excessive use of rope on executive courses

[genecruey]

This was my first post and It was an eye opener. The majority of the replies blamed the "tripper" and never could see the real problem of too many ropes on tees that were not doing their intended job but instead creating an obstacle to golfers and pace of play. I think the photos easily prove this point about placement . Ropes should protect the golfer wet areas, and newly seeded or sodded areas. To block off a tee of green without attempting to fix the bad area is not helping. Most replies seem to suggest if a barrier were put in the middle of the road on 441 for no valid reason and a car hit it causing injury that some how it was total the driver at fault as he could have driven around. Key point.. "for no valid reason". By these way the photos show that it is not golf carts that caused the problem, it is water run off from elevated tees. These photos were not exception but true in almost all case. I thank everyone for your replies.

[graciegirl]

if you have had or know someone who tripped on executive ropes I would like hear about it. my thoughts are below.

ROPES ON EXECUTIVE COURSE

With all due respect to those who keep our executive course in the best possible shape, I wish to make a few points concerning ropes by Greens and Tees.

First I must say I personally have seen several trips and falls due to these ropes. Today I played with a couple who knew someone who tripped over the rope and broke their shoulder. They thought he may have initiated a lawsuit. Another was pretty bad as a results of landing face first on cart path. This was someone who had to give up pickle ball due to a diagnosed “brain bleed” and a fall could have lead to death. We are a community of seniors and many must have handicap markers on their cart due to disabilities. I believe everyone can agree the ropes are a hazard without blaming the victim. .

I have made several observations that I challenge anyone to check out for accuracy.

1. I have observed that in the vast majority of cases the rope has blocked off dirt and sand areas which have no chance of recovering by simply limiting traffic on them. Grass does not magically sprout out on hard pan bare areas. (probably my strongest point other than safety which is enough in itself). Currently in many cases, this just funnels traffic to the ends of the rope causing more damage in areas that were not as bad thus extending not fixing any bad areas and slows play..

If it has grass seed or sod in an attempt to fix, by all means rope it off.
Grass will never grow just by limiting traffic. Typical example found on every course.

3 I started to take note when the campaign to enforce pulling to close to the edge of path and having one tire on the grass began. I have found very little evidence that this is a prevalent problem. There are bare areas near the paths but clearly not caused by this problem. Water erosion, because these ropes are lower than the tee or green funnel it into the bad areas or cause them.

4. In many cases the ropes make an impaired golfer have to walk quiet a bit more distance to tee off. I/we want them on the course, right, I admire them and pray I will have the same tenacity and will not have to walk a
n obstical to get to the Tee or Green.

5. As I mention in the opening, they are a hazard and slow up play.

6. We do many things to speed up play but the ropes do the opposite.


7. Seems obvious but the ropes by the tees are not in play hardly at all and those by the green are in play but you get relief from path or bad areas with or without them. Now the relief is from the rope unless, as some do, you pull up the rope hit and put it back... slows play yes. As I said, just a safety hazard.

I have repeatedly ask why the ropes and the brainwashed answer is it keeps carts from ruining the grass. Come on, just look. When a cart tire is on the path at all it is not touching the ground thus only when an ill informed handicapped player leaves the path is it a problem and me for one can live with that and I believe very little damages is done.

On behalf of me and my fellow aging golf nuts, I implore you to revisit the use of ropes. I have no doubt this was done in good faith to create a better course but sadly it has not done that but only created slower play and a safety hazard.
I would like to discuss this with the appropriate staff and know that it is receiving the proper attention.

I don't doubt it is possible but we have lived here and I have played the courses for more than nine years and I haven't seen or heard of anyone tripping. More than that, bad things usually appear on this forum and yours is the first about falling over the ropes that I have read in ten years.

As you may know, this forum is not an official place or connected to The official Villages or to the Golf courses in any way. Some good soul will soon read this and post the name and telephone number of the director of Executive Golf. Welcome to the forum. I hope you have been happy in this lovely town we have all chosen, for the most part, anyway..........

[maurgino]

I have observed people trip and fall over these ropes.

[CWGUY]

if you have had or know someone who tripped on executive ropes I would like hear about it. my thoughts are below.

ROPES ON EXECUTIVE COURSE

With all due respect to those who keep our executive course in the best possible shape, I wish to make a few points concerning ropes by Greens and Tees.

First I must say I personally have seen several trips and falls due to these ropes. Today I played with a couple who knew someone who tripped over the rope and broke their shoulder. They thought he may have initiated a lawsuit. Another was pretty bad as a results of landing face first on cart path. This was someone who had to give up pickle ball due to a diagnosed “brain bleed” and a fall could have lead to death. We are a community of seniors and many must have handicap markers on their cart due to disabilities. I believe everyone can agree the ropes are a hazard without blaming the victim. .

I have made several observations that I challenge anyone to check out for accuracy.

1. I have observed that in the vast majority of cases the rope has blocked off dirt and sand areas which have no chance of recovering by simply limiting traffic on them. Grass does not magically sprout out on hard pan bare areas. (probably my strongest point other than safety which is enough in itself). Currently in many cases, this just funnels traffic to the ends of the rope causing more damage in areas that were not as bad thus extending not fixing any bad areas and slows play..

If it has grass seed or sod in an attempt to fix, by all means rope it off.
Grass will never grow just by limiting traffic. Typical example found on every course.

3 I started to take note when the campaign to enforce pulling to close to the edge of path and having one tire on the grass began. I have found very little evidence that this is a prevalent problem. There are bare areas near the paths but clearly not caused by this problem. Water erosion, because these ropes are lower than the tee or green funnel it into the bad areas or cause them.

4. In many cases the ropes make an impaired golfer have to walk quiet a bit more distance to tee off. I/we want them on the course, right, I admire them and pray I will have the same tenacity and will not have to walk a
n obstical to get to the Tee or Green.

5. As I mention in the opening, they are a hazard and slow up play.

6. We do many things to speed up play but the ropes do the opposite.


7. Seems obvious but the ropes by the tees are not in play hardly at all and those by the green are in play but you get relief from path or bad areas with or without them. Now the relief is from the rope unless, as some do, you pull up the rope hit and put it back... slows play yes. As I said, just a safety hazard.

I have repeatedly ask why the ropes and the brainwashed answer is it keeps carts from ruining the grass. Come on, just look. When a cart tire is on the path at all it is not touching the ground thus only when an ill informed handicapped player leaves the path is it a problem and me for one can live with that and I believe very little damages is done.

On behalf of me and my fellow aging golf nuts, I implore you to revisit the use of ropes. I have no doubt this was done in good faith to create a better course but sadly it has not done that but only created slower play and a safety hazard.
I would like to discuss this with the appropriate staff and know that it is receiving the proper attention.

:welcome: To TOTV and :eclipsee_gold_cup: You have won the best 1st. post of the day award.

[dnobles]

I played night golf and the ropes were left up. I thought that was very dangerous

[Mimivillager]

My friend tripped and broke her hip recently

[Rapscallion St Croix]

When I encounter a rope, I walk around it. This makes tripping on the rope impossible. When the time comes where I fail to recognize the presence of the rope, it is time to take up tiddly winks.

[genecruey]

please just observe what they are protecting while blocking the tees.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

please just observe what they are protecting while blocking the tees.

I don't care what they are protecting.

[CWGUY]

I'm watching the Open on T.V. and guess what I just saw....:shocked: rope! Good enough for Royal Birkdale then it's good enough for the Villages.
I don't think there is a course anywhere that doesn't use it. And to answer a few posters - I've seen people trip over many things -
ropes, sprinkler heads, rakes etc. You have to watch what you are doing. I played night golf once with a guy who tripped on the edge of a trap, but never tripped over a rope in the dark.

[dewilson58]

I've only seen excessive ropes at the Town Squares, on chairs.

[genecruey]

excessive use that does not protect wet or growing areas. Just dirt. Ropes are useful when placed appropriately' I'm all for them properly placed.

[genecruey]

The excessive use has only recently started(past few months). Prior to that they were placed appropriately and were effective.

[Bogie Shooter]

My friend tripped and broke her hip recently

Where? At home or where?

[dewilson58]

We have broken hips, broken shoulder, black eyes and scrapes and my post gets "I don't care". "walk around them' Virtually calling our less agile golfers klutzes and if I can't avoid a rope I will take up Tiddly winks (you will get there) . Only 120 looks and O. J. s pardon gets over 1000 in just minutes. Eye opener. Pity.

Others just don't have the same concern as you. Nothing personal, just not as concerned.

My understanding of ropes...........go around, not over.

Good Luck with your crusade.

[ColdNoMore]

I guess my first thought is that if someone is concerned about tripping over a rope that they can see because they didn't lift a leg high enough, then maybe they shouldn't be playing golf...as getting into and out of a bunker can be much more hazardous than those ropes.

And then of course, there are the same issues involving getting in and out of golf carts, any curb, entry rugs in stores, door thresholds, etc., etc., etc. :shrug:

[genecruey]

I guess my first thought is that if someone is concerned about tripping over a rope that they can see because they didn't lift a leg high enough, then maybe they shouldn't be playing golf...as getting into and out of a bunker can be much more hazardous than those ropes.

And then of course, there are the same issues involving getting in and out of golf carts, any curb, entry rugs in stores, door thresholds, etc., etc., etc. :shrug:
Read the entire post

[ColdNoMore]

Read the entire post

Ummm, I did...and I stand by my observations.

[Carla B]

I have seen 9 of 10 golfers on a Champiionship course walk over the rope or chain, rather than around it. Why do that, when it is only a few steps out of the way and safer
to walk?

[genecruey]

Ummm, I did...and I stand by my observations.
Guess I should have used pictures, literally, not a slam. They are placed by water run off from elevated tees that are just bare spots. The point is it helps nothing and does create a hazard to some of our older golfer uselessly. Sorry I could not get my point across but I have found that to be a very difficult thing to do. If I can't convince golfers who are out there how could I expect to convince the maintenance bosses. OH, by the way you don't see and
ropes by tees on championship course. That would be bad for business from paying customers. Who wants to step over or walk around ropes to get to the tee. Thanks for you comment.

[genecruey]

The point I was trying to make is they are placing ropes by tees that are not doing what they supposed to as no maintenance has been done and the little black things attached to the path do the job of keeping carts of the edge without ropes. Thanks for your feed back.

[sallybowron]

I actually tripped over a rope back home. I had a very nice trip that fall!! I have learned to watch out for them. Didn't take me long to learn.

[BogeyBoy]

Guess I should have used pictures, literally, not a slam. They are placed by water run off from elevated tees that are just bare spots. The point is it helps nothing and does create a hazard to some of our older golfer uselessly. Sorry I could not get my point across but I have found that to be a very difficult thing to do. If I can't convince golfers who are out there how could I expect to convince the maintenance bosses. OH, by the way you don't see and
ropes by tees on championship course. That would be bad for business from paying customers. Who wants to step over or walk around ropes to get to the tee. Thanks for you comment.

I play a lot of championship courses and do see ropes by tee boxes. (And many other places on the courses.)

[rubicon]

The point I was trying to make is they are placing ropes by tees that are not doing what they supposed to as no maintenance has been done and the little black things attached to the path do the job of keeping carts of the edge without ropes. Thanks for your feed back.

genecruey: I cannot speak to the need and/or to the maintenance people's proper application BUT the ropes do indeed create an ingredient of an accident waiting to happen.

I had received complaints in my past life where people have made claim against Target stores because they walked into the RED BALLS that are located at their front entrance...or people who have tripped over curves which were clearly painted YELLOW . The point is that the brain takes in only so much and we are all easily distracted.

So if you are correct that there is a misapplication of roping off areas then you indeed have a valid point.

Personal Best Regards:

[graciegirl]

genecruey: I cannot speak to the need and/or to the maintenance people's proper application BUT the ropes do indeed create an ingredient of an accident waiting to happen.

I had received complaints in my past life where people have made claim against Target stores because they walked into the RED BALLS that are located at their front entrance...or people who have tripped over curves which were clearly painted YELLOW . The point is that the brain takes in only so much and we are all easily distracted.

So if you are correct that there is a misapplication of roping off areas then you indeed have a valid point.

Personal Best Regards:

I agree. AND Morgan and Morgan could make someone a rich person.

[genecruey]

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. You are one of the few that understood this was not a protest but an attempt to enhance the golfing experience by making a safer golfing environment for our many older players who have the courage and will to "get out there". I admire them so much. I'm not there yet but I pray I can still tee it up into my 80s and God willing my 90s. Again, the next time you play look at the majority of ropes by the tees and ask yourself "is it going to help/make grass grow in this spot? Is it protecting a spot from traffic or was it caused by water runoff and need to be repaired not roped"

[Bonny]

My friend tripped and broke her hip recently
Tripped over a rope?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

The ropes are there to discourage people from driving their golf carts over those areas. There is always an opening in the ropes for people to walk through. You are not going to trip over the ropes if you use the walk through the opening.

[genecruey]

The ropes are there to discourage people from driving their golf carts over those areas. There is always an opening in the ropes for people to walk through. You are not going to trip over the ropes if you use the walk through the opening.
You are right in general. But the ropes in question are protecting places that cart traffic or nothing else but maintenance could fix. No additional harm could be done. I have observed closely how much damage is done by carts and believe it or not most are places caused by the "funneling" effect of ropes. Check it out.

[genecruey]

see my rope pictures re. ropes post for photo examples

[ColdNoMore]

see my rope pictures re. ropes post for photo examples

I just viewed your 'rope photos' in your album...and am still shaking my head.

Although they look like a trap that could trip and catch wild elephants, in their brilliant insidiousness design, I really think I have a workable solution...if one is incapable of safely stepping over those 12" high ropes.

Just walk around them...or between the gap provided.

[Aw Man]

......... The point is it helps nothing and does create a hazard to some of our older golfer uselessly. ..........

Seems I'm in the minority on this, but I very much agree with you. I've always felt the ropes along the teeing areas on the exec courses serve no reasonable purpose and are a unnecessary hazard for all players on the course.

[genecruey]

I take it that you missed the point. We are protecting bare areas at the expensive of safety and slower play. People have been hurt but I assume you that you think it is their fault for being careless. It's not for me or you, but I am speaking for the less fit who have indeed been injured for what you saw in the photos.

[CWGUY]

I take it that you missed the point. We are protecting bare areas at the expensive of safety and slower play. People have been hurt but I assume you that you think it is their fault for being careless. It's not for me or you, but I am speaking for the less fit who have indeed been injured for what you saw in the photos.

:024: Sir, you need to learn how to quote. Thank you.

[ColdNoMore]

I take it that you missed the point. We are protecting bare areas at the expensive of safety and slower play. People have been hurt but I assume you that you think it is their fault for being careless. It's not for me or you, but I am speaking for the less fit who have indeed been injured for what you saw in the photos.

Then how do these people safely get in and out of bunkers...and rake their footprints?

[genecruey]

Thank you so much. This was my first time posting and I was losing faith in the lack of compassion of the responses. I tried in every way I new including pictures to show that ropes were being inappropriately placed. I know personally or have been told of trips on the ropes by the tees causing a broken shoulder, a broken hip and a sever fall of a close friend. The lack of understanding and compassion has shaken me as I love The Villages and I am it's most ardent support and I keep saying "bless those who keep teeing it up". Most reply's have ridiculed these brave folks. They do pay the same amenities fees as everyone else. Their fees help pay for the great executive course we have. I believe the maintenance crew does a fantastic job with so much play on them but they don't always get it right. Thanks again.

[genecruey]

Most of the wonderful folks I play with, that you refer to actual do not get in and out of the traps, mostly by doctors orders. A friend will get the ball, rake the trap gladly to see them out here. In any event that doesn't change the fact that the ropes are used excessive in areas that they do no good and do some harm. I am not trying to be offensive, we just disagree.

Thanks like your byline "Standing up for the underdog and against bullies...every chance I get"

[It's Hot There]

I just viewed your 'rope photos' in your album...and am still shaking my head.

Although they look like a trap that could trip and catch wild elephants, in their brilliant insidiousness design, I really think I have a workable solution...if one is incapable of safely stepping over those 12" high ropes.

Just walk around them...or between the gap provided.

Seems logical.

[genecruey]

Thanks but the point was that they should not be in most of the places that the are. the post had nothing to do with abled bodied golfers walking around ropes. They are a hazard to the handicapped and have resulted in severe injuries. Protect our golfers not our bare dirt spots that should be fixed.

[dewilson58]

Thanks but the point was that they should not be in most of the places that the are. the post had nothing to do with abled bodied golfers walking around ropes. They are a hazard to the handicapped and have resulted in severe injuries. Protect our golfers not our bare dirt spots that should be fixed.

Sometimes the ropes are in place to give guidance on where to go and where not to go. If there are bare dirt spots with a rope by it or around it........just don't go over the rope. It's simple. It's just golf.

[John_W]

Most of the wonderful folks I play with, that you refer to actual do not get in and out of the traps, mostly by doctors orders. A friend will get the ball, rake the trap gladly to see them out here...

You know there's a golf course over on Rolling Acres Rd next to the VFW that these people should be playing, it's called Putt-Putt. Just tell them to watch out for those 2"x4"s on the edge of the fairways.

Here's where can write your golfing comments and maybe they can do something about it Golf The Villages (http://www.golfthevillages.com/contactus.asp)

[genecruey]

Thank you. That's what signs are for. You know "scatter, no cart, carts on path etc. Ropes funnel traffic and actually cause worn spots. Sorry I am so bad at making the point of my post. The black disc are to keep carts on the path. The ropes should mark wet area, block hazardous areas, protect areas that are being repaired. Blocking access to greens and tees to protect a bald, water run of damage spot is not the correct usage. If they remove the wrong ones I promise to walk around ropes protecting wet areas, new sod or grass and hazardous areas ( I already do). Thanks for your input. Oh, the rope guidance is where not to go. No offence intended. Thanks again.

[graciegirl]

Thank you. That's what sings are for. You know "scatter, no cart, carts on path etc. Ropes funnel traffic and actually cause worn spots. Sorry I am so bad at making the point of my post. The black disc are to keep carts on the path. The ropes should mark wet area, block hazardous areas, protect areas that are being repaired. Blocking access to greens and tees to protect a bald, water run of damage spot is not the correct usage. If they remove the wrong ones I promise to walk around ropes protecting wet areas, new sod or grass and hazardous areas ( I already do). Thanks for your input. Oh, the rope guidance is where not to go. No offence intended. Thanks again.

Gene. You are a good man. I checked you out on Facebook. You have something that is legitimately bothering you but are finding it isn't shared by a lot of people.

I suggest you take a step back . (watch out for the ropes) now a couple more steps back and look at the whole picture. 32 nine hole courses that are part of your $150 amenity fee. Courses that run on time almost all of the time and courses that are used from sunup to sundown. Courses where people do keep the pace of play FOR THE MOST PART and where hundreds and people begin golf and start loving the game you can play for life. Courses that back on homes that have people who enjoy watching you make a perfect six iron shot and love it when you one putt a green. Please don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Enjoy the courses. Time is a wastin'.

[genecruey]

Gracie, Thank you so much I did step back before trying to bring awareness to a real problem. A golfer's broken hip, broken shoulder, and sever fall by a friend prompted me to try to get fewer improperly used ropes by the tees and greens. I know you can't read all of threads of this post but I have stated exactly what you said. The crew does a fantastic job. The quality of the courses is amazing given the amount of play. I came here to play golf and I do every day. Sometimes good intensions are misguided (the ropes) and I only pray that it doesn't result in the death of a villager before it is review and proper guidance is give to our wonderful maintenance crew concerning proper rope placement. I came here because of the golf and have not been disappointed in any way. The exec. courses are A1. The intent was to make it a little more "user friendly" for some of our fellow golfers. I just saw a post that said they should be playing putt putt and not be on the execs. I believe everyone pays that $150 you spoke of for the privileges of using all amenities. What a fantastic bargain. We of the Villages are truly blessed. On a lighter note, I was told by one of our course starter that's his wife drove into one of the ropes and it wound around the axel and it took several minutes to get going again. Thank you for your kind post. I had already decide I had whipped this dead horse too long. I am giving up. My favorite response was "I don't care". So I am saying duh duh that's all folks. Now can I have a few good riddance's. Ha Ha

[genecruey]

They pay the same amenities fees and are entitled to all amenities.