2020 Championship Golf Rates

[MrGolf]

The 2020 Championship rates have been posted. This will do nothing but push more golfers outside the bubble during the “busy season” . Playing 18 holes and bringing a guest has become somewhat of a luxury item. Experience dictates that more tee times will be available as residents look for alternatives outside. Please don’t tell me to compare our rates to prices “up north.” We are not up north. We are in Central Florida. This is good news for those that own courses within a 30 mile radius of TV.

[stan the man]

Don't buy a Lamborghini if you can't afford the price of gas

[tophcfa]

The 2020 Championship rates have been posted. This will do nothing but push more golfers outside the bubble during the “busy season” . Playing 18 holes and bringing a guest has become somewhat of a luxury item. Experience dictates that more tee times will be available as residents look for alternatives outside. Please don’t tell me to compare our rates to prices “up north.” We are not up north. We are in Central Florida. This is good news for those that own courses within a 30 mile radius of TV.

The above post begs the question, what are the courses within a thirty mile radius of the bubble that will benefit from the new Villages golf rates? To qualify the courses need to be similar quality and conditions, cost significantly less (including a golf cart), and be relatively easy to get to within about a 40 minute car ride.

Any course that doesn’t meet the above criteria would not be an option when we can load up our clubs into our own golf cart and drive to 12 different courses between 5 and 40 minutes away.

[dewilson58]

Played some of the best courses in the USA.
I understood the course conditions here prior to purchasing a home.
Course conditions really have not changed over the last 15 years.
Yes, there are good months and not so good months.


What I like is golf cart accessible.
Great value to me.

[JSR22]

Played some of the best courses in the USA.
I understood the course conditions here prior to purchasing a home.
Course conditions really have not changed over the last 15 years.
Yes, there are good months and not so good months.


What I like is golf cart accessible.
Great value to me.

We moved here for the accessible Championship Courses. My husband is priority , plays 3 days a week and is very happy. He only goes off site for Golden Ocala and several courses in Orlando.

[bagboy]

Make a note of who complains about golf course conditions in the near future. ..

[karostay]

:popcorn::icon_bored:

[HoosierPa]

Try Continental Country Club 18 hole Championship Course on SR 44 in Wildwood. All fairways and tees have been over seeded for the winter and it is in much improved condition.
(352) 748-3293.

You will save a lot of money, get a new electric cart and get free drink after your round of golf. (2 for 1 coupon)

[GoPacers]

I'm not involved in setting rates but logic would suggest that prices will be set to provide income to maintain the course and to ensure there is the desired amount of play. If the rates are too low the revenue won't support the course maintenance and there will be too many people playing - thereby putting more stress on the course. Set the rates too high and people won't play and there will be insufficient revenue to maintain the course(s). The rates here are extremely competitive compared to "back home." The quality of the championship courses is generally very good to excellent. I don't see any problem with the new rates and I also don't see any problem if people want to play elsewhere. I expect the Villages courses will continue to do just fine and there may end up being more options for golfers. The net being a good outcome for everyone other than those that want to play championship courses at public course rates.

[Love2Swim]

I guess it depends on where "back home" is. Compared to "back home" for us, the rates here are high, and we are providing our own golf carts! The conditions may be good right now, but there were several years that the conditions, as a whole, were mediocre.

[Singerlady]

That wasn’t nice! An 11.9% increase! Obscene. Wish my investments got that!

[anothersteve]

A couple of interesting reads. Might put costs a little more in prospective.

Golf Property Analysts How Much Does Golf Cost? (https://golfprop.com/blog/how-much-does-golf-cost/)

https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/major-articles/2017/the-economics-of-golf-course-maintenance.html

Steve

[MrGolf]

That's my point. That is a significant increase. It also sets the bar for the other seasons when the snowbirds have gone home and the full time residents are left with many excuses regarding subpar course conditions. Some will fault overcrowding. In my 65 years of being around courses both private and public I don't agree. We all loved the late afternoon summer rates that gave us the opportunity to brave the heat and get a few holes in very inexpensively. Given this past summer's prices it appears that those days are gone. Sad

[MrGolf]

I guess it depends on where "back home" is. Compared to "back home" for us, the rates here are high, and we are providing our own golf carts! The conditions may be good right now, but there were several years that the conditions, as a whole, were mediocre.

Valid point. I was a part of a seniors group (20-30 guys) in Western PA that played every Monday at courses within a 40 minute drive. That encompassed eastern OH, northern WV and Western PA. This was during the prime season. Point being the cost never exceeded $30 which included a cart. These were decent tracks. Just saying that courses can survive and maintain quality courses by charging this rate.

[forebubba]

The 2020 Championship rates have been posted. This will do nothing but push more golfers outside the bubble during the “busy season” . Playing 18 holes and bringing a guest has become somewhat of a luxury item. Experience dictates that more tee times will be available as residents look for alternatives outside. Please don’t tell me to compare our rates to prices “up north.” We are not up north. We are in Central Florida. This is good news for those that own courses within a 30 mile radius of TV.
More greed by the Developer. Over 10% increase? For what?

[OhioBuckeye]

The 2020 Championship rates have been posted. This will do nothing but push more golfers outside the bubble during the “busy season” . Playing 18 holes and bringing a guest has become somewhat of a luxury item. Experience dictates that more tee times will be available as residents look for alternatives outside. Please don’t tell me to compare our rates to prices “up north.” We are not up north. We are in Central Florida. This is good news for those that own courses within a 30 mile radius of TV.

MrGolf, I agree with what you said. But here's my question. I've never got a membership at any of the Championship course, but I played with a friend that did have a membership & it looked like to me he still had to pay a fee & it looked like to me it was only 5 or $10. less than I paid with no membership. I always thought that when you joined a Championship course it cost you nothing! Correct me in my thinking, MrGolf.:bigbow:

[JSR22]

MrGolf, I agree with what you said. But here's my question. I've never got a membership at any of the Championship course, but I played with a friend that did have a membership & it looked like to me he still had to pay a fee & it looked like to me it was only 5 or $10. less than I paid with no membership. I always thought that when you joined a Championship course it cost you nothing! Correct me in my thinking, MrGolf.:bigbow:

When we belonged to a golf club up North there were no green fees. There were monthly membership dues and monthly food minimums in the club restaurants. We moved 7 years ago and the fee was over $500 a month. In TV the priority fee is under $800 for the year. Cheaper green fees, includes trail fees, priority pool membership and priority tee times.

[alwann]

MrGolf, I agree with what you said. But here's my question. I've never got a membership at any of the Championship course, but I played with a friend that did have a membership & it looked like to me he still had to pay a fee & it looked like to me it was only 5 or $10. less than I paid with no membership. I always thought that when you joined a Championship course it cost you nothing! Correct me in my thinking, MrGolf.:bigbow:

There's the rub. The so-called membership costs around $750 a year for an individual. You pay greens fees on top of this. The membership gives you priority consideration when booking tee times. Some private clubs elsewhere may include greens fees in their membership rate, but you'd need to have an offshore bank account to afford it. One really needs to do the math based on number of rounds played to see if membership is an advantage.

[John_W]

If "up north" is being included, I played seven public golf courses northeast of Baltimore before 2011 and I paid $32 to $37 and that highest one included a hot dog, chips and a drink at the turn.

My favorite was Pilgrim's Oak, it was owned by the Amish and sat right on the Mason/Dixon line at Peach Botton, PA. For those over 50 it was $33 and at the turn your could get a great pulled pork sandwich with a drink and chips for $7. The Amish did all the maintenance on the course and they had regular pros running the clubhouse. A couple of times I would catch myself just starring off into the beauty of the place and forget what I was there for. It was 32 miles from my home. Here it is

https://www.pilgrimsoak.com/media/com_twojtoolbox/course%2001.jpg

[Fourpar]

Just lovely...wish I could play there. Thanks for Pic....
:pray:

[alwann]

If "up north" is being included, I played seven public golf courses northeast of Baltimore before 2011 and I paid $32 to $37 and that highest one included a hot dog, chips and a drink at the turn.

My favorite was Pilgrim's Oak, it was owned by the Amish and sat right on the Mason/Dixon line at Peach Botton, PA. For those over 50 it was $33 and at the turn your could get a great pulled pork sandwich with a drink and chips for $7. The Amish did all the maintenance on the course and they had regular pros running the clubhouse. A couple of times I would catch myself just starring off into the beauty of the place and forget what I was there for. It was 32 miles from my home. Here it is

https://www.pilgrimsoak.com/media/com_twojtoolbox/course%2001.jpg

Absolutely gorgeous. Did the rate you quoted include a golf cart? What's more, isn't it interesting how the Amish are getting into other fields of endeavor? I know of one family that quit growing tobacco and is now growing Cannabis for making CBD oil.

[GoPacers]

So, for 8 months of the year you can play all the courses for $30-$42 as a "Resident Member." https://www.golfthevillages.com/images/May_Dec%202019.pdf

That's a heck of a deal even when you compare to the prices folks pay "up north." Yes, it's more expensive for the other four months. Did you ever think that maybe the four "expensive" months helps to keep the rates down for the full-time residents the other eight months?

[TSO/ISPF]

Interesting discussion. We just purchased a home in TV and are from MN. Golf here right now is not an option. How about the excutive course? Too hard to get on? Not that good? Just curious, still looking forward to exploring TV.

[Polar Bear]

Interesting discussion. We just purchased a home in TV and are from MN. Golf here right now is not an option. How about the excutive course? Too hard to get on? Not that good? Just curious, still looking forward to exploring TV.
Execs are built to the same basic standards as the champs. So you're not playing on inferior courses, just practicing mostly your short game. Very enjoyable. And you can get on most times you want, especially if you have just a bit of flexibility.

[eyc234]

Try Continental Country Club 18 hole Championship Course on SR 44 in Wildwood. All fairways and tees have been over seeded for the winter and it is in much improved condition.
(352) 748-3293.

You will save a lot of money, get a new electric cart and get free drink after your round of golf. (2 for 1 coupon)

Have played there and it is in no way comparable to TV courses! :ohdear: Price is of no concern if the course is no better, have to drive in a car to get there and the option for food is less.

[John_W]

Absolutely gorgeous. Did the rate you quoted include a golf cart? What's more, isn't it interesting how the Amish are getting into other fields of endeavor? I know of one family that quit growing tobacco and is now growing Cannabis for making CBD oil.

Yes, the Pilgrim's Oak rate included a cart. All the courses I played in NE Maryland and SE Pennsylvania, about 7 courses included a cart.

As far as The Villages, I have no beef with the greenfees, as GoPacers commented, we can play most of the courses after 1pm for $34 during 8 months of the year. This time last year we were already paying top dollar. I know some complained when they raised the summer afternoon rate from $24 to $34 but they extended it 3 months from Oct 1st to Dec 31st. That's about what I paid up north as a senior on weekdays.

So for four months we have to rough it out. Something we did in the past was play just nine holes. It's better than playing an executive, you're pulling out your driver 7 times vs 1 or 2 times or maybe not at all, and you're playing for 2+ hours instead of 90 minutes. So try a nine hole round for half of $64, the only negative is you have to start at 1pm or later.

While many of you were impressed with Pilgrim's Oak Golf Course, five miles down the road toward Lancaster, PA is Tanglewood. It's also public and very cheap. I only played it twice since I had to pass by Pilgrim's Oak to get there and it was a 37 mile trip. If I lived in the local area I would play Tanglewood more often. Here'a look at that course.

https://www.twgolf.com/images/template/showcase5.jpg

[Singerlady]

Also, from 2018 to 2019, fees went up $5 to $42. That was a 13.5% increase. This increase is 11.9%. So, over the last 2 years, the increase was a whopping 27%...don’t add the Percents!

[dewilson58]

Also, from 2018 to 2019, fees went up $5 to $42. That was a 13.5% increase. This increase is 11.9%. So, over the last 2 years, the increase was a whopping 27%...don’t add the Percents!






That's because the property taxes on the golf courses went up 25%.




:boxing2:

[John_W]

Also, from 2018 to 2019, fees went up $5 to $42. That was a 13.5% increase. This increase is 11.9%. So, over the last 2 years, the increase was a whopping 27%...don’t add the Percents!

That's not really true. First off, if you play after 11am, which myself and all those in my group have done since 2011, the greenfees in the off season is $34 starting with teetimes of 11:56 and later, that $42 is the morning rate. I have never teed off here before 11am and everyone I know plays in the afternoon.

As I mentioned in my previous post they extended the off season rate three more months, winter rates use to kick in Oct 1st, but now it's not until January 1st. So for 8 months you pay $34 in the afternoon. This time last year Oct 1st to Dec 31st. a resident member at Cane Garden for example, paid $47. It's still just $34 until the end of the year., from May to December. So you've only have 4 months of higher rates. On some courses, such as Palmer which was $62 last year, it's only a $2 increase and at Lopez, and Glenview it's $58, which is only a $3 increase.

[bilcon]

:a040::a040:Judging from the quality of golfers I played with over the last 11 years, I don't think the conditions need to be perfect for the average golfer. It's easy to blame poor play on the conditions of the courses. Fees only went up $5.00 for most courses, $8 for the three courses that were cheaper and $2 for Orange Blossom. (Priority membership has not increased again). I agree that prices for Non-priority members and guests is getting up there.

"I played so badly last week that at the 18th hole there was a pond. I told my caddy that I think I will drown myself. He said: "I don't think that's a good idea". When I asked him why, he said: "I don't think you can keep your head down that long".

[rjn5656]

As a non priority, I think that with providing my own cart, $60+ is excessive and I will play offsite. My choice.

[tophcfa]

As a non priority, I think that with providing my own cart, $60+ is excessive and I will play offsite. My choice.

I am in the same situation. Although I will still play mostly onsite, I am going to try a few rounds outside the bubble this winter. Can anyone suggest relatively close offsite courses that are in decent shape and won't cost $128 for my wife and I to play an enjoyable round of Championship golf? We don't need high end courses, just not dog tracks.

[Love2Swim]

That's not really true. First off, if you play after 11am, which myself and all those in my group have done since 2011, the greenfees in the off season is $34 starting with teetimes of 11:56 and later, that $42 is the morning rate. I have never teed off here before 11am and everyone I know plays in the afternoon.

As I mentioned in my previous post they extended the off season rate three more months, winter rates use to kick in Oct 1st, but now it's not until January 1st. So for 8 months you pay $34 in the afternoon. This time last year Oct 1st to Dec 31st. a resident member at Cane Garden for example, paid $47. It's still just $34 until the end of the year., from May to December. So you've only have 4 months of higher rates. On some courses, such as Palmer which was $62 last year, it's only a $2 increase and at Lopez, and Glenview it's $58, which is only a $3 increase.

You are a rarity to be able to play in the afternoon in the summer heat, with the heat index upwards of 100 degrees. I don't know another person that does so.

[Marathon Man]

You are a rarity to be able to play in the afternoon in the summer heat, with the heat index upwards of 100 degrees. I don't know another person that does so.

I agree with 'rarity'. I am one of the few that faces the heat but and in return gets a near empty course.

[tophcfa]

You are a rarity to be able to play in the afternoon in the summer heat, with the heat index upwards of 100 degrees. I don't know another person that does so.

I would much rather play in the afternoon in the summer heat and play on a near empty course for less $$. The only problem I have with the later day rounds in the summer is the very high probability the round will be cut short by lightning.

[Polar Bear]

You are a rarity to be able to play in the afternoon in the summer heat, with the heat index upwards of 100 degrees. I don't know another person that does so.
Rare may be a little strong. I like the afternoon/evening also for the same reasons others have listed. Plus I’m one of those whacky seniors who just doesn’t like to get up and get busy early in the morning. :) A perfect round of golf for me is one that I finish as the sun sets. And since I like playing nine holes sometimes, I can start as late as 7:00 during DST and finish easily. Beautiful. :)

Spring/Summer/Fall golf group(s) anybody?!? :)

[John_W]

You are a rarity to be able to play in the afternoon in the summer heat, with the heat index upwards of 100 degrees. I don't know another person that does so.

Our group doesn't have a problem, maybe it helped me that I grew up in St. Petersburg and played many summers as teenager. Didn't know what a golf cart was then, walked 18 all the time. That was then, I find the heat isn't really that bad, in fact back in Maryland in August it will hit 100 at least half the days and it never hits 100 here. I think it is more of a mindset, if you're thinking that way then you're already defeated before you start.

[rjn5656]

Arlington Ridge , Summerglen, Eagle Ridge, Harbor Hills are all close by and won't break the bank

Little father away Country Club of Ocala (watch for coupon), Red Tail, Stonecreek in Ocala, Juliett Falls

Little farther yet World Woods in Brooksville (get coupons from Golf Exp) - very nice trac with 36 holes

[rjn5656]

I play 6 days a week in summer, and only one is in the morning. Just bring a lot of water.

[swooner]

I agree with 'rarity'. I am one of the few that faces the heat but and in return gets a near empty course.

Heat exhaustion comes at no extra cost!

[Bogie Shooter]

Also, from 2018 to 2019, fees went up $5 to $42. That was a 13.5% increase. This increase is 11.9%. So, over the last 2 years, the increase was a whopping 27%...don’t add the Percents!

That's not really true. First off, if you play after 11am, which myself and all those in my group have done since 2011, the greenfees in the off season is $34 starting with teetimes of 11:56 and later, that $42 is the morning rate. I have never teed off here before 11am and everyone I know plays in the afternoon.

As I mentioned in my previous post they extended the off season rate three more months, winter rates use to kick in Oct 1st, but now it's not until January 1st. So for 8 months you pay $34 in the afternoon. This time last year Oct 1st to Dec 31st. a resident member at Cane Garden for example, paid $47. It's still just $34 until the end of the year., from May to December. So you've only have 4 months of higher rates. On some courses, such as Palmer which was $62 last year, it's only a $2 increase and at Lopez, and Glenview it's $58, which is only a $3 increase.
There you go confusing things with facts...

[golf2140]

That's because the property taxes on the golf courses went up 25%.




:boxing2:

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

[Love2Swim]

I agree with 'rarity'. I am one of the few that faces the heat but and in return gets a near empty course.

There's a reason for that. :popcorn:

[Love2Swim]

Our group doesn't have a problem, maybe it helped me that I grew up in St. Petersburg and played many summers as teenager. Didn't know what a golf cart was then, walked 18 all the time. That was then, I find the heat isn't really that bad, in fact back in Maryland in August it will hit 100 at least half the days and it never hits 100 here. I think it is more of a mindset, if you're thinking that way then you're already defeated before you start.

I think the key is you grew up in St. Petersburg. People form up north look at people playing golf in 100 degree heat as kooks, sorry.

[tophcfa]

I think the key is you grew up in St. Petersburg. People form up north look at people playing golf in 100 degree heat as kooks, sorry.

I am from up north and have no problem (in fact I kind of like it) playing in the summer heat. As long as I drink lots of water and Poweraid to stay hydrated it's all good.
However, my days of keeping a hammer and nail set in my golf bag so I can make a hole in the frozen ground to get my T into the ground have come to an end. I now have a rule that it has to be above 35 degrees out and the ground can't be frozen, or I won't play.

[anothersteve]

However, my days of keeping a hammer and nail set in my golf bag so I can make a hole in the frozen ground to get my T into the ground have come to an end. I now have a rule that it has to be above 35 degrees out and the ground can't be frozen, or I won't play.

We carried cordless drills.
Steve

[eyc234]

You are a rarity to be able to play in the afternoon in the summer heat, with the heat index upwards of 100 degrees. I don't know another person that does so.

Not really do it all summer long. Stay hydrated, in the shade a much as possible and bring an extra shirt, along with a towel to wet in the coldest water from the ambassadors. It is only sweat!!

[Barefoot]

That's because the property taxes on the golf courses went up 25%.
True - golf courses need to make a profit, don't they? :duck:

[anothersteve]

If it needs to be broken down, because I know how some people don't like to research for themselves;

Hacienda up 8
Glenview up 2
Lopez up 2
Palmer no change
Cane up 4
Mallory up 5
Havana up 5
Bonifay up 5
Evans Prairie up 8
Belle Glade up 5
Tierra up 11
Orange Blossom up 4

These increases are for resident members which is what I am, and probably what most are, and compared to 2019 winter rates

Steve

[drcar]

:boom::boom::boom::boom::bigbow:If it needs to be broken down, because I know how some people don't like to research for themselves;

Hacienda up 8
Glenview up 2
Lopez up 2
Palmer no change
Cane up 4
Mallory up 5
Havana up 5
Bonifay up 5
Evans Prairie up 8
Belle Glade up 5
Tierra up 11
Orange Blossom up 4

These increases are for resident members which is what I am, and probably what most are, and compared to 2019 winter rates

Steve

[bilcon]

Sooooo you are willing to spend $10+ in gas to save $2 to $8 increase. OK Car pooling I guess. Have a couple of beers, drive home. HUMMMM!
I like the convenience of driving my cart to the GC and then to local spot for lunch. Everybody has their own opinion.

"That's the secret of life...replace one worry with another".

[drcar]

:clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:Sooooo you are willing to spend $10+ in gas to save $2 to $8 increase. OK Car pooling I guess. Have a couple of beers, drive home. HUMMMM!
I like the convenience of driving my cart to the GC and then to local spot for lunch. Everybody has their own opinion.

"That's the secret of life...replace one worry with another".

[karostay]

My take is it's like skiing a lift ticket single day ticket are $ XXXX season pass $XXX
Think it's their way of trying to attract more priority members

[collie1228]

It's an interesting take on supply and demand. The supply is fixed (as far as I can tell, The Villages has no plans for any new championship courses, although early maps near Fenney showed an 18 hole course - not sure where that is now). So they will be selling thousands of new homes in a golfing community while keeping the number of championship courses the same. Think that might impact demand? But, at the same time, if you raise the prices significantly, which they are doing, the resultant bad feelings by some residents should tamper demand somewhat. That's capitalism folks.

[Bogie Shooter]

It's an interesting take on supply and demand. The supply is fixed (as far as I can tell, The Villages has no plans for any new championship courses, although early maps near Fenney showed an 18 hole course - not sure where that is now). So they will be selling thousands of new homes in a golfing community while keeping the number of championship courses the same. Think that might impact demand? But, at the same time, if you raise the prices significantly, which they are doing, the resultant bad feelings by some residents should tamper demand somewhat. That's capitalism folks.

Not sure most would agree that south of CR44 is being built & sold as a golfing community.

[graciegirl]

Not really do it all summer long. Stay hydrated, in the shade a much as possible and bring an extra shirt, along with a towel to wet in the coldest water from the ambassadors. It is only sweat!!

My husband who is 79 has not missed a Golf day here for the weather(HOT or COLD) and he plays 18 holes on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Sometimes I beg him not to go out as I am too young to be a widow, but he always says; "Somebody's got to do it".

I am so happy he can and he loves it.

[Nucky]

That's because the property taxes on the golf courses went up 25%.




:boxing2:

Shouldn't Golf Courses be treated Like Religous Property? No Taxes! :ohdear: or :coolsmiley: :popcorn:

[CFrance]

Shouldn't Golf Courses be treated Like Religous Property? No Taxes! :ohdear: or :coolsmiley: :popcorn:
Certainly the Lord's name is invoked frequently...

[tophcfa]

Not sure most would agree that south of CR44 is being built & sold as a golfing community.

That is kind of stating the obvious. Let's see, build thousands of homes without a Championship Golf course, not a golfing community.

[tophcfa]

Shouldn't Golf Courses be treated Like Religous Property? No Taxes! :ohdear: or :coolsmiley: :popcorn:

You got that right :coolsmiley:

[Mortal1]

Yawn...continental is a dog track...okay, but not really good.

[tophcfa]

My husband who is 79 has not missed a Golf day here for the weather(HOT or COLD) and he plays 18 holes on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Sometimes I beg him not to go out as I am too young to be a widow, but he always says; "Somebody's got to do it".

I am so happy he can and he loves it.

Good for him, that's great. We all need to do what makes us happy, because somebody's got to do it, and we will regret not taking advantage of pursuing what makes us happy when we no longer can :) Sounds like a smart man!

[graciegirl]

More greed by the Developer. Over 10% increase? For what?

I do not agree. For all of the reasons given in this thread. We are a fifty year golfing couple and he has played all over the world.

Like I said before....we are lucky ducks to live here and to play here.

I am SICK of hearing the word GREED.

[MrGolf]

Like I stated in the original post, these rates have been well received by courses outside of the bubble. No surprise the summer 2020 rates have not been published. For those that said the increase will not bother them, me thinks they might be in the minority. It’s good to know we have options. Not referring to it a greed GG, just not referring to it as an intelligent decision. Then again they are in the housing business.

[Love2Swim]

:bigbow:We carried cordless drills.
Steve

[Love2Swim]

If it needs to be broken down, because I know how some people don't like to research for themselves;

Hacienda up 8
Glenview up 2
Lopez up 2
Palmer no change
Cane up 4
Mallory up 5
Havana up 5
Bonifay up 5
Evans Prairie up 8
Belle Glade up 5
Tierra up 11
Orange Blossom up 4

These increases are for resident members which is what I am, and probably what most are, and compared to 2019 winter rates

Steve

Wow....just wow.

[Love2Swim]

Heat exhaustion comes at no extra cost!

That's no joke. I was playing in a tournament in the afternoon in May one year, high heat index, and one of the ladies did pass out from heat exhaustion. Years ago I had a friend pass out from heat exhaustion after running a race, about an hour after the race ended, and the person died. Its nothing to fool around with or be cavalier about. Our health is more important than saving a few bucks.

[Marathon Man]

So, at least three threads talking about green fee increases. Does anyone know what the surrounding courses have done? What are their fees compared to last year?

[dewilson58]

So, at least three threads talking about green fee increases. Does anyone know what the surrounding courses have done? What are their fees compared to last year?


Let your fingers do the walking.

[Marathon Man]

Let your fingers do the walking.

you are correct of course. I was more trying to provoke thinking, than look for an answer.

[billmcnall]

Just got a $20 monthly increase in social security for 2020. That will be used up in 1 1/2 weeks of golf. Home owners insurance, car insurance, cart insurance, food and restaurants have all increased also. The only logical course of action is to cut back on golf or get a job.

[Bogie Shooter]

Just got a $20 monthly increase in social security for 2020. That will be used up in 1 1/2 weeks of golf. Home owners insurance, car insurance, cart insurance, food and restaurants have all increased also. The only logical course of action is to cut back on golf or get a job.

Restaurants over golf?:1rotfl:

[tophcfa]

Restaurants over golf?:1rotfl:

I would eat Ramadan noodles before I sacrificed golf.

[drcar]

FYI, A very good letter to the editor on the ONLINE Enquirer

To the Editor:

I have been a resident of the Villages for 15 years and have played the championship courses thee time a week since I have been here.
I am no way sticking up for the developer in the raising of the rates on the Championship Golf courses but people are looking at the rates going up to $33 – $47 for the winter. People have to realize for years they always had three rate structures – summer, fall and winter. The summer rates were always $15 less from the winter rates and $10 from the fall rates. The winter rates never had a discount for afternoon play in the winter. It was always one rate for all day in the winter. The Championship rates last year ranged between ranges between $30 and $42, Palmer being the highest @$45. With Golf Management Solutions gone and The Villages taking over, they decided to go to only two seasons instead of three. Summer and fall at one rate and Winter at the other rate. In essence the increase for the winter has gone up $2-$5 depending on the course from the winter rates of last year. As I stated they never had an afternoon rate in the winter. Come May 1 the rates will be rolled back as always. People also have to realize that the courses are going through major renovations with the new grass they are doing the greens over with (tift Eagle), Bunker renovations as well as re-designing many of the holes. Plus the fact that all the chemicals and fertilizers have gone up drastically over the last few years. I know the new people that have been here only a couple of years probably didn’t realize how the seasons were structured and looking at this increase are thinking this is gouging. I feel that the courses that have been renovated so far (Lopez-Tierra-Glenview) have really improved over what they were. I understand a couple of other courses are going to be done next Summer also. Over the course of the next five to seven years they are hoping to have all courses re-done with the new grass as well as re-doing the bunkers. As far as the other courses that were mentioned outside The Villages, the only courses worth playing are Stonecreek-Harbor Hills-Eagle Ridge-Mission Inn. The others in the area are cow pastures and as far as Orlando you are looking at about a 45 minute to an hour ride to get there, so it becomes an all-day event. I will continue to play in The Villages with my two groups which consists of 32-56 members three times a week.

[Bay Kid]

Glad they are available whenever I find the time to play. Plus TVs gives us many choices! While riding in my own nice golf cart.

[collie1228]

Not sure most would agree that south of CR44 is being built & sold as a golfing community.

OK, let's assume what you say is true. It doesn't change the point, unless you are saying those folks purchasing homes south of CR44 won't be using the championship golf courses. Not sure most would agree with that. The demand will increase whether the homes are sold as part of a golf community or not.

[DARFAP]

Also, remember that part of the fee for the championship courses includes the "trail fee" charges for using your own golf cart.

[rjn5656]

Personally I am not a priority member. So for $60+ for a green fee and I have to provide my own cart, I personally think it is high for the quality of the course. For the same quality, I was used to pay 40-50 and they provided the cart.

[CWGUY]

Personally I am not a priority member. So for $60+ for a green fee and I have to provide my own cart, I personally think it is high for the quality of the course. For the same quality, I was used to pay 40-50 and they provided the cart.

:ohdear: Yes ..... but is that golf course covered in snow right now?

[DARFAP]

Remember, these rates go until the beginning of May, then they go to the summer/fall rates. There will be a decrease, but still an increase over last season's summer/fall rates.