2020 How crowded?

[Scbang]

We are snowbirds and found out the golf courses are too crowded normally from Jan to Mar. So we spend some time in Nov-Dec and come back Mar-Apr. How does it look this year 2020-2021? Samo-Samo? Less or More?

[dewilson58]

We are snowbirds and found out the golf courses are too crowded normally from Jan to Mar. So we spend some time in Nov-Dec and come back Mar-Apr. How does it look this year 2020-2021? Samo-Samo? Less or More?


Yes.

[tophcfa]

We are snowbirds and found out the golf courses are too crowded normally from Jan to Mar. So we spend some time in Nov-Dec and come back Mar-Apr. How does it look this year 2020-2021? Samo-Samo? Less or More?

With Covid I have found the courses to be more crowded than ever, golf is one of the few activities that just about everyone feels safe doing. On top of that, let's not forget that Belle Glade was the last Championship course to open up in the Villages, and that was almost 7 years ago. Since then tens of thousands of new homes have been added, seriously diluting the amount of Championship golf holes available relative to homes. Result, the courses are more crowded. It will be interesting to see what the winter rates will be. I checked, and last year they were published December 7th. If the rates get jacked up again this year with the same percentage increase as last year, many will be going outside the bubble to golf this winter. Stay tuned?

[EdFNJ]

If the rates get jacked up again this year with the same percentage increase as last year, many will be going outside the bubble to golf this winter. Stay tuned? I don't play golf, but I thought for those that did the costs were included in our amenity fees (other than cart rental). No ? Seems not.

[Topspinmo]

With Covid I have found the courses to be more crowded than ever, golf is one of the few activities that just about everyone feels safe doing. On top of that, let's not forget that Belle Glade was the last Championship course to open up in the Villages, and that was almost 7 years ago. Since then tens of thousands of new homes have been added, seriously diluting the amount of Championship golf holes available relative to homes. Result, the courses are more crowded. It will be interesting to see what the winter rates will be. I checked, and last year they were published December 7th. If the rates get jacked up again this year with the same percentage increase as last year, many will be going outside the bubble to golf this winter. Stay tuned?

Golf no more safe or worse than any other outdoor activity. As long as they stayed apart. Which includes after the golf round over. Just cause it was Money maker at beginning of COVID it got pass.

[vintageogauge]

I know a lot of non-golfers that took up the game this year as most of the other outdoor activities were shut down. I don't golf much but have noticed when riding or walking along the executive courses that they are backed up at the tees.

[Topspinmo]

I don't play golf, but I thought for those that did the costs were included in our amenity fees (other than cart rental). No ? Seems not.


Think Talking about championship courses?

[MSchad]

I don't play golf, but I thought for those that did the costs were included in our amenity fees (other than cart rental). No ? Seems not.
Your amenity fees only cover green fees on all Executive courses. Championship courses are a private enterprise and open to anyone to play whether with a resident or not, and as such charge all to play as any country club does. Villagers just get a discount on green fees.

[Mendy]

Your amenity fees only cover green fees on all Executive courses. Championship courses are a private enterprise and open to anyone to play whether with a resident or not, and as such charge all to play as any country club does. Villagers just get a discount on green fees.

Championship courses are for Villagers and their guests, not for the general public. These championship courses are now owned by The Villages (as of 1/20).

[rustyp]

Championship courses are for Villagers and their guests, not for the general public. These championship courses are now owned by The Villages (as of 1/20).

Not a true statement. Attached is championship rate schedule. You will find 5 categories of golfers. NR (ref key at bottom) stands for Non Resident.

87113

[bowlingal]

too soon to tell how crowded it will be. Most snowbirds come down right after Christmas

[nancymiller217@yahoo.com]

We are snowbirds and found out the golf courses are too crowded normally from Jan to Mar. So we spend some time in Nov-Dec and come back Mar-Apr. How does it look this year 2020-2021? Samo-Samo? Less or More?

Based on my personal experience, golf courses are FAR MORE crowded this year, and with many more golfers that are unaware of “ready golf” or any golf etiquette.

[Rwirish]

Same old same old.

[Andyb]

We are snowbirds and found out the golf courses are too crowded normally from Jan to Mar. So we spend some time in Nov-Dec and come back Mar-Apr. How does it look this year 2020-2021? Samo-Samo? Less or More?

A lot less, no Canadians this coming year. I still have a Courtyard Villa available for rent in January, reduced $200, call 352-267-4632, if interested.

[Dlbonivich]

Championship courses have a fee, you can become a priority member for better pricing. Executives are included with a cart path fee. You can pay per time or for a year

[JSR22]

Championship golf is more crowded. Last Friday my husband a 8 other men were shutout of a tee time and everyone is a priority member. There are no championship courses south of 44 so they have to come north to play.

[Bill1701]

We have found the courses more crowded than last year. We used to be able to get on south of 44 when everything up north was full. We can't even do that now. The driving range is packed too.

[ts12755]

Yes

[HoosierPa]

With Covid I have found the courses to be more crowded than ever, golf is one of the few activities that just about everyone feels safe doing. On top of that, let's not forget that Belle Glade was the last Championship course to open up in the Villages, and that was almost 7 years ago. Since then tens of thousands

of new homes have been added, seriously diluting the amount of Championship golf holes available relative to homes. Result, the courses are more crowded. It will be interesting to see what the winter rates will be. I checked, and last year they were published December 7th. If the rates get jacked up again this year with the same percentage increase as last year, many will be going outside the bubble to golf this winter. Stay tuned?

Try Continental Country Club on 44 near Morse.
It is MUCH IMPROVED and in the center of The Villages. Around $40 for 18 hole Championship Course during Jan-March. Price is less now.

The Course will be over seeded during the winter.

Pro Shop (352) 748-3293

[ficoguy]

Worse. Plus there are people who game the tee time system to make tee times for people as a side business. I heard there's a guy you pay $ 30 a week and he knows how to get you tee times. This year, more than ever, there are people who have no business being out in a golf course. I was behind 2 threesomes at Fenney, who decided to re-form a six-some. Ambassadors don't say jack squat...

[stan the man]

With Covid I have found the courses to be more crowded than ever, golf is one of the few activities that just about everyone feels safe doing. On top of that, let's not forget that Belle Glade was the last Championship course to open up in the Villages, and that was almost 7 years ago. Since then tens of thousands of new homes have been added, seriously diluting the amount of Championship golf holes available relative to homes. Result, the courses are more crowded. It will be interesting to see what the winter rates will be. I checked, and last year they were published December 7th. If the rates get jacked up again this year with the same percentage increase as last year, many will be going outside the bubble to golf this winter. Stay tuned?

:bigbow::bigbow:

[vintageogauge]

A lot less, no Canadians this coming year. I still have a Courtyard Villa available for rent in January, reduced $200, call 352-267-4632, if interested.

It's amazing how many furnished homes are still available for the winter season and all seem to have reduced their prices. Even the Daily Sun has lots of ads for them being available. Last minute renters have a lot to choose from this year and can pretty much name their price at this late date. There are designers priced below courtyard villas now.

[Topspinmo]

Championship courses are for Villagers and their guests, not for the general public. These championship courses are now owned by The Villages (as of 1/20).


IMO Developers own most all if not all championship golf courses ( couple of the older ones may be districts which they brought), anybody can play them. Some just have to pay more.

[Rosebud1949]

Imagine how the permanent residents feel each Nov- March+ Cant use the facilities they pay $150 a month for. Get pushed to the end of any lines. Often get Snow Birds telling us "they are subsidizing us" No wonder we are not happy.

We are snowbirds and found out the golf courses are too crowded normally from Jan to Mar. So we spend some time in Nov-Dec and come back Mar-Apr. How does it look this year 2020-2021? Samo-Samo? Less or More?

[Rosebud1949]

It means that folk have listened to the science and NOT travelled to spread the virus. It didnt stop families on thanksgiving sadly.

It's amazing how many furnished homes are still available for the winter season and all seem to have reduced their prices. Even the Daily Sun has lots of ads for them being available. Last minute renters have a lot to choose from this year and can pretty much name their price at this late date. There are designers priced below courtyard villas now.

[jarodrig]

We are snowbirds and found out the golf courses are too crowded normally from Jan to Mar. So we spend some time in Nov-Dec and come back Mar-Apr. How does it look this year 2020-2021? Samo-Samo? Less or More?

Same....

Be advised that March is BY FAR the busiest “in season” month during the busy season.....

[Mleeja]

It means that folk have listened to the science and NOT travelled to spread the virus. It didnt stop families on thanksgiving sadly.
No, it means the northern border is still closed and the Canadians cannot enter into the US. Many from the states are coming to The Villages because they feel safer here than their home communities.

[tophcfa]

Imagine how the permanent residents feel each Nov- March+ Cant use the facilities they pay $150 a month for. Get pushed to the end of any lines. Often get Snow Birds telling us "they are subsidizing us" No wonder we are not happy.

Really? You are complaining about the people who pay the same monthly fees as you do every month of the year but only share the amenities with you for a fraction of the year? No one pushes you to the end of any lines, they just hope to get into line with you for their fair opportunity to use the amenities. Someone needs a reality check.

[DrBrutyle109]

It’s about the same BUT....
The Villages needs to review the way “wave” theory. We played Fox Run at 11:56 and were done with first 9 at 12:30. We had to go to Talky Ho for 2nd 9 and had to wait a hal hour to tee off. They book tee times to start on the 9 others are turning to. It silly. If your only going to have 2 nines open, just start everyone on the same 9 and play the same 18.

[Papa_lecki]

Worse. Plus there are people who game the tee time system to make tee times for people as a side business. I heard there's a guy you pay $ 30 a week and he knows how to get you tee times. This year, more than ever, there are people who have no business being out in a golf course. I was behind 2 threesomes at Fenney, who decided to re-form a six-some. Ambassadors don't say jack squat...

Would love to know how someone games the tee time system. I am sure you can, just not sure how

[John_W]

As mentioned earlier, Friday is the worse day on the championship courses. I have a foursome that plays every Friday and I put in the request the previous week, none of us are priority members. If you only play once a week as we do, it doesn't pay.

We play the evening wave, so the earliest time is 11:56 and because it's getting dark earlier, I always ask for a time frame of 11:56 to 12:59 and list about 7 different nines. On average I'll get a 12:35 time at my third or fourth choice.

Twice we moved our play to Saturday, such as this week and we played yesterday. My first choice was Palmer (Laurel Valley) and we got LV at 12:29. We had also played one Saturday last month and we got our first choice that time as well.

[tophcfa]

It’s about the same BUT....
The Villages needs to review the way “wave” theory. We played Fox Run at 11:56 and were done with first 9 at 12:30. We had to go to Talky Ho for 2nd 9 and had to wait a hal hour to tee off. They book tee times to start on the 9 others are turning to. It silly. If your only going to have 2 nines open, just start everyone on the same 9 and play the same 18.

So, you are saying you played all 9 holes at Fox Run in 34 minutes? Dam, that’s got to be some kind of a record. I am a very fast golfer and I couldn’t do that playing a flawless 9 by myself with no one in front of me.

[tophcfa]

As mentioned earlier, Friday is the worse day on the championship courses. I have a foursome that plays every Friday and I put in the request the previous week, none of us are priority members. If you only play once a week as we do, it doesn't pay.

We play the evening wave, so the earliest time is 11:56 and because it's getting dark earlier, I always ask for a time frame of 11:56 to 12:59 and list about 7 different nines. On average I'll get a 12:35 time at my third or fourth choice.

Twice we moved our play to Saturday, such as this week and we played yesterday. My first choice was Palmer (Laurel Valley) and we got LV at 12:29. We had also played one Saturday last month and we got our first choice that time as well.

Dam buddy, I wish I could have joined you. A beautiful day with a 12:29 t time on the best 18 in the Villages. Absolutely love Laurel to Riley. Hopefully there was a good band playing at LSL for you to listen to on the last few holes from across the lake.

[TimeForChange]

I don't play golf, but I thought for those that did the costs were included in our amenity fees (other than cart rental). No ? Seems not.

:a040:

[billethkid]

What constitutes a "crowded" golf course?
All tee times filled?
Less crowded means not many people playing?

When playing does it matter? There is usually someone in front and behind during most games.

The pace of play is not determined by whether all the tee times are full (or not).....it is almost exclusively determined by you and I...

If you have your reservation (tee time) what does it matter how many people are there?

The courses were designed and maintained to have a foursome tee off every 9 minutes....ALL DAY LONG!

Hence, what constitutes a "crowded" golf course?

[John_W]

Dam buddy, I wish I could have joined you. A beautiful day with a 12:29 t time on the best 18 in the Villages. Absolutely love Laurel to Riley. Hopefully there was a good band playing at LSL for you to listen to on the last few holes from across the lake.

Sorry we have a foursome. Even at 12:29 the setting sun was so terrible on #8 and #9 on Riley, you couldn't see anything.

Speaking about the OP's question. This Friday our foursome was shut out. A request made on Saturday for this Friday, 4 golfers, 7 courses, teetime between 11:56 and 12:59 and they couldn't accommodate the request. I had to go back on the site and the best available time I could get was 1:24 at Havana (Kilimanjaro), which means we'll probably play just nine holes. I could of gotten 30 minutes earlier but at Lopez or HH, but we all live the south area.