local course today, one of the ambassadors stopped to offer water and I noted that he had taken this thread to heart. Obviously becoming more proactive- in his cart he was carrying an exceptionally large hammer.
:evil6:

Don't even THINK about hitting two balls.
How I wish people would just play their first ball.

[Shadow8IA]

Don't forget to allow more wait time if you're a twosome following a foursome!

[queasy27]

I don't golf here, so forgive me, but aren't faster groups allowed to play through when needed?

[mulligan]

I don't golf here, so forgive me, but aren't faster groups allowed to play through when needed?

Only if there is an open hole in front of the slower group.

[golfing eagles]

Only if there is an open hole in front of the slower group.

And then rotsa ruck unless that group knows the correct etiquette. But if they did, they probably would not be 1+ holes behind. I sit on my lanai and watch the most amazing performances by some golfers. Why would someone who can't hit it more than 120 yds off the tee struggle for 2 min with club selection for their next 220 yd shot? Then take 5 practice swings and change clubs again? In all likelihood it's going to take them 3 more shots to get on the green anyway, then they'll 3 putt for their snowman. At that skill level, why not just enjoy the time out in the sunny Florida weather, hit the ball in a timely fashion, and leave the scorecard at the starter's shack? Face the facts---you're never going to be wearing a green jacket or strolling up the 18th at St. Andrews to a thunderous ovation as you win the Open by 5 shots. When your average hole starts getting better than triple bogey, you can trot out the scorecard and start thinking about your "strategery". Sorry if anyone takes offense, but shooting 124 really isn't any better than 127.

[tomwed]

I don't recall playing through anybody on an exec. Maybe when it was hot and sonny and the course is mostly empty.

We don't need people to hand out water when it's readily available.

We need someone to make sure no one is having a health issue [ie overheating, chest pains]. As the Ambassador drives by give a thumbs up and you'll get one in return or stop and help. I would rather think of an Ambassador as a Life Guard not a water boy. Although they should have water bottles, something for diabetics, and maybe a defibrillator in their cart.

We need a Local Rules Committee to set local course rules that addresses Slow Play. Many people down here like to have rules.

Taken from the Rules of Golf
Effective January 1, 2012
as approved by
The United States Golf Association
and R&A Rules Limited

Rule 6-7. Undue Delay; Slow Play
The player must play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace
of play guidelines that the Committee may establish. Between completion of
a hole and playing from the next teeing ground, the player must not unduly
delay play.

The Local Rules Committee could establish moving up to the Red Flag carries no penalty but it is 1 stoke and play continues. There are local rules for ground under repair, drop zones, environmental area free lifts,,,,why not a slow play local rule?

Finally we need the ambassadors to stick a Red Flag in the ground where he wants the group to move. The Starter has the authority to tell the group when to start and nobody questions it. The Ambassador has the authority on the course to tell the group where to be.

[Huntington Pat]

The worst thing that happen to golf is the score card
Go out hit the ball and have a great time and use your head

[mikemalloy]

To condense the secret to speedy play in one sentence "Hurry up and hit your next bad shot."

[par_geo]

My wise old dad said, "You must realize that there are more horses' [rear ends] in the world than there are horses!" That said, it is possible that the group in front of you isn't aware of the customary golf courtesy of "maintaining pace of play". At the first opportunity, politely explain to the group in front that unlike tennis in which no matter how good or bad you are, you reserve a court not for the length of the game/set/match but for a finite period of time...in golf your pace of play affects every group behind you.

[bagboy]

My wise old dad said, "You must realize that there are more horses' [rear ends] in the world than there are horses!" That said, it is possible that the group in front of you isn't aware of the customary golf courtesy of "maintaining pace of play". At the first opportunity, politely explain to the group in front that unlike tennis in which no matter how good or bad you are, you reserve a court not for the length of the game/set/match but for a finite period of time...in golf your pace of play affects every group behind you.

That would be for the ambassador to do.

[tomwed]

That would be for the ambassador to do.
I wasn't sure if he meant other golfers are supposed to be the authority figure or the Ambassador should be the authority figure. We agree the Ambassador is in control or should be in control.

[bagboy]

I wasn't sure if he meant other golfers are supposed to be the authority figure or the Ambassador should be the authority figure. We agree the Ambassador is in control or should be in control.

I took it as a golfer to golfer conversation regarding pace of play, etiquette, etc. That can lead to bigger problems than pace of play. We agree for sure, a job for the ambassadors.

[tomwed]

I took it as a golfer to golfer conversation regarding pace of play, etiquette, etc. That can lead to bigger problems than pace of play. We agree for sure, a job for the ambassadors.
I hate to turn every conversation into a money conversation but I will.

I was a marshal for a day. I quit. It wasn't worth it. I was a 23 yr old teacher marshaling for free golf. I approached a couple of golfers that day and they all snapped at me. They were older than me. They teed off late because everyone does on a public course because it's backed up. They spent a half days pay just to play. And they weren't playing up to their expectations.

On an exec course here the marshals are our peers and shouldn't be our water boys. We play for free as much as we want. We don't have hopes of making the senior tour. I walk and carry and play my best when I can walk up to the ball or the tee and hit it. If I can't play that way, I try to just enjoy the walk and the company of the group. But that's not golf.

I don't understand why the marshals can't control the pace. And I really resent anyone who gives any marshal any lip at all. I would support haveing their membership suspended and trust the good judgement of my peers. I might have a problem with a marshal telling me to pick it up if I just dropped $80 to play.

[JoMar]

I hate to turn every conversation into a money conversation but I will.

I was a marshal for a day. I quit. It wasn't worth it. I was a 23 yr old teacher marshaling for free golf. I approached a couple of golfers that day and they all snapped at me. They were older than me. They teed off late because everyone does on a public course because it's backed up. They spent a half days pay just to play. And they weren't playing up to their expectations.

On an exec course here the marshals are our peers and shouldn't be our water boys. We play for free as much as we want. We don't have hopes of making the senior tour. I walk and carry and play my best when I can walk up to the ball or the tee and hit it. If I can't play that way, I try to just enjoy the walk and the company of the group. But that's not golf.

I don't understand why the marshals can't control the pace. And I really resent anyone who gives any marshal any lip at all. I would support haveing their membership suspended and trust the good judgement of my peers. I might have a problem with a marshal telling me to pick it up if I just dropped $80 to play.

So you're ok with slow play because you pay $80.00? Does that mean you could care less of the others who paid the same $80.00? Tolerance is expected on the Exec's because there are a bunch of players that are learning the game, a position all of us were in at some point in our lives. Champs are different.....we all have a bad hole or two and slow things down but we should be familiar enough with the courtesy of the game to catch up to those in front of us. If we don't have the ability to do that the Ambassador should intervene. If we still don't comply we should be asked to leave and suspended from play until we understand what speed of play means. For the most part, the majority understand it, but talking to Ambassadors the elite still exist and don't believe any rules apply to them.

[tomwed]

So you're ok with slow play because you pay $80.00? Does that mean you could care less of the others who paid the same $80.00? Tolerance is expected on the Exec's because there are a bunch of players that are learning the game, a position all of us were in at some point in our lives. Champs are different.....we all have a bad hole or two and slow things down but we should be familiar enough with the courtesy of the game to catch up to those in front of us. If we don't have the ability to do that the Ambassador should intervene. If we still don't comply we should be asked to leave and suspended from play until we understand what speed of play means. For the most part, the majority understand it, but talking to Ambassadors the elite still exist and don't believe any rules apply to them.
you're right

[Laker14]

the logistics of trying to maintain a "reasonable" pace of play in TV must be incredibly complex. In a smaller private club setting with a few hundred members, sooner or later the really slow players will be approached by the pro, and other members who will get in their faces if they don't get the message after a polite conversation.
TV, with all of its courses, and thousands of players, there is an aspect of anonymity that allows less considerate folks to feel separated from the ill-will they foster.
I've visited TV twice, as guests of owners, and one of the things I was most impressed with was the opportunity to learn the game (I've played forever but my wife is a rank beginner) in an appropriate setting and time (par 3 course, in the late afternoon-evening hours)..

The approach I would recommend, sounds to me like the approach that the ambassadors are instructed to take: #1, assume the transgressors just don't know better, so without ruffling feathers, instruct them.
#2, if that doesn't work, or in the face of personal abuse, refer to a higher authority.
It sounds to me like those are in place, but there are just so many people playing so many courses, it is inevitable there will be rude, inconsiderate people.

To blame the ambassadors for slow play, is a bit like blaming the State Troopers for speeding. They can write the tickets, but they can't prevent people from driving too fast.