Championship golf - Reasonable Accommodation changes on 1/1/21

[swooner]

Have heard from several reliable sources that big changes are coming for the Reasonable Accommodation process on Championship Golf Courses. I suppose this could be a rumor but the sources I have heard this from are internal golf personnel who have been given this information at employee meetings. Here's the scoop:

Effective 1/1/21 current RA system is fazed out. In order to get similar privileges it will be necessary to get a Florida Handicap Placard with all that entails. No longer is it permissible to get walking relief on the golf course unless you are officially handicapped in accordance with State DMV rules. Despite the fact that I am physically unable to walk from Cart paths to Greens for 18 holes in the blistering sun I am still capable of walking from a non handicap space at a Publix parking lot to go to the front entrance. Therefore, I must be handicapped as defined by Florida DMV rules in order to drive within 15 feet of a putting surface (30 under the proposed rules). Basically this means I will have to either get my Dr. to falsify the degree of my walking disability to meet DMV Standards or quit playing golf in the friendly confines of TV. Additionally, I understand that restriction for proximity to greens and tees under the new system will be less advantages than at present.

Interested if anyone can shed further light on this subject.

[N44125]

Here’s the link to the revised program...

https://www.golfthevillages.com/whatsnew/Cap2021.pdf

[Jayhawk]

Have heard from several reliable sources that big changes are coming for the Reasonable Accommodation process on Championship Golf Courses. I suppose this could be a rumor but the sources I have heard this from are internal golf personnel who have been given this information at employee meetings. Here's the scoop:

Effective 1/1/21 current RA system is fazed out. In order to get similar privileges it will be necessary to get a Florida Handicap Placard with all that entails. Basically this means I will have to either get my Dr. to falsify the degree of my walking disability to meet DMV Standards or quit playing golf in the friendly confines of TV. Additionally, I understand that restriction for proximity to greens and tees under the new system will be less advantages than at present.

Interested if anyone can shed further light on this subject.

Walking distance is the First qualifier. Can you walk 200 feet? If not, your doc won't be lying.

Florida Handicap Parking

Are you eligible for Disabled Person Parking Permits and Plates in Florida?
A physician or certified practitioner has to verify your impaired mobility and eligibility requirements. Specifics that differ from the general eligibility guidelines include:

Required: You can’t walk 200 feet without rest

Find Out if You're Eligible for Florida Handicap Parking (https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/handicap-disabled-parking/florida#:~:text=You%20can%20get%20the%20Applicatio n,for%20a%20temporary%20parking%20permit).

[JoMar]

I thought that was always the requirement? How else were they getting RA's?

[N44125]

Doesn’t just apply to Championship Courses, also includes Executive Courses.

[swooner]

Walking distance is the First qualifier. Can you walk 200 feet? If not, your doc won't be lying.

Florida Handicap Parking

Are you eligible for Disabled Person Parking Permits and Plates in Florida?
A physician or certified practitioner has to verify your impaired mobility and eligibility requirements. Specifics that differ from the general eligibility guidelines include:

Required: You can’t walk 200 feet without rest

Find Out if You're Eligible for Florida Handicap Parking (https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/handicap-disabled-parking/florida#:~:text=You%20can%20get%20the%20Applicatio n,for%20a%20temporary%20parking%20permit).
200 ft without rest. Is that at heat index 90, 95, 100, 110 etc?

[drcar]

Doesn’t just apply to Championship Courses, also includes Executive Courses.

This did not start with the Championship courses, the was a mandate from the districts for the executive courses , which the championship courses followed.

[swooner]

This did not start with the Championship courses, the was a mandate from the districts for the executive courses , which the championship courses followed.
So what. Still sucks!

[JoMar]

So what. Still sucks!

I don't understand.....why does it suck?

[kcrazorbackfan]

So what. Still sucks!

Still waiting to hear what sucks?

I’m really fed up with a lot of the people with the RA tags destroying all the areas around the tee boxes and greens because they abuse the RA tag privilege.

I see all the time people pulling up next to, and upon, greens and tee boxes, driving between greens and bunkers, pulling up and parking on the approach areas to the greens - enough is enough. I hope the RA rules change and I hope it’s enforced.

[JC419]

I think the courses were taking a beating from the number of residents who had a reasonable accommodation. Unfortunately, few of the carts were parked 30 feet from the green - most were right on the fringe.

[Dahabs]

Still waiting to hear what sucks?

I’m really fed up with a lot of the people with the RA tags destroying all the areas around the tee boxes and greens because they abuse the RA tag privilege.

I see all the time people pulling up next to, and upon, greens and tee boxes, driving between greens and bunkers, pulling up and parking on the approach areas to the greens - enough is enough. I hope the RA rules change and I hope it’s enforced.

Agree. From observation, the program was abused. At least half the golfers I have seen making use of RA could easily make their way to/from tee boxes and greens and cart path.

[Jack2659]

There is a notice on ever starter shack Championship and Executive of this change. The notice clearly tell you for full information go to Golf the Villages

[Rwirish]

Good change, RA’s have been given out like candy. Unfortunately the abuse has lead to damage around the greens.

[Goodi70]

Unfortunately, those who need to heed this are the ones least likely to do so. Enforcement is still an issue as one ambassador can only be in one place at a time.

[paquino]

It might stem from all the abuse of RAs by non-handicapped golfers.

[Dana1963]

If you are not legitimately disable then you do not deserve the handicap sticker!

[Paporter]

I thought that was always the requirement? How else were they getting RA's?
Yes, it has been the requirement. Unfortunately, like all other matters, people refuse to abide by common sense rules. Additionally, repeatable golfers who are out of shape and severely obese, are getting RA tags for rounds of golf from the starters, opposed to getting a permanent RA tag. Starter issued RA tags were intended for those who have had a short term medical procedure or condition, that are on the mends. As our community continues to grow, so do the abuses.

[Paporter]

If you are not legitimately disable then you do not deserve the handicap sticker!

Haha, I’ve witnessed neighbors using their handicap placard, they had received after a surgery they’ve long recovered from. It’s called lazy and feeling that they are “entitled”. We have obese, out of shape golfers and those think themselves entitled who wouldn’t walk to their golf ball. There are many who drive their carts onto the fringe and onto the greens!

[jbrown132]

If you cannot walk 10 yards instead of 5 yards in 95?degree heat chances are you should not be on the golf course at all.

[72lions]

Agree. From observation, the program was abused. At least half the golfers I have seen making use of RA could easily make their way to/from tee boxes and greens and cart path.

Absolutely. And frankly, if you can’t qualify for the tag, you’re capable of abiding by the rules.

BTW, Harbor Hulls places four poles around the greens. RA carts can only park near these, reducing the abuse. Great idea.

[hrdcorpsmarine]

Seems reasonable to me!!!!

[PJackpot]

Swooner: You, or whomever you're referring to, by your own admission, should not be on the golf course. Especially a championship course. And especially in extreme heat.

[anothersteve]

There is another problem with some "forgetting" their RA Card. Starters and ambassadors are told to take people's word for it if they say they "forgot" it. The new tags will solve that problem for the most part
Steve

[swooner]

Swooner: You, or whomever you're referring to, by your own admission, should not be on the golf course. Especially a championship course. And especially in extreme heat.
Oh, now I can't play golf at all even if I'm able to handle it with the current RA restrictions and requirements.

[Sailohio]

I think you should consider another option. If you can’t play 18, play 9. If you can’t play 9 play however many you can. Just because you can’t play 18 doesn’t mean you have to quit golf. The executive courses are almost free. Play 5 or 6 or however many holes you can. Who cares? You are always going to be better off with some exercise rather than no exercise.

[Phpb2]

Know of a dozen Dr’s offices that have signs, “Reasonable Accommodation applications signed $25.00””.”

[Indydealmaker]

Unfortunately, those who need to heed this are the ones least likely to do so. Enforcement is still an issue as one ambassador can only be in one place at a time.

Enforcement should not be the issue. Compliance should be.

[DecaturFargo]

I can't shed the new rules, but I believe they are starting August 1. I have happy to see the changes. I have seen many abuses. Driving way too close to greens; driving between sandtraps and greens, allowing the nonhandicapped person in the cart use the handicapped privileges by driving to their golf spot instead of walking to it. And, have seen RA's ignore directions by the Ambassador. Clearly, the powers at be have seen many, many abuses. At some point, people need to quit playing if they can't conform to the rules.

[largoman]

It is about time something is done about this. To me about %90 don’t need a RA.

[mgkw1]

Have heard from several reliable sources that big changes are coming for the Reasonable Accommodation process on Championship Golf Courses. I suppose this could be a rumor but the sources I have heard this from are internal golf personnel who have been given this information at employee meetings. Here's the scoop:

Effective 1/1/21 current RA system is fazed out. In order to get similar privileges it will be necessary to get a Florida Handicap Placard with all that entails. No longer is it permissible to get walking relief on the golf course unless you are officially handicapped in accordance with State DMV rules. Despite the fact that I am physically unable to walk from Cart paths to Greens for 18 holes in the blistering sun I am still capable of walking from a non handicap space at a Publix parking lot to go to the front entrance. Therefore, I must be handicapped as defined by Florida DMV rules in order to drive within 15 feet of a putting surface (30 under the proposed rules). Basically this means I will have to either get my Dr. to falsify the degree of my walking disability to meet DMV Standards or quit playing golf in the friendly confines of TV. Additionally, I understand that restriction for proximity to greens and tees under the new system will be less advantages than at present.

Interested if anyone can shed further light on this subject.

In order to have an RA you must bring a form to your Dr., who will fill it out and he/she must submit to The Villages. Not all handicaps are visible. People with heart conditions look fine but can only walk short distances. Additionally the RA sleeves are not for life, they do have an expiration date and to get a renewal you have to see the doctor. In my experience anyone that is out of site from an ambassador feel entitled to drive all over the course, This is with and without RA. A good percentage of them, when spoken to by golf staff say " I pay my amenity fees which pay your salary I can do what I want" Then there are those that play by the rules. In the case of wet courses it will be declared "Cart Path Only" and this mans ALL carts. RA accommodation does not matter. But once again out of site from the starter shack.....

[MPStrange]

Is there a difference between a “course access pass” and a RA?

[jetro]

Agree. From observation, the program was abused. At least half the golfers I have seen making use of RA could easily make their way to/from tee boxes and greens and cart path.

With all due respect, I need to respond to this issue. I have a permanent RA because I have a permanent condition. Due to an accident many years ago, I have screws and plates in my ankle. I have metal in my leg and partial paralysis in that leg and no feeling in the bottom of my foot. Generally I have no problem walking on level land, however hills and inclines present a great amount of pain and swelling. When I'm having a good day I walk. When I'm not I use my RA. I try to be responsible. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

[yabbadu]

Have heard from several reliable sources that big changes are coming for the Reasonable Accommodation process on Championship Golf Courses. I suppose this could be a rumor but the sources I have heard this from are internal golf personnel who have been given this information at employee meetings. Here's the scoop:

Effective 1/1/21 current RA system is fazed out. In order to get similar privileges it will be necessary to get a Florida Handicap Placard with all that entails. No longer is it permissible to get walking relief on the golf course unless you are officially handicapped in accordance with State DMV rules. Despite the fact that I am physically unable to walk from Cart paths to Greens for 18 holes in the blistering sun I am still capable of walking from a non handicap space at a Publix parking lot to go to the front entrance. Therefore, I must be handicapped as defined by Florida DMV rules in order to drive within 15 feet of a putting surface (30 under the proposed rules). Basically this means I will have to either get my Dr. to falsify the degree of my walking disability to meet DMV Standards or quit playing golf in the friendly confines of TV. Additionally, I understand that restriction for proximity to greens and tees under the new system will be less advantages than at present.

Interested if anyone can shed further light on this subject.
I do not understand what changed? When I moved here over eight years ago , I had to produce to Golf Administration my same documents that I submitted to the State licensing for a handicap plate and / or tag. I was given a special card to carry along with my RA tag should an ambassador ask for proof that I was approved.

To me having my Blue hang card should be used on my cart. So No Change from here and NO sucking!!!!!!

[stujake]

The current requirement for parking a golf cart is 15 ft. from the edge of the green.

[swooner]

With all due respect, I need to respond to this issue. I have a permanent RA because I have a permanent condition. Due to an accident many years ago, I have screws and plates in my ankle. I have metal in my leg and partial paralysis in that leg and no feeling in the bottom of my foot. Generally I have no problem walking on level land, however hills and inclines present a great amount of pain and swelling. When I'm having a good day I walk. When I'm not I use my RA. I try to be responsible. I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Yes indeed!

[JoMar]

I do not understand what changed? When I moved here over eight years ago , I had to produce to Golf Administration my same documents that I submitted to the State licensing for a handicap plate and / or tag. I was given a special card to carry along with my RA tag should an ambassador ask for proof that I was approved.

To me having my Blue hang card should be used on my cart. So No Change from here and NO sucking!!!!!!

The problem is people steal the blue placards from golf carts.

[kwachowski]

I am a starter on an executive course and I see people walking perfectly to the starter shack. I realize there are some people who need a RA but believe me there are over 50% that don't The executive courses are the resident courses and more RA people are not observing the rules and this will affect our courses. If you need one fine, but if you don't then do not use one. I see people riding in carts of people who have a RA and the second golfer also is in the cart while using the RA. The RA is for the individual person who got the RA from their doctor.

[chuckster]

About time...the abuse is ridiculous...driving next to and on greens...driving between greens and bunkers. Driving down par 3's when cart path only due to wet conditions.. I've seen unbelievable ruts left by the "entitled" few. Rent a handicap cart if necessary

[chuckster]

Even if they steal the sign...they are still supposed to show RA card to starter. Someones not doing their job

[swooner]

I am a starter on an executive course and I see people walking perfectly to the starter shack. I realize there are some people who need a RA but believe me there are over 50% that don't The executive courses are the resident courses and more RA people are not observing the rules and this will affect our courses. If you need one fine, but if you don't then do not use one. I see people riding in carts of people who have a RA and the second golfer also is in the cart while using the RA. The RA is for the individual person who got the RA from their doctor.
Should the passenger jump out of the cart before it stops 15' from the green?

[donassaid]

Too many people are abusing this "privilege" by driving up to the very edge of greens and greenside bunkers. 30' is a reasonable accomodation.

[ohiosbestus]

Believe me most of the damage around the greens are due to golf course employees and maintenance people, not by the golfers. I for one have less than half of my lungs left plus 3 heart procedures done and pay some ridiculous fee to play with a golfing group. I tried playing without a tag the first year I played , but trying to keep up with the foursome in my group my heart was racing because my lungs were trying to get oxygen to support my body. Here is the bottom line if the current RA tag holders cant get the new stickers, expect waiting to hit your shots to the green a lot longer and it will definitely slow up play on all the courses, so eventually it will create chaos to all golfers. The RA tag holders know best their health not the dmv. To the many golfers who have complained about this, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR .

[JoMar]

Believe me most of the damage around the greens are due to golf course employees and maintenance people, not by the golfers. I for one have less than half of my lungs left plus 3 heart procedures done and pay some ridiculous fee to play with a golfing group. I tried playing without a tag the first year I played , but trying to keep up with the foursome in my group my heart was racing because my lungs were trying to get oxygen to support my body. Here is the bottom line if the current RA tag holders cant get the new stickers, expect waiting to hit your shots to the green a lot longer and it will definitely slow up play on all the courses, so eventually it will create chaos to all golfers. The RA tag holders know best their health not the dmv. To the many golfers who have complained about this, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR .

Actually the DMV has nothing to do with it.....your doctor makes the request, they just process the paperwork. I'm sure, like everything else here, there are abuses and less then ethical doctors but understanding the process would help eliminate blaming an organization (DMV) for abuse.

[swooner]

Actually the DMV has nothing to do with it.....your doctor makes the request, they just process the paperwork. I'm sure, like everything else here, there are abuses and less then ethical doctors but understanding the process would help eliminate blaming an organization (DMV) for abuse.
That's exactly how the current system works. Does anyone believe the Drs. give a damn which system they are signing papers for that they are charging between $25 and $40 to sign.. Nothing will change.

[wisbad1]

I thought that was always the requirement? How else were they getting RA's?
golf bosses wouldn't give me RA till I showed them handicap parking card. not anything new

[golfing eagles]

Have heard from several reliable sources that big changes are coming for the Reasonable Accommodation process on Championship Golf Courses. I suppose this could be a rumor but the sources I have heard this from are internal golf personnel who have been given this information at employee meetings. Here's the scoop:

Effective 1/1/21 current RA system is fazed out. In order to get similar privileges it will be necessary to get a Florida Handicap Placard with all that entails. No longer is it permissible to get walking relief on the golf course unless you are officially handicapped in accordance with State DMV rules. Despite the fact that I am physically unable to walk from Cart paths to Greens for 18 holes in the blistering sun I am still capable of walking from a non handicap space at a Publix parking lot to go to the front entrance. Therefore, I must be handicapped as defined by Florida DMV rules in order to drive within 15 feet of a putting surface (30 under the proposed rules). Basically this means I will have to either get my Dr. to falsify the degree of my walking disability to meet DMV Standards or quit playing golf in the friendly confines of TV. Additionally, I understand that restriction for proximity to greens and tees under the new system will be less advantages than at present.

Interested if anyone can shed further light on this subject.

If you read the whole thing, the part I like is that you shouldn't park in front of a green. There is nothing worse, especially when play is slow, than having someone with a tag parked 15 feet right in front of a green, then walk to his cart while his playing companions are already gone, then screw around in his bag for 2-3 minutes, then mark his score. Everyone who does that should go back to good golf school:1rotfl:

[JoMar]

That's exactly how the current system works. Does anyone believe the Drs. give a damn which system they are signing papers for that they are charging between $25 and $40 to sign.. Nothing will change.

So who are the doctors.....would be great to call them out, unless of course it's your doctor. Another example of making accusations, no data, and if that would happen why wouldn't you name names?

[stujake]

I can't shed the new rules, but I believe they are starting August 1. I have happy to see the changes. I have seen many abuses. Driving way too close to greens; driving between sandtraps and greens, allowing the nonhandicapped person in the cart use the handicapped privileges by driving to their golf spot instead of walking to it. And, have seen RA's ignore directions by the Ambassador. Clearly, the powers at be have seen many, many abuses. At some point, people need to quit playing if they can't conform to the rules.

The changes you are referring to are for those holding RA privileges, they must park 30 ft. from the edge of the green instead of the prior 15 ft. The changes that eliminate the RA privileges in their entirety start on 1/1/21. On and after that date, the only way to regain those privileges is to have or be able to obtain a handicapped placard from the State of Florida; and one of the requirements in order to do so is to have a doctor fill out the State's form. One of those requirements is that the person is unable to walk 200 ft. without stopping to rest. Most doctors will no perjure themselves by filling out a form for someone that does not legally qualify for the handicap placard.

My wife's cardiologist just refused to file a form for her because on flat ground, she is able to walk 200 ft. without having to rest. The fact of the matter is that she has a real hard time navigating the hills on the courses due to a heart condition plus a hip replacement that was not perfect. She is physically unable to play even an Executive course from the cart paths and has refused to do so when rain has caused a cart path only restriction.

Originally, the RA privilege was provided to those people who would find it to be a real strain to play golf and enjoy the game without the RA privilege. One did not have to be physically handicapped, per the State's definition. In my opinion, removing the RA privileges will cause the pace of play to slow considerably as those who previously held an RA privilege will still play, but will just have to play slower. Also in my opinion, if the issues with driving too close to the greens or between the green and a bunker were enforced by the Ambassadors that found a violation, they should issue some type of citation using the golf ID number of the offender. After a predetermined number of citations were issued to a player, he would lose his golf privileges for a period of time; and if he was a repeat offender, monetary fines might also be able to be assessed. To me, that makes more sense than penalizing all who now have an RA privilege, but cannot qualify for a State handicap placard.

[stujake]

As of August 1, 2020, it now has to be parked 30 ft. clear of the green.

[Dana1963]

Have heard from several reliable sources that big changes are coming for the Reasonable Accommodation process on Championship Golf Courses. I suppose this could be a rumor but the sources I have heard this from are internal golf personnel who have been given this information at employee meetings. Here's the scoop:

Effective 1/1/21 current RA system is fazed out. In order to get similar privileges it will be necessary to get a Florida Handicap Placard with all that entails. No longer is it permissible to get walking relief on the golf course unless you are officially handicapped in accordance with State DMV rules. Despite the fact that I am physically unable to walk from Cart paths to Greens for 18 holes in the blistering sun I am still capable of walking from a non handicap space at a Publix parking lot to go to the front entrance. Therefore, I must be handicapped as defined by Florida DMV rules in order to drive within 15 feet of a putting surface (30 under the proposed rules). Basically this means I will have to either get my Dr. to falsify the degree of my walking disability to meet DMV Standards or quit playing golf in the friendly confines of TV. Additionally, I understand that restriction for proximity to greens and tees under the new system will be less advantages than at present.

Interested if anyone can shed further light on this subject.
If you need Dr to falsify Handicap DMV then you are not Handicapped !