Price of Golf in The Villages

[maggie1]

The price of golf on The Villages championship courses during the "snowbird" season is absolutely obscene! While I understand that rates go up at most golf courses during the winter, why must it be so expensive for the residents of this community? We pay taxes, shop and eat at the local stores and restaurants, yet we receive no break on the greens fees until the summer when it's too darn hot to play. There are plenty of courses outside this venue that are reasonable, so I guess that's where I'll continue to find a game, because as a resident here I just can't see paying snowbird rates.

[tophcfa]

Basic economics of supply and demand. The T-Times get filled up at those rates during the winter months.

[JSR22]

My husband has a priority membership and that does lower the greens fee.

[John_W]

Basic economics of supply and demand. The T-Times get filled up at those rates during the winter months.

Not really, and it's even worse January 1st when the rates go even higher. The only teetimes that are filled up in the winter are the executives, that's where most are playing this time of year. Go by Arnold Palmer any afternoon from Jan thru April and there is hardly anybody out there. Most courses are dead in the afternoon, if they brought back the 11:00am summer discount they could make a lot more money. However, every winter this is brought up and discussed at length, just do a search.

[alwann]

What's more, the courses outside of The Villages also hike their prices during the high season, and many of them are inferior. Golf outside The Villages in the winter was cheap when I fist came here, but not anymore.

OP said it is supply and demand. But, as far as I can tell, demand doesn't go down with the higher prices. As a Priority member, I feel the discount we get on winter prices is nice but illogical. Someone, please explain why Evans Prairie is cheaper than Bonifay and Belle Glade.

[golf2140]

It's cheaper that the current winter rates in New Jersey. Did I mention that it is 15 degrees in New Jersey.

[l2ridehd]

Golf here is so cheap when compared to where I lived in Virginia that I consider it a bargain even with winter rates. And here I can play year round. While they are doing the ice bowl back there. So I am glad you all think it's expensive. Just means more available tee times.

And you have a couple options to change it. Stop playing and if enough do that they will be forced to drop the price, or go off campus more and that could also impact price. Florida and in particular the Villages has some of the cheapest golf in the country. Very few places you could play golf at these rates. I am sure there are a few, but on average this is very affordable golf here.

[JSR22]

Golf here is so cheap when compared to where I lived in Virginia that I consider it a bargain even with winter rates. And here I can play year round. While they are doing the ice bowl back there. So I am glad you all think it's expensive. Just means more available tee times.

And you have a couple options to change it. Stop playing and if enough do that they will be forced to drop the price, or go off campus more and that could also impact price. Florida and in particular the Villages has some of the cheapest golf in the country. Very few places you could play golf at these rates. I am sure there are a few, but on average this is very affordable golf here.

Exactly what my husband says all of the time. Golf is a bargain in TV. No Country Club dues food minimums or constant tipping.

[champion6]

Exactly what my husband says all of the time. Golf is a bargain in TV. No Country Club dues food minimums or constant tipping.Excellent comment!

[JoMar]

The price of golf on The Villages championship courses during the "snowbird" season is absolutely obscene! While I understand that rates go up at most golf courses during the winter, why must it be so expensive for the residents of this community? We pay taxes, shop and eat at the local stores and restaurants, yet we receive no break on the greens fees until the summer when it's too darn hot to play. There are plenty of courses outside this venue that are reasonable, so I guess that's where I'll continue to find a game, because as a resident here I just can't see paying snowbird rates.

Based on the posts, one persons "obscene" is another persons bargain. We all have our tolerances and for the OP the outside courses will offer relief....even though combining taxes, shopping and eating at local stores was an interesting approach to make the case.....they aren't related.

[EPutnam1863]

Once when we visited my parents in Hilton Head (SC), my husband and my father played golf. They paid $85 each. It was definitely not in the winter.

[EPutnam1863]

Based on the posts, one persons "obscene" is another persons bargain. We all have our tolerances and for the OP the outside courses will offer relief....even though combining taxes, shopping and eating at local stores was an interesting approach to make the case.....they aren't related.

This illustrates an excellent example why it is so important for those thinking of moving to TV to rent for a whole year.

[thelegges]

TV golf is half the cost than Our CC up north and I don’t have to spend mandatory hundreds of dollars in the restaurant every month

[tophcfa]

The price of golf on The Villages championship courses during the "snowbird" season is absolutely obscene! While I understand that rates go up at most golf courses during the winter, why must it be so expensive for the residents of this community? We pay taxes, shop and eat at the local stores and restaurants, yet we receive no break on the greens fees until the summer when it's too darn hot to play. There are plenty of courses outside this venue that are reasonable, so I guess that's where I'll continue to find a game, because as a resident here I just can't see paying snowbird rates.

One of the primary reasons we bought at the Villages is that you can go everywhere and do everything in a golf cart. Loading up the clubs in our garage and driving our cart to play golf is a dream come true. I would gladly pay a little extra to golf in the Villages versus going off campus in a car, which we often don't have here anyways when we fly down to our home. And there are six beautiful championship courses within 20 minutes of our house, two more within 30 minuets, and another four within 40 minutes, all via our golf cart. How good is that! :BigApplause:

[kcrazorbackfan]

The price of golf on The Villages championship courses during the "snowbird" season is absolutely obscene! While I understand that rates go up at most golf courses during the winter, why must it be so expensive for the residents of this community? We pay taxes, shop and eat at the local stores and restaurants, yet we receive no break on the greens fees until the summer when it's too darn hot to play. There are plenty of courses outside this venue that are reasonable, so I guess that's where I'll continue to find a game, because as a resident here I just can't see paying snowbird rates.

So have you called GMS yet to find out the answer to your whining and complaining? Didn't think so.

Until you do that, continue to throw the clubs in your vehicle, use your time, gas and wear on your vehicle to drive to a course outside the bubble; by doing that, it will open up another tee time for those of us who will support our courses.

[kcrazorbackfan]

One of the primary reasons we bought at the Villages is that you can go everywhere and do everything in a golf cart. Loading up the clubs in our garage and driving our cart to play golf is a dream come true. I would gladly pay a little extra to golf in the Villages versus going off campus in a car, which we often don't have here anyways when we fly down to our home. And there are six beautiful championship courses within 20 minutes of our house, two more within 30 minuets, and another four within 40 minutes, all via our golf cart. How good is that! :BigApplause:

Bravo! Great response! :BigApplause::BigApplause:

[rjn5656]

I play often off site and I find prices 1/2 to 2/3 of the villages including a golf cart. And conditions at most off site courses are equal to or better than the villages.

[Wolfrr]

Then go to courses outside the Villages. Free up tee times for people who enjoy the courses and convenience.

[collie1228]

Championship golf is not cheap in The Villages, but many posters believe the convenience factors far outweigh the cost, and I agree. I play twice a week and between priority fees and green fees, it costs me over $4K per year to play. Well worth the cost to me.

[Challenger]

The price of golf on The Villages championship courses during the "snowbird" season is absolutely obscene! While I understand that rates go up at most golf courses during the winter, why must it be so expensive for the residents of this community? We pay taxes, shop and eat at the local stores and restaurants, yet we receive no break on the greens fees until the summer when it's too darn hot to play. There are plenty of courses outside this venue that are reasonable, so I guess that's where I'll continue to find a game, because as a resident here I just can't see paying snowbird rates.

Kind of reminds me of my mother in law who thought she was saving money to make a 50 mile round trip to save $.50 on a food store coupon.

[stan the man]

It's cheaper that the current winter rates in New Jersey. Did I mention that it is 15 degrees in New Jersey.

Did I mention that is 85 (high) and 73(low) in Costa Rica

[EPutnam1863]

:Kind of reminds me of my mother in law who thought she was saving money to make a 50 mile round trip to save $.50 on a food store coupon.

:clap2::clap2::clap2:

[John_W]

Three winters ago my neighbor and I decided to play the executives instead of paying $50 for a round of golf. However, in an 1-1/2 hours you were done and I felt like I was just getting started. So we played only the courses with two par 4's and I bought a clicgear cart and walked. By the end of the winter I was still not satisfied.

Then summer came and back to the championships. Then two winters ago we decided let's play championships but only 9 holes, that's about $25 which is what we pay in the summer. This lasted a little longer, about 2+ hours and we can use our driver on about 7 of the holes. So for the past two winters this has been our plan, and it works. We're pretty content with nine holes and with the heat of summer, we've been down to nine holes year-round.

[JSR22]

Three winters ago my neighbor and I decided to play the executives instead of paying $50 for a round of golf. However, in an 1-1/2 hours you were done and I felt like I was just getting started. So we played only the courses with two par 4's and I bought a clicgear cart and walked. By the end of the winter I was still not satisfied.

Then summer came and back to the championships. Then two winters ago we decided let's play championships but only 9 holes, that's about $25 which is what we pay in the summer. This lasted a little longer, about 2+ hours and we can use our driver on about 7 of the holes. So for the past two winters this has been our plan, and it works. We're pretty content with nine holes and with the heat of summer, we've been down to nine holes year-round.
Life is short play what you want and can afford.

[justjim]

Life is short play what you want and can afford.

Life is short at best. Do what you can afford and enjoy. “Life’s tragedy is we get old too soon and wise too late”. Benjamin Franklin

[ColdNoMore]

Yes, the cost of the supposed 'championship' courses here are generally over-priced...for what you get.

However, the convenience of not messing with loading the bag in a car, going to the bag drop, renting a cart without a sumbrella/doors and repeating the process in reverse, all the while having those helping you expecting a small tip...is still worth living and playing the courses here.

The convenience of leaving my driveway ready to play is worth a lot to me and the powers-to-be knows that sentiment applies to a lot of others...so they are simply guided by 'whatever the market will bear.'

[graciegirl]

Yes, the cost of the supposed 'championship' courses here are generally over-priced...for what you get.

However, the convenience of not messing with loading the bag in a car, going to the bag drop, renting a cart without a sumbrella/doors and repeating the process in reverse, all the while having those helping you expecting a small tip...is still worth living and playing the courses here.

The convenience of leaving my driveway ready to play is worth a lot to me and the powers-to-be knows that sentiment applies to a lot of others...so they are simply guided by 'whatever the market will bear.'

You could say it that way. And you did.

Seems to work.

VERY WELL.

[JSR22]

Yes, the cost of the supposed 'championship' courses here are generally over-priced...for what you get.

However, the convenience of not messing with loading the bag in a car, going to the bag drop, renting a cart without a sumbrella/doors and repeating the process in reverse, all the while having those helping you expecting a small tip...is still worth living and playing the courses here.

The convenience of leaving my driveway ready to play is worth a lot to me and the powers-to-be knows that sentiment applies to a lot of others...so they are simply guided by 'whatever the market will bear.'

My husband plays the Championship courses 3=4 days a week. He thinks the conditions are fine Compared to the Club up North this is a bargain. I am so happy not to eat food just because we had a monthly minimum.

[ColdNoMore]

My husband plays the Championship courses 3=4 days a week. He thinks the conditions are fine Compared to the Club up North this is a bargain. I am so happy not to eat food just because we had a monthly minimum.You make some good points.

I lived in an upscale golf course community in a previous life and was a member for a couple of years after moving there.

I soon realized though, that I became bored playing the same course all of the time (which you almost had to do, to justify the monthly dues/minimums...much less the initiation fee) and decided to drop my membership.

I still had plenty of friends & neighbors that I could play with if I wanted, but it also allowed my wife and I to make a lot of weekend trips and play different courses in the area.

IMHO, at least the number of choices here in TV mostly makes up for the so-so conditions and routings of the real courses. :shrug:

Since I don't play the executives I can't really speak of them, but since they're basically free...hard to gripe about that. :D

[JSR22]

Agree. My husband never plays executives. He is happy with the multiple courses to choose and I am happy with zero food minimum.

[RErmer]

OP is wrong, IMHO. We lived in South FL for years, and one of the things we love about it here is how much less golf costs, even in high season.

[Shbullet]

To keep things interesting , we started golfing 2 times a day on the executives. Playing Pelican in the morning and then Trueman in the afternoon keeps us on the challenging courses for a total of 4 hrs...all for no extra charge. We had guests during thanksgiving and they loved playing 2 different courses in 1 day. (of course theres wasnt free) This works great for us.

[Rich42]

What you people are failing to recognize is they don't want all the tee times filled in the winter. Golf courses need time to heal and recover from the constant play they get in FL. Way too many rounds are played on our courses with year around play and that is exactly why the same people complaining about prices are the same ones complaining about the poor shape our courses are in most of the time. And they are in poor shape most of the year! Pls, all you complainers, go play the cheaper off site courses. We won't miss you and will get decent golf courses back for those of us that support them year around.

[diane reynolds]

The real question is the priority membership fees which benefit two people living in the same household. If you get a break with two people, why cannot it not be ANY two people----lots of spouses do not play golf, and I think it is discrimination against the single golfer.

[SHEEBEAR]

I'm confused. I thought one of the perks of living/owning here was free golf for residents. Isn't that one of the selling points? What are golfers being charged for? Is it just certain courses or are they charged for all of them? (I don't play golf.)

[justjim]

As we age, we find that we still enjoy golf but our body tells us to play a bit less. The executive courses and 9 holes on the Championship courses look better all the time. Golf is cheap in TV compared to south Florida or the FL Coasts.

In Illinois we paid much more at a private club and didn’t have the variety of courses to play. FORE!

[stan the man]

The real question is the priority membership fees which benefit two people living in the same household. If you get a break with two people, why cannot it not be ANY two people----lots of spouses do not play golf, and I think it is discrimination against the single golfer.

Amen

[Helen Tucker]

I agree totally. To bad they didn’t have a yearly rate like a CC fee to play any course and not pay for golf at time of play. Sort of like the trail fee for executive courses you can pay up front. Or prior membership. Then to play it’s a flat rate of $5.00 or $10.00 (possibly)

[alwann]

The real question is the priority membership fees which benefit two people living in the same household. If you get a break with two people, why cannot it not be ANY two people----lots of spouses do not play golf, and I think it is discrimination against the single golfer.

Please explain how priority golf fees benefit two people in the same household. Don't you have to buy a double membership in order for two people to get the benefit? And, so long as they reside at the same address, does it matter whether the two are spouses? Why couldn't it be an be an adult child, or anyone else with the same address?

[Bogie Shooter]

I agree totally. To bad they didn’t have a yearly rate like a CC fee to play any course and not pay for golf at time of play. Sort of like the trail fee for executive courses you can pay up front. Or prior membership. Then to play it’s a flat rate of $5.00 or $10.00 (possibly)

"not pay for golf at time of play"
:then to play flat rate"

As it is the day after New Years Eve.....maybe that's why I cannot understand what you are saying.
Do you understand what the Priority Membership really is?

[John_W]

I'm confused. I thought one of the perks of living/owning here was free golf for residents. Isn't that one of the selling points? What are golfers being charged for? Is it just certain courses or are they charged for all of them? (I don't play golf.)

The Villages has two kinds of golf courses. Executives, which are nine holes with one par 4 except about a half a dozen have two par 4's, such as Yankee Clipper and Pelican. There are about 35 of the executive nine hole layouts in TV. The Championship courses are what the rest of the world considers golf courses.

Championship courses usually consist of 18 holes of play with a par of 72, The Villages has about a dozen, Lopez, Glenview, Palmer, Cane Garden, Mallory, Havana, Evans Prairie, Belle Glade, Bonifay, Haciena Hills, Orange Blossom and Tierra Del Sol. All are 27 hole layouts except for two of the older courses. The system is set up to have starter shacks and identical teetimes at all 3 nines, so more golfers can play. However where most courses teetimes are available anytime of day, because golfers must crossover to the back nine of their round, we have what's called waves. For examples no teetimes between about 9:30 and noon at any that have 27 holes. When you join the online teetime system for $8 a month you can see the actual teetimes listed.

The executives are free if you walk with your bag or pullcart or $4 a round if you drive your cart, that's called trail fees, or payable in a lump sum of about $150 for the year. Due to the large volume of seasonal residents and the low price, executives courses almost always require a teetimes reservation usually 5 to 7 days in advance in the winter.

The championship courses cost varies for the seasons, also Arnold Palmer is about $5 higher than the other courses. An example would be Cane Garden, a 27 hole layout. From May 1st through September 30th is about $32 a round but if your'e playing after 11:00am it's only about $24 or $12 for nine holes That's a summer discount available only during that season when the afternoon temperature is about 95 degrees. From Oct 1st to December 31st the championship are about $50 and no discount are available except for Priority Golf Membership, which costs about $800 a year. Then your round will be discounted about $10 off. From Jan 1st to April 30th the championship are priced in the high $50's.

I used general description of the prices and dates, but this should give you a brief idea of how things work. Here's links to the facts.

http://www.golfthevillages.com/images/The-Villages-2018-Counry-Club-Golf-Rates.pdf

Golf The Villages (http://www.golfthevillages.com/tee-times/membership.asp)

Villages Teetimes system is $8 a month payable with automated credit card payment. You'll be issued a pin number to go online, the link is the home page. The office is at LSL a couple of doors north of City Fire. Go there and give credit cards details and sign up. You also use the same system for executives courses, you can make requested teetimes and you can enter your name on open teetimes within 3 days of play. Playing in a group you'll need the ID number of the others.

TheVillages.net - Login - Email, tee-times, computer support - serving The Villages, Florida and the Tri-county area. (https://www.thevillages.net/home/home.asp)

[drcar]

The Villages has two kinds of golf courses. Executives, which are nine holes with one par 4 except about a half a dozen have two par 4's, such as Yankee Clipper and Pelican. There are about 35 of the executive nine hole layouts in TV. The Championship courses are what the rest of the world considers golf courses.

Championship courses usually consist of 18 holes of play with a par of 72, The Villages has about a dozen, Lopez, Glenview, Palmer, Cane Garden, Mallory, Havana, Evans Prairie, Belle Glade, Bonifay, Haciena Hills, Orange Blossom and Tierra Del Sol. All are 27 hole layouts except for two of the older courses. The system is set up to have starter shacks and identical teetimes at all 3 nines, so more golfers can play. However where most courses teetimes are available anytime of day, because golfers must crossover to the back nine of their round, we have what's called waves. For examples no teetimes between about 9:30 and noon at any that have 27 holes. When you join the online teetime system for $8 a month you can see the actual teetimes listed.

The executives are free if you walk with your bag or pullcart or $4 a round if you drive your cart, that's called trail fees, or payable in a lump sum of about $150 for the year. Due to the large volume of seasonal residents and the low price, executives courses almost always require a teetimes reservation usually 5 to 7 days in advance in the winter.

The championship courses cost varies for the seasons, also Arnold Palmer is about $5 higher than the other courses. An example would be Cane Garden, a 27 hole layout. From May 1st through September 30th is about $32 a round but if your'e playing after 11:00am it's only about $24 or $12 for nine holes That's a summer discount available only during that season when the afternoon temperature is about 95 degrees. From Oct 1st to December 31st the championship are about $50 and no discount are available except for Priority Golf Membership, which costs about $800 a year. Then your round will be discounted about $10 off. From Jan 1st to April 30th the championship are priced in the high $50's.

I used general description of the prices and dates, but this should give you a brief idea of how things work. Here's links to the facts.

http://www.golfthevillages.com/images/The-Villages-2018-Counry-Club-Golf-Rates.pdf

Golf The Villages (http://www.golfthevillages.com/tee-times/membership.asp)

Villages Teetimes system is $8 a month payable with automated credit card payment. You'll be issued a pin number to go online, the link is the home page. The office is at LSL a couple of doors north of City Fire. Go there and give credit cards details and sign up. You also use the same system for executives courses, you can make requested teetimes and you can enter your name on open teetimes within 3 days of play. Playing in a group you'll need the ID number of the others.

TheVillages.net - Login - Email, tee-times, computer support - serving The Villages, Florida and the Tri-county area. (https://www.thevillages.net/home/home.asp)

Excellent Post, good information for people

[Tom Frogge]

As a country club member in St. Louis dues are year round but not golf...we are planning to move to TV before this fall...golf prices in TV seem fair based on our two visits there...we played Palmer Lopez, Eden Prairie and HH country clubs and liked them all..I'm planning on playing two CC per week year round and Execs 2-4 days...golf will be less than I pay now...what CC do you play regularly? While I plan to play them all..want a regular game or two per week..thoughts and suggestions appreciated

[Margaret McLeer]

The price of golf on The Villages championship courses during the "snowbird" season is absolutely obscene! While I understand that rates go up at most golf courses during the winter, why must it be so expensive for the residents of this community? We pay taxes, shop and eat at the local stores and restaurants, yet we receive no break on the greens fees until the summer when it's too darn hot to play. There are plenty of courses outside this venue that are reasonable, so I guess that's where I'll continue to find a game, because as a resident here I just can't see paying snowbird rates.

I totally agree, Residents should BE GETTING DISCOUNTED FEES on all the Championship courses during the months that the Snowbirds are here. Residents should go elsewhere and let the villages feel the loss all year. Same goes for priority fees. If you pay them, your cost to play should be greatly reduced not just $5 or $10 dollars! Problem is all residents need to speak up.

[Tom Frogge]

Excellent Post, good information for people

Very helpful! Thanks!,

[John_W]

...I'm planning on playing two CC per week year round and Execs 2-4 days...golf will be less than I pay now...what CC do you play regularly? While I plan to play them all..want a regular game or two per week..thoughts and suggestions appreciated

The biggest factor is where you live and how long a cart ride will you put up with. If playing a 90 minute executive round, would you drive more 20 minutes each way to play? I find that's about average. I live in Tamarind Grove, it's between St. James and Buttonwood off St. Charles. I play only the championship courses.

Glenview to the north is a 35 minute cart ride, Palmer is 20 min, Mallory and Havana are 15 minutes and Cane Garden is 10 minutes. Going in the opposite direction Evans Prairie is 10 minutes, Bonifay is 15 minutes and Belle Glade is 20 minutes. That my circle of play. In the last 7 years I've played Lopez 3 times, it's a 50 minute ride. Beautiful course with a driving range, but that's a long ride, especially the last time I got caught in a heavy downpour and lightning, which happens a lot in the summer. Tierra Del Sol is a 40 minute ride and I've played it twice, it's also only 18 holes. I have never played Hacienda Hills or Orange Blossom. Going over the bridge, and Orange Blossom would require an additional bridge, is a lot of traveling when I have so many nice course nearby.

You'll have favorites, my favorite nine is Alamanda at Cane Garden, my favorite 18 is either Kenya to Hemingway at Havana or Calusa to Tequesta at Bell Glade. You'll have plenty of time to explore, that's what's so nice about having so many choices close at hand.

[Bogie Shooter]

I totally agree, Residents should BE GETTING DISCOUNTED FEES on all the Championship courses during the months that the Snowbirds are here. Residents should go elsewhere and let the villages feel the loss all year. Same goes for priority fees. If you pay them, your cost to play should be greatly reduced not just $5 or $10 dollars! Problem is all residents need to speak up.

No one is forcing you to get a priority membership....
Why discount when snowbirds are here?

[golfing eagles]

I totally agree, Residents should BE GETTING DISCOUNTED FEES on all the Championship courses during the months that the Snowbirds are here. Residents should go elsewhere and let the villages feel the loss all year. Same goes for priority fees. If you pay them, your cost to play should be greatly reduced not just $5 or $10 dollars! Problem is all residents need to speak up.

Why????? Because we live here??? Because you want cheaper golf???? Someone even posted the greens fee should be cheaper because "we pay taxes and frequent the restaurants". Where DON'T you pay taxes or eat out?????? As a New Years Day special, I'm offering some cheese to go with all these whines. I can play 170 rounds/year including the priority fee here for less than I paid at my club in NY----where I was lucky to get 30 rounds a year in.

[graciegirl]

I totally agree, Residents should BE GETTING DISCOUNTED FEES on all the Championship courses during the months that the Snowbirds are here. Residents should go elsewhere and let the villages feel the loss all year. Same goes for priority fees. If you pay them, your cost to play should be greatly reduced not just $5 or $10 dollars! Problem is all residents need to speak up.

I disagree with you. I have golfed for more than forty years and the prices here are reasonable. Winter rates are always higher in vacation areas and that is true all over Florida.

No one is going anywhere. The golf here is much desired and someone is going to do it. THEY won't have ANY trouble filling the tee times, believe me.

[graciegirl]

Why????? Because we live here??? Because you want cheaper golf???? Someone even posted the greens fee should be cheaper because "we pay taxes and frequent the restaurants". Where DON'T you pay taxes or eat out?????? As a New Years Day special, I'm offering some cheese to go with all these whines. I can play 170 rounds/year including the priority fee here for less than I paid at my club in NY----where I was lucky to get 30 rounds a year in.

Bump. Much better answer than mine and so delighted to see the poster posting.

Happy New Year Doc.

[drcar]

Why????? Because we live here??? Because you want cheaper golf???? Someone even posted the greens fee should be cheaper because "we pay taxes and frequent the restaurants". Where DON'T you pay taxes or eat out?????? As a New Years Day special, I'm offering some cheese to go with all these whines. I can play 170 rounds/year including the priority fee here for less than I paid at my club in NY----where I was lucky to get 30 rounds a year in.

:agree::agree::agree::agree::agree:

[birdiebill]

I totally agree, Residents should BE GETTING DISCOUNTED FEES on all the Championship courses during the months that the Snowbirds are here. Residents should go elsewhere and let the villages feel the loss all year. Same goes for priority fees. If you pay them, your cost to play should be greatly reduced not just $5 or $10 dollars! Problem is all residents need to speak up.

Priority members get a discount of $17 per 18 holes of Championship golf in the winter months of Jan-Apr, $12 per round in the fall months of Oct-Dec, and $7 per round in the remaining five months. Pretty good discount.

If a person plays 60 rounds per year evenly spaced among the 12 months, the priority fee pays for itself. More than 60 rounds, greater savings. I am a year around resident, play priority championship golf, wife does not play championship, my costs are fair.

[arickis]

We have been playing on the outside for years and there are bargains to be found. Using Golf Now, and The Golf 18 Network, you can golf for half of what the Villages charges. Good courses are out there. We played Eagle Ridge for $22.00 yesterday...excellent condition.

[OhioBuckeye]

The price of golf on The Villages championship courses during the "snowbird" season is absolutely obscene! While I understand that rates go up at most golf courses during the winter, why must it be so expensive for the residents of this community? We pay taxes, shop and eat at the local stores and restaurants, yet we receive no break on the greens fees until the summer when it's too darn hot to play. There are plenty of courses outside this venue that are reasonable, so I guess that's where I'll continue to find a game, because as a resident here I just can't see paying snowbird rates.

I totally agree! I have a friend that joined the Championship courses & I didn't & he still has to pay a fee when he plays but it's only a few dollars less than I pay. I really think I could play as much as he could & never reach what he pays to join. It's not a deal if you ask me. Like you, I go outside the bubble & get a lot better deals than here in TV. I know some people have their own idea's about how great it is to join a Championship course, but the money you think you save isn't that much. Guess I don't get it!

[JSR22]

I totally agree! I have a friend that joined the Championship courses & I didn't & he still has to pay a fee when he plays but it's only a few dollars less than I pay. I really think I could play as much as he could & never reach what he pays to join. It's not a deal if you ask me. Like you, I go outside the bubble & get a lot better deals than here in TV. I know some people have their own idea's about how great it is to join a Championship course, but the money you think you save isn't that much. Guess I don't get it!

My husband is priority and plays the Championship courses 3 days a week. He definitely saves money. Rarely does he play outside of TV. He only plays outside for excellent courses. Disney, Celebration, Juliet Falls or Golden Ocala. He likes to take his golf cart, play, have lunch and be home in 5 hours. leaving her and driving 45 minutes to an hour is a waste of his time.

[OhioBuckeye]

:agree::agree::agree::agree::agree:

If we're going to compare golf to where we come from like NY. I came from Ohio & we probably had 50 golf course within 20 miles from where I lived. Where I lived we had 11 courses & none of them were over $25. per round & to join them they ran from $500. to $1,000. a yr. & you didn't have to pay extra when you came to play. Play all you wanted, 7 days a week, & as many times a day as you want & yes they were as nice or better than any Championship course here. Before we moved to TV my wife & I JOINED a deal where each one of us paid $200. to join 4 golf course & got to play Mon. thru Fri. Sat. & Sun. was $75. more. I understand why the people here are so defensive about the Championship courses here. You're not going to say anything bad about them after you joined, you're not going to bad mouth them. But to pay a fee after you paid for a membership isn't a deal. You pay a membership to play, not to pay again to play. You can say what you want about a membership, you're still adding to that membership, so in reality you're paying membership plus to play so it's adding cost to your golf fee & so it's not as cheap as you say it is. This is nothing to argue about, just have fun playing golf in TV.

[JSR22]

If we're going to compare golf to where we come from like NY. I came from Ohio & we probably had 50 golf course within 20 miles from where I lived. Where I lived we had 11 courses & none of them were over $25. per round & to join them they ran from $500. to $1,000. a yr. & you didn't have to pay extra when you came to play. Play all you wanted, 7 days a week, & as many times a day as you want & yes they were as nice or better than any Championship course here. Before we moved to TV my wife & I JOINED a deal where each one of us paid $200. to join 4 golf course & got to play Mon. thru Fri. Sat. & Sun. was $75. more. I understand why the people here are so defensive about the Championship courses here. You're not going to say anything bad about them after you joined, you're not going to bad mouth them. But to pay a fee after you paid for a membership isn't a deal. You pay a membership to play, not to pay again to play. You can say what you want about a membership, you're still adding to that membership, so in reality you're paying membership plus to play so it's adding cost to your golf fee & so it's not as cheap as you say it is. This is nothing to argue about, just have fun playing golf in TV.

Not arguing with you. My husband likes Palmer, Havana, Mallory , Cane and the 3 courses south of 466. He is happy golfing in TV. His club up North did not charge green fees but the dues and the food minimum were significantly more than 800 ayear.

[golfing eagles]

I totally agree! I have a friend that joined the Championship courses & I didn't & he still has to pay a fee when he plays but it's only a few dollars less than I pay. I really think I could play as much as he could & never reach what he pays to join. It's not a deal if you ask me. Like you, I go outside the bubble & get a lot better deals than here in TV. I know some people have their own idea's about how great it is to join a Championship course, but the money you think you save isn't that much. Guess I don't get it!

It's just simple math. You save $17 per round during the 4 winter months, $12 during the 3 fall months, and $7 for the 5 summer months. This works out to a weighted average of $11.58 per round through the year. A single priority membership at all 12 courses is $790, so the break even point is 68 rounds/ year. If you play 200 rounds, you save $1526 after paying the priority fee. If both you and your spouse play, the savings is much greater. Simple.

Now, if you go hunting (and driving), there are some bargains out there, and some reasonable courses as well, but you sacrifice convenience. For a top notch course, you will pay far more. People will complain about course conditions, but they aren't all that different outside the bubble, and the differences probably won't matter in the end to anyone but a 5 handicap or less. I played 3 rounds at Innisbrook last month and was not impressed. The main condition problem here is the wrong type of sand, especially in fairway bunkers. Personally, I prefer to support the community I live in, but to each his own.

[JSR22]

It's just simple math. You save $17 per round during the 4 winter months, $12 during the 3 fall months, and $7 for the 5 summer months. This works out to a weighted average of $11.58 per round through the year. A single priority membership at all 12 courses is $790, so the break even point is 68 rounds/ year. If you play 200 rounds, you save $1526 after paying the priority fee. If both you and your spouse play, the savings is much greater. Simple.

Now, if you go hunting (and driving), there are some bargains out there, and some reasonable courses as well, but you sacrifice convenience. For a top notch course, you will pay far more. People will complain about course conditions, but they aren't all that different outside the bubble, and the differences probably won't matter in the end to anyone but a 5 handicap or less. I played 3 rounds at Innisbrook last month and was not impressed. The main condition problem here is the wrong type of sand, especially in fairway bunkers. Personally, I prefer to support the community I live in, but to each his own.

Exactly, my husband plays a minimum of 150 rounds. He feels the courses in TV are as good if not better than the cheaper ones outside of TV. We moved here for the convenience not to drive around looking for cheaper prices.

[golfing eagles]

If we're going to compare golf to where we come from like NY. I came from Ohio & we probably had 50 golf course within 20 miles from where I lived. Where I lived we had 11 courses & none of them were over $25. per round & to join them they ran from $500. to $1,000. a yr. & you didn't have to pay extra when you came to play. Play all you wanted, 7 days a week, & as many times a day as you want & yes they were as nice or better than any Championship course here. Before we moved to TV my wife & I JOINED a deal where each one of us paid $200. to join 4 golf course & got to play Mon. thru Fri. Sat. & Sun. was $75. more. I understand why the people here are so defensive about the Championship courses here. You're not going to say anything bad about them after you joined, you're not going to bad mouth them. But to pay a fee after you paid for a membership isn't a deal. You pay a membership to play, not to pay again to play. You can say what you want about a membership, you're still adding to that membership, so in reality you're paying membership plus to play so it's adding cost to your golf fee & so it's not as cheap as you say it is. This is nothing to argue about, just have fun playing golf in TV.

Sounds like there are plenty of courses with relatively cheap rates in that part of Ohio. Of course, they are IN Ohio, with Ohio weather. All courses, from private to resort to public (unless government owned) will tend to have a fee that the market bears. Try joining Muirfield Village for the rates you quoted, and they probably have a waiting list. Here, the market bears higher winter rates and somewhat higher greens fees inside the bubble. Bay Hill, Doral, TPC Sawgrass and Tiburon get a LOT more. It's all relative.

[graciegirl]

Sounds like there are plenty of courses with relatively cheap rates in that part of Ohio. Of course, they are IN Ohio, with Ohio weather. All courses, from private to resort to public (unless government owned) will tend to have a fee that the market bears. Try joining Muirfield Village for the rates you quoted, and they probably have a waiting list. Here, the market bears higher winter rates and somewhat higher greens fees inside the bubble. Bay Hill, Doral, TPC Sawgrass and Tiburon get a LOT more. It's all relative.

There are a lot of expensive private Golf Courses in Ohio with long waiting lists.
http://www.sciotocc.com/

[tophcfa]

I totally agree, Residents should BE GETTING DISCOUNTED FEES on all the Championship courses during the months that the Snowbirds are here. Residents should go elsewhere and let the villages feel the loss all year. Same goes for priority fees. If you pay them, your cost to play should be greatly reduced not just $5 or $10 dollars! Problem is all residents need to speak up.

News flash for the above poster, many snowbirds (the ones that own and don't rent) are residents. They pay amenity fees and property taxes year round regardless of weather or not they are at the Villages. That helps keep everyone's costs down and allows full time residents to enjoy cheap golf during the non winter months. Suggesting "residents" should get favorable pricing versus "snowbirds" is ridiculous! Golf prices are driven by supply and demand. More people at the Villages in the winter, coupled with less t-times because the days are shorter, equals higher greenn fees.

[Polar Bear]

There are a lot of expensive private Golf Courses in Ohio with long waiting lists...
Yep. The rates quoted for Ohio are not typical of all Ohio.

[Marathon Man]

I totally agree, Residents should BE GETTING DISCOUNTED FEES on all the Championship courses during the months that the Snowbirds are here. Residents should go elsewhere and let the villages feel the loss all year. Same goes for priority fees. If you pay them, your cost to play should be greatly reduced not just $5 or $10 dollars! Problem is all residents need to speak up.

Be careful what you ask for. Discounts in the winter will mean higher prices in the summer. Since I play much more golf in the summer, I am OK with the pricing the way it is. On the average, still a good deal on golf for the year.

[diva1]

Who cares what it is in New Jersey. They aren't competing with The Villages.

[Tom Frogge]

Thanks John! Very helpful. Do you ever take an automobile to any of TV courses?

[John_W]

Thanks John! Very helpful. Do you ever take an automobile to any of TV courses?

Yes, last time I played Lopez in 2016 I drove my car and rented a cart for $10, I believe cart rental went up to $15 in 2017 unless you live in Fenney. I like taking the cart to the golf course because I never use it otherwise. Right now I haven't played since Nov 11th, so it has sat in the garage since then. I'm not really into driving carts and my wife won't ride in one at all.

[MrGolf]

It's the old law as others have mentioned. Supply and demand. As long as there is demand to play at the increased winter rates they will keep going up. If residents migrate to supporting outside courses revenues go down and changes to pricing will be made. They have a system that works and is profitable. Put a dent in the pocketbook and then lets see what happens. I for one am playing outside for the next few months especially when guests come knocking at the door to get away from the northern temperatures or lack thereof.

[JoMar]

Thank goodness those that are against free market and profits are in the minority here. Can you imagine what this place would be like if the profit motive went away?

[MrGolf]

I for one am not against profit nor free market. Also support fair pricing and fair value. Last year, expenses were reduced in the winter period while pricing went up. This year there has been another spike. I would fully support a price increase on the Executive courses to offset this but I think that would a tough pill for many who play 4-5 times per week to swallow.

[drcar]

Yes, last time I played Lopez in 2016 I drove my car and rented a cart for $10, I believe cart rental went up to $15 in 2017 unless you live in Fenney. I like taking the cart to the golf course because I never use it otherwise. Right now I haven't played since Nov 11th, so it has sat in the garage since then. I'm not really into driving carts and my wife won't ride in one at all.

Cart Rentals have DROPPED in price for all villagers

[OhioBuckeye]

It's just simple math. You save $17 per round during the 4 winter months, $12 during the 3 fall months, and $7 for the 5 summer months. This works out to a weighted average of $11.58 per round through the year. A single priority membership at all 12 courses is $790, so the break even point is 68 rounds/ year. If you play 200 rounds, you save $1526 after paying the priority fee. If both you and your spouse play, the savings is much greater. Simple.

Now, if you go hunting (and driving), there are some bargains out there, and some reasonable courses as well, but you sacrifice convenience. For a top notch course, you will pay far more. People will complain about course conditions, but they aren't all that different outside the bubble, and the differences probably won't matter in the end to anyone but a 5 handicap or less. I played 3 rounds at Innisbrook last month and was not impressed. The main condition problem here is the wrong type of sand, especially in fairway bunkers. Personally, I prefer to support the community I live in, but to each his own.

If you're happy with the deal of joining, go for it. But the few times I played with some members like Bonifay I paid $55. & the member I played with paid about $45. to me that $10. isn't a deal where you're paying for a $790. membership. Like I said maybe I just don't get it! Enjoy the courses & have fun wherever you play. Thanks for the reply & God Bless!

[Brownmoose13]

Where in Ohio do you or did you live and play golf?
Chuck

[graciegirl]

I for one am not against profit nor free market. Also support fair pricing and fair value. Last year, expenses were reduced in the winter period while pricing went up. This year there has been another spike. I would fully support a price increase on the Executive courses to offset this but I think that would a tough pill for many who play 4-5 times per week to swallow.

The post after this one is wonky....checking.1.2.3.

[mic4me]

I would support a rate difference between owners and renters/snow birds with guest cards that receive the same benefits as those of us who are paying the full monty to own/reside here.

[asianthree]

I play Tuesday, Thursday Friday, Sunday championship courses, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday I play exec courses. Even with priority golf fee it’s still cheaper to play in TV, than my membership up north which i can only play about 4 months.

[EviesGP]

This is all very good info, especially John W!
I/we, too, are planning to move to TV later this year(renting, while looking to buy).
I also agree on the convenience of jumping in the cart with clubs.
And, I too, prefer the 18 holes(vs 9), but I'll take what I can get to start.
And, although I will use every opportunity to enjoy TV courses, I would certainly be interested
in the outside courses/deals, in the event we can't get tee times?
Thanks.