Golf Rates go up again!!!!!!

[Imagine701]

When will it stop? Do we just keep saying oh well?

https://www.golfthevillages.com/images/May_Dec_2020.pdf

[eyc234]

So when are you moving somewhere else with all the amenities you have here? Need to know so I can take your tee times!!!:a040::a040::a040:

[John_W]

These are the courses I mainly play since they are all within a 20 minute cart ride. I always play the evening wave, somewhere in the 11:56 to 1:30 range. Last summer they were $34. This year it looks like they'll be $36 and Glen View stays at $34. I think I can live with that for now.

Palmer Legends | Cane Garden | Mallory Hill | Havana | Bonifay | Evans Prairie | Belle Glade | Glen View

[DianeM]

Why is it that whenever someone is unhappy with something the inevitable “when are you moving” comes out? It’s okay to be ticked over things. The Bubble is fine but at the end of the day it’s just a bunch of houses with Rec centers and golf courses. Did no one ever get annoyed with things where you came from?

[lake5798]

aye yi yi !

[DianeM]

The only way these increases will ever end is if Majority of golfers take a stand and boycott golf ,probably won’t happen, I play outside 2-3 days a week, not so much Because of price, it is the conditions of TV courses in relationship to price. Whenever I am asked by people I golf with outside the Villages about “ what the courses are like in TV “ my reply is always the same. I tell them it is more about quantity than Quality in TV. I have always believed bigger is not always better, and my beliefs have been borne out since I moved into TV 10 years ago.I truly enjoy all the friends I have made, but the quality of TV lifestyle has been degrading for a few years now.Starting with their Single source health care system, to the over populated squares and less than mediocre eating establishments, not to mention the 25% SumterCounty tax increase. Rather than moan and groan about all these deficiencies, I believe that it is now time to look at moving on! Sad that such a great concept is being ruined by the pursuit of more $$$ instead of maintaining the quality product that this place was originally founded on! Well I will get off my soap box now. I wish everyone the best with whatever path you shall travel.

I understand completely and agree.

[JoMar]

The only way these increases will ever end is if Majority of golfers take a stand and boycott golf ,probably won’t happen, I play outside 2-3 days a week, not so much Because of price, it is the conditions of TV courses in relationship to price. Whenever I am asked by people I golf with outside the Villages about “ what the courses are like in TV “ my reply is always the same. I tell them it is more about quantity than Quality in TV. I have always believed bigger is not always better, and my beliefs have been borne out since I moved into TV 10 years ago.I truly enjoy all the friends I have made, but the quality of TV lifestyle has been degrading for a few years now.Starting with their Single source health care system, to the over populated squares and less than mediocre eating establishments, not to mention the 25% SumterCounty tax increase. Rather than moan and groan about all these deficiencies, I believe that it is now time to look at moving on! Sad that such a great concept is being ruined by the pursuit of more $$$ instead of maintaining the quality product that this place was originally founded on! Well I will get off my soap box now. I wish everyone the best with whatever path you shall travel.

I agree, TV has never been for everybody. What I find interesting is that so few people do leave, they talk about it but the population keeps growing. There seem to be others ready to come here. I have one friend tht did leave, found nice quiet community, nice golf course, nice recreation center, $250.00 HOA fee. First year, happy, now not so much. Novelty gone and bored. He didn't think this place was for him until he was gone. I too wish everyone the best wherever they travel or whatever path they take. I suspect there will continue to be more incoming than outgoing and this place will continue to grow. As for my friend, they are moving back.

[woderfulwendy1]

"and when are you moving"

[bowlingal]

At least you still have your activity that you love so much. Most of us do not have our activities to do anymore. Quit your bitchin and be thankful

[davem4616]

prices go up because the cost of maintaining the courses and everything else involved goes up

we should be happy that they don't go up and down like the price of gasoline does....which is an absolute joke

[DecaturFargo]

Yes, but where I came from, we had a Board with community people in the neighborhood who devised budgets and theyvwere presented, argued and passed or not by a majority. We had no one ruling the kingdom, as you do here.

[ficoguy]

When will it stop? Do we just keep saying oh well?

https://www.golfthevillages.com/images/May_Dec_2020.pdf
It will never stop. Supply and demand. I am going just a few mikes off property and get to play better courses at lower rates. These courses in TV have no fairway turf to hit an iron or a nice fairway wood. It’s not grass. Looks like chickweed

[kgovier5]

I do not mind if the rates go up on the course if the conditions of the course are kept up; which they are not. Continually raising the rates on the course and not putting any money (water) back into the course is a big issue. I play twice a week outside TV with about 25 residents, and every course we play within 45 minutes is normally less expensive and in very good to excellent shape. TV might want to reach out to some courses and see how it's done....

[justjim]

Lake5798 poster, I thought your post was genuine and heart felt. I don’t know you personally but perhaps the increase golf rates and the Coronavirus is enough to send you “over the top”. Many of us are unconsciously depressed by constant change and the feeling of being held “prisoner” by what is happening in our world today. You might want to revisit your thoughts and plans after things settle down with this pandemic we are going through. We are blessed if we haven’t caught the virus and this will pass in time. Social media has a way of beating us up if we read and attempt to digest all the nonsense that is posted. On the other hand, thank God we have the first Amendment and the rights to a free press in this country. It is my personal opinion that it’s the “social media” that gets it wrong most of the time. The so called internet has few boundaries. Finally, I have observed that there has developed a pattern of negative remarks between those that play golf and those that don’t. This is not a good thing IMHO. We all need to be able to express our thoughts and opinions but we don’t need to “carry a chip on our shoulder”and always try to get in the last word. Just saying...

[mk1126]

To paraphrase an old adage - "why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free", and that;s to a "T"!

[Bay Kid]

It cost lots to run and maintain golf courses. Small price to have all these great opportunities to play multiple courses. I am just grateful they are there for us.

[drcar]

Yes, but where I came from, we had a Board with community people in the neighborhood who devised budgets and theyvwere presented, argued and passed or not by a majority. We had no one ruling the kingdom, as you do here.

Question, where you came from did the board set prices at the restaurants, gas stations, stores, etc. Of course not because they are private businesses. Just like the County Clubs are! The Executive courses are set by the community boards, they are separate!

[bumpygreens]

Please message me when you find a similar community in an area with 0% inflation.

[Boilerman]

When will it stop? Do we just keep saying oh well?

https://www.golfthevillages.com/images/May_Dec_2020.pdf

I’m curious as to why you think that greens fees wouldn’t increase every year. The price of most everything else increases a bit every year, some things more than others. There’s lots of materials and labor required to maintain a golf course so of course the price goes up some every year.

If you feel you get a better deal at courses outside the Villages then go play there. Many are very close and are cheaper.

When will it stop? Probably never as inflation affects almost everything (except televisions and gas).

[stan the man]

:ohdear: That's not allowed........ :icon_wink:

maybe you have too many post !!! I think after 2000 post you are only allowed two posts per day

[Marathon Man]

Yes, but where I came from, we had a Board with community people in the neighborhood who devised budgets and theyvwere presented, argued and passed or not by a majority. We had no one ruling the kingdom, as you do here.

Not sure what you mean by "ruling the kingdom". The championship courses are privately owned and operated. The owner sets prices pretty much like any privately owned golf course does.

[soniak4@gmail.com]

The rates you shared went into effect in December. Typically, winter brings on higher rates. Summer rates go into effect in June. They should be lower, but probably higher than last summer. People have often complained, and complained, and complained that our courses are not in great shape. Well, improvements cost money. Money does not grow on trees, at least, that is what my parents yelled at me all the time. Maintenance costs go up (labor, chemicals, improvements, etc.) and the cost has to be covered somehow. I come from the northern part of the country and thought I had died and gone to heaven when I moved here and saw how cheap it was going to be to support my golf habit. Now, the rates are creeping up but, they are creeping up all across the country. In my mind, we are still getting a good deal by golfing at our courses. So, I will keep golfing here. I will enjoy the company of my golfing buddies. I will enjoy the ease of making a tee time. I will enjoy the really nice people who take take our money in the pro shops (they will open again when this is all over). I will chat pleasantly with the ambassadors and starters. If you think you are not getting your money’s worth, go golf somewhere else as long as you enjoy yourself and spend time in the great outdoors. Have a pleasant day and stay safe.

[mtlee024]

It is what it is, we all have choices.

[kendi]

Why is it that whenever someone is unhappy with something the inevitable “when are you moving” comes out? It’s okay to be ticked over things. The Bubble is fine but at the end of the day it’s just a bunch of houses with Rec centers and golf courses. Did no one ever get annoyed with things where you came from?

It’s just another way of saying who cares. complaints don’t need to be spread across social media. People get tired of all the negativity and pettiness. Complaints can stay in a person’s own circle of family and friends

[tomhinz]

AGREED It seems to be all about the money. Maybe because of the GREED, there won't be much money to be had.

[bagboy]

Yes, but where I came from, we had a Board with community people in the neighborhood who devised budgets and theyvwere presented, argued and passed or not by a majority. We had no one ruling the kingdom, as you do here.

Your board never discussed, argued, and then passed or failed anything with respect to a privately owned entity. Our championship golf courses and country club restaurants are private, for profit businesses.

[drcar]

The rates you shared went into effect in December. Typically, winter brings on higher rates. Summer rates go into effect in June. They should be lower, but probably higher than last summer. People have often complained, and complained, and complained that our courses are not in great shape. Well, improvements cost money. Money does not grow on trees, at least, that is what my parents yelled at me all the time. Maintenance costs go up (labor, chemicals, improvements, etc.) and the cost has to be covered somehow. I come from the northern part of the country and thought I had died and gone to heaven when I moved here and saw how cheap it was going to be to support my golf habit. Now, the rates are creeping up but, they are creeping up all across the country. In my mind, we are still getting a good deal by golfing at our courses. So, I will keep golfing here. I will enjoy the company of my golfing buddies. I will enjoy the ease of making a tee time. I will enjoy the really nice people who take take our money in the pro shops (they will open again when this is all over). I will chat pleasantly with the ambassadors and starters. If you think you are not getting your money’s worth, go golf somewhere else as long as you enjoy yourself and spend time in the great outdoors. Have a pleasant day and stay safe.

New rates go in affect May 1st

[bilcon]

Just to change the subject, a little joke: The year is 2053 and this is a big day for Jack. Today is the day he opens the last roll of toilet paper that was hoarded by his parents back in 2020.

[billlaur]

its only a couple of bucks,skip 1 drink ..:a040::a040:

[Decadeofdave]

This is one of reasons I have stayed on a variable income my whole life.!! (Wink-wink)

[tophcfa]

As an resident that is not priority I am not happy that I am only paying $2 less than a priority guest. That just doesn’t seem right.

[Rrgolf]

Could not have said it better. And I too will be moving on

[markfrat]

John W you are the spitting image of a close High School buddy of mine back in Massachusetts. I can get over the resemblance.
I'll have to look you up when we finally get moved into the Villages. Hopefully within the next 2 months

[Bogie Shooter]

Those winter rates were discussed (?) almost without end......why are they being brought up again?

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/golf-villages-216/2020-championship-golf-rates-300596/?highlight=golf+rates
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/golf-villages-216/green-fee-whining-301498/?highlight=golf+rates
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/golf-villages-216/new-championship-cost-300860/?highlight=golf+rates
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/golf-villages-216/green-fees-explode-300831/?highlight=golf+rates

[John_W]

John W you are the spitting image of a close High School buddy of mine back in Massachusetts. I can get over the resemblance.
I'll have to look you up when we finally get moved into the Villages. Hopefully within the next 2 months

It ain't me, never been north of NYC.

[Tom1916]

By the time the last person in Florida and or the Villages has been infected there may not be anyone left to play golf with.

The Spanish Flu took two years to end, it ended when all people who had it either died or had developed immunity to it.

No vaccine now or then, Antibiotics are not effective per Dr. Fauci.
The Spanish Flu killed well over 50 million people worldwide.
I wonder how many infected in the Villages right now got Infected on the golf course?

[golfing eagles]

By the time the last person in Florida and or the Villages has been infected there may not be anyone left to play golf with.

The Spanish Flu took two years to end, it ended when all people who had it either died or had developed immunity to it.

No vaccine now or then, Antibiotics are not effective per Dr. Fauci.
The Spanish Flu killed well over 50 million people worldwide.
I wonder how many infected in the Villages right now got Infected on the golf course?

Since there are only 54 cases in zip codes 32162 and 32163 combined, my guess would be ZERO

[ronda]

Are you sure about that? There seems to be many knowledgeable people on this thread. You wrote that they are privately "owned", but I find that hard to believe.

Maybe you can help me out here? Who "owns" the Championship golf courses. I'm going to guess is the TV corporation owns the land and can lease it out???? But I don't know. I know there was a "private" company that ran the golf courses and the TV corporation took it back. I'm not sure who sets the rates? I assume its the people who operate the golf courses; but if th TV corp leases them pout, there could be provisions in the contract. I gotta believe there is a single agreement somewhere...not each course is independent.

Any one know?

[Tsego58]

When ask about a board to make a decision about golf rates. I have to laugh. First of all everyone here to include me are opinionated. The difference in the villages are that everyone wants their opinion to be the one that counts. Everyone wants to be in charge with no responsibility. This puts them on their pedestal. Amazing, keep complaining and eventually someone will listen or just ignore you.

[davem4616]

When will it stop? Do we just keep saying oh well?

https://www.golfthevillages.com/images/May_Dec_2020.pdf



I predict that as soon as you stop playing golf you'll never pay another increase in green fees

[Marathon Man]

Are you sure about that? There seems to be many knowledgeable people on this thread. You wrote that they are privately "owned", but I find that hard to believe.

Maybe you can help me out here? Who "owns" the Championship golf courses. I'm going to guess is the TV corporation owns the land and can lease it out???? But I don't know. I know there was a "private" company that ran the golf courses and the TV corporation took it back. I'm not sure who sets the rates? I assume its the people who operate the golf courses; but if th TV corp leases them pout, there could be provisions in the contract. I gotta believe there is a single agreement somewhere...not each course is independent.

Any one know?

Executive courses and championship courses are two different and seperate entities. Take some time and learn the difference. Your confusion will go away.

Also, I highly recommend signing up for Resident Acadamy.

[drcar]

Are you sure about that? There seems to be many knowledgeable people on this thread. You wrote that they are privately "owned", but I find that hard to believe.

Maybe you can help me out here? Who "owns" the Championship golf courses. I'm going to guess is the TV corporation owns the land and can lease it out???? But I don't know. I know there was a "private" company that ran the golf courses and the TV corporation took it back. I'm not sure who sets the rates? I assume its the people who operate the golf courses; but if th TV corp leases them pout, there could be provisions in the contract. I gotta believe there is a single agreement somewhere...not each course is independent.

Any one know?

Fact: the Championship Courses are owned by the developer, they always have been. The developer sub contracted the management of the courses to a company called GMS. The course maintenance is sub contracted to several private landscaping companies. About 1 1/2 year ago the Villages took over the running of the Championship courses. The ambassadors, starters, pool people, inside staff all work for the villages. The rates are set by the management team that oversees the total operation of the Championship Courses. All 12 courses work under this umbrella.

Fact: All the executives courses north of 44 are own buy the districts. But the districts sub contract with the villages to staff them. The districts have complete control over the rates and the operations.

I hope this helps

[Kenklaw]

prices go up because the cost of maintaining the courses and everything else involved goes up

we should be happy that they don't go up and down like the price of gasoline does....which is an absolute joke
We don’t get championship course conditions. Most championship courses take all sand traps everyday not twice a week!

[Jazzman]

prices go up because the cost of maintaining the courses and everything else involved goes up

we should be happy that they don't go up and down like the price of gasoline does....which is an absolute joke

Not necessarily true. Moved here two years ago from Greenville, SC. Had stayed in Villages numerous times over three years before making decision to relocate here. One was golf for me. At our former location I belonged to a semi private course (annual fee $1,100 which entitled to play for half cost any day) and those not a member paid the prevailing season rate no higher than $56.00 during prime weekend times). This course was always in excellent shape and each year this course hosted a Web. Com now Korn Ferry sponsored PGA tournament. The green fee was for 18 holes, a cart and a bucket of range balls. Just compare that to here. Green fees are what they are but the course quality and in particular the fairways on most champion courses are almost like hardscape. So if you increase price at least try to increase the course quality.

Finally the developer now states that in the new areas south of 44 the majority of owners are no longer interested in golf. Okay. Then if there is a decrease in rounds of golf stop placing the burden of increase costs on those that do play. If maintenance cost is the reason and number of rounds annually have decreased, close a course and turn it into walking path.

[Donb0975]

The championship courses are owned by the developer and the exec courses by the districts. The championship courses were maintained by ASG but not owned by that company. The developer had a contract for maintenance that the developer now has taken in over.

[drcar]

The championship courses are owned by the developer and the exec courses by the districts. The championship courses were maintained by ASG but not owned by that company. The developer had a contract for maintenance that the developer now has taken in over.

The developer has NEVER done the maintenance on the golf courses. There are several companies that do the maintenance. ASG is one company, Down to Earth, Bright View etc.

[UpNorth]

I wouldn't mind the rate increase as much if the courses here were at least interesting in design and in top shape. To me, they are boring, similar looking designs done by the developer just to maximize the real estate properties. Just my opinion. I prefer to play "off campus" at courses that are in fine shape and interesting enough to make me want to play them a second time.

[cherylncliff]

The Executive course are still "free" We all have to make choices and live with the consequences.

[ronda]

Executive courses and championship courses are two different and seperate entities. Take some time and learn the difference. Your confusion will go away.

Also, I highly recommend signing up for Resident Acadamy.

I'd be interesting in learning about the differences. Is it in writing somewhere? I'm new to TV. I will take your recommendation about the Resident Academy.

[ronda]

Fact: the Championship Courses are owned by the developer, they always have been. The developer sub contracted the management of the courses to a company called GMS. The course maintenance is sub contracted to several private landscaping companies. About 1 1/2 year ago the Villages took over the running of the Championship courses. The ambassadors, starters, pool people, inside staff all work for the villages. The rates are set by the management team that oversees the total operation of the Championship Courses. All 12 courses work under this umbrella.

Fact: All the executives courses north of 44 are own buy the districts. But the districts sub contract with the villages to staff them. The districts have complete control over the rates and the operations.

I hope this helps

Yes, this does help. Thanks for the info. IMHO the greens fees on the courses seem high in comparison to other courses with similar conditions. For what its worth, I think given all the play the courses get, the prices could be a bit lower. Other courses have lower fees and still remain in business. It's free enterprise, yeah I get that....people are free to not play or go elsewhere. But I do understand how people feel a bit like they are being taken advantage of. They think of TV as more of a community developed for the good of the residents. Yeah, I know it's not that way, but there is a big sense of community in TV.....maybe it's just a bit fantasy...but it is there.

[Bogie Shooter]

I'd be interesting in learning about the differences. Is it in writing somewhere? I'm new to TV. I will take your recommendation about the Resident Academy.

Village Community Development Districts (https://districtgov.org/)
Golf The Villages (https://www.golfthevillages.com/)
Good Golf School (https://www.golfthevillages.com/goodgolfschool/index.aspx)
https://www.golfthevillages.com/golf-in-the-villages/GoodGolfGuide.pdf?v=032917
https://www.golfthevillages.com/golf-in-the-villages/GolfingInTheVillages.pdf
https://www.golfthevillages.com/championship-golf/
https://www.golfthevillages.com/executive-golf/

[mowdie]

As an resident that is not priority I am not happy that I am only paying $2 less than a priority guest. That just doesn’t seem right.

Best post on this topic

[JoMar]

Best post on this topic

But we knew the rates before we moved here right?

[golfing eagles]

I wouldn't mind the rate increase as much if the courses here were at least interesting in design and in top shape. To me, they are boring, similar looking designs done by the developer just to maximize the real estate properties. Just my opinion. I prefer to play "off campus" at courses that are in fine shape and interesting enough to make me want to play them a second time.

The "developer" is not a golf course architect. Palmer designed 2 of the 3 nines at Legacy. Nancy Lopez designed the course with her name. John Mahaffey helped design Glenview. Professional golf course architects designed the rest. But congratulations on finding a new way to bash the "developers"

[mjpuleo]

that should be your biggest problem right now

[UpNorth]

The "developer" is not a golf course architect. Palmer designed 2 of the 3 nines at Legacy. Nancy Lopez designed the course with her name. John Mahaffey helped design Glenview. Professional golf course architects designed the rest. But congratulations on finding a new way to bash the "developers"

I've seen better designs by these designers. Must have been lowest bidders.

[tophcfa]

But we knew the rates before we moved here right?

Exactly, we knew the rates before we moved here. But the rates now are nowhere close to when we moved here, and the rate escalation totally blows away the inflation rate since we moved here. It seems like the price of golf increases along the same lines as the price of health care! Go figure?

[Marathon Man]

I've seen better designs by these designers. Must have been lowest bidders.

Keep in mind the primary purpose for the land on which the golf courses sit. Storm water control. Golf course design comes in second.

[UpNorth]

Keep in mind the primary purpose for the land on which the golf courses sit. Storm water control. Golf course design comes in second.

Absolutely. It certainly shows.

[Marathon Man]

Absolutely. It certainly shows.

Yes, it shows. A hurricane passed over us and no homes were flooded.