Golf as we knew it may be gone!

[jimmemac]

If you have been around here for 10 or more years you may have noticed that the free golf we once had is getting harder and harder to find. This week my Tuesday group (12 Players), Wednesday group (4 players) and Thursday group (4 Players) all failed to receive a tee time using the tee time system to book a tee time in advance. One of the groups even had an average of less than 2.0 points. My Monday group got a time only because it dropped out 12 players. Yes I am aware that some are going to say we have too many points, or we didn't put in enough courses (18). Give me all the excuses you want but it wasn't always like this. So what changed? The developers did!! They keep building houses but have failed to keep up with the necessary number of courses, plain and simple. Times are changing but not for the better for those of us who enjoy playing a fair amount of golf. And if you think it is bad no just wait till another 5000 homes are built.

[TimeForChange]

Are you talking about Executive Courses or Champ courses? I play in a Wed and Fri group on Champ courses and we have no problem in the high snowbird season getting on Champ courses. It's not free and never has been. We play a lot of the same courses but we get T Times We are all Priority members.

[John_W]

The OP did not state if they are a priority member. That's the big difference. I'm not and the three guys I play the championship courses with every Friday are not and the computer has been unable to fulfill our request for a teetime three times so far the past 3 or 4 months. I've had to go online and get a much later teetime than we wanted, and then we were not able to play 18 holes. That's the problem, without priority membership teetimes at championship courses in the afternoon are a gamble. The savior will be daylight saving time whenever that gets here and then the end of snowbird season.

BTW, didn't you hear, golf is dead and nobody wants to buy here for the golf.

[Bogie Shooter]

The OP did not state if they are a priority member. That's the big difference. I'm not and the three guys I play the championship courses with every Friday are not and the computer has been unable to fulfill our request for a teetime three times so far the past 3 or 4 months. I've had to go online and get a much later teetime than we wanted, and then we were not able to play 18 holes. That's the problem, without priority membership teetimes at championship courses in the afternoon are a gamble. The savior will be daylight saving time whenever that gets here and then the end of snowbird season.

BTW, didn't you hear, golf is dead and nobody wants to buy here for the golf.

Daylight Saving Time for the year 2021 starts on Sunday, March 14th and ends on Sunday, November 7th for the Northern Hemisphere and starts on Sunday, October 3rd and ends on Sunday, April 4th for the Southern Hemisphere.

[Gpsma]

[QUOTE=John_W;1894049

BTW, didn't you hear, golf is dead and nobody wants to buy here for the golf.[/QUOTE]

BINGO...give this man a cigar!

[dewilson58]

Are you talking about Executive Courses or Champ courses? I play in a Wed and Fri group on Champ courses and we have no problem in the high snowbird season getting on Champ courses. It's not free and never has been. We play a lot of the same courses but we get T Times We are all Priority members.
OP stated "free for life".

[Topspinmo]

IMO one thing we don’t need is more golf courses, nobody need to hog And play 2,3 or 4 time a day. Nowhere one earth are there more golf courses in community. So, if your playing too many times day or week don’t whine about it.

[Topspinmo]

BINGO...give this man a cigar!

Maybe in future, but nobody knows what future holds. Especially us here where most us our time limited.

[tophcfa]

As soon as the winter rates started on January first we noticed that getting t times on the executives got squeezed in a big way. The choice for a non priority couple of paying $128 to hit off fairways with almost no grass, versus hitting off a Tee for free is kind of a no brainer during the winter months. Add to that the lack of adequate t times during the short winter days, houses being built at a faster pace than golfing opportunities are added, and golf being a very safe pandemic activity, and you have the perfect storm for jammed packed executive courses. We have been able to get executive t times, but you must be very flexible with both courses and times. If you have a tight time window and limit requests to only a couple of courses, you won’t have much luck unless you have not played in the last week (no points).

[UpNorth]

The ratio of golf to houses really begins to thin out once you get south of 466A. The further south you go, the thinner it gets. The developer would rather use the land for house profits instead of free golf holes. They will tell you the new young home buyers are not interested in golf anymore. And the "golf" they try to satisfy you with is "putt and play" and "pitch and putt". Poor excuses for real golf courses, executive or championship length.

[Northwoods]

If you have been around here for 10 or more years you may have noticed that the free golf we once had is getting harder and harder to find. This week my Tuesday group (12 Players), Wednesday group (4 players) and Thursday group (4 Players) all failed to receive a tee time using the tee time system to book a tee time in advance. One of the groups even had an average of less than 2.0 points. My Monday group got a time only because it dropped out 12 players. Yes I am aware that some are going to say we have too many points, or we didn't put in enough courses (18). Give me all the excuses you want but it wasn't always like this. So what changed? The developers did!! They keep building houses but have failed to keep up with the necessary number of courses, plain and simple. Times are changing but not for the better for those of us who enjoy playing a fair amount of golf. And if you think it is bad no just wait till another 5000 homes are built.

I've been shut out on Exec. courses a few times (with a small group ... no one had more than 3 points). I've learned that if I want to get a tee time I have to not only put in many courses but more importantly, I have to put in at least a 5-hour window.
Yes... tee times were easier to get a few years ago. Things have changed. But... if I'm flexible (and I don't have too many points) I can get a tee time.
It's free... so I don't have much of an issue with that. I'm also a Priority member. Now... if I have a hard time getting tee times as a Priority member... I'll have a HUGE issue with that.

[mowdie]

The ratio of golf to houses really begins to thin out once you get south of 466A. The further south you go, the thinner it gets. The developer would rather use the land for house profits instead of free golf holes. They will tell you the new young home buyers are not interested in golf anymore. And the "golf" they try to satisfy you with is "putt and play" and "pitch and putt". Poor excuses for real golf courses, executive or championship length.

There are 16 exec courses between 466 and 466A. There are 6 exec courses between 466A and 44 (and all six are closer to 466A). So no exec courses by 44 like both sides of 466 and 466A. WHY?

[John_W]

There are 16 exec courses between 466 and 466A. There are 6 exec courses between 466A and 44 (and all six are closer to 466A). So no exec courses by 44 like both sides of 466 and 466A. WHY?

The area furthest away from 466A towards 44, you have Brownwood Square, a fire station, now a wood shop, huge Eisenhower Rec Center and facillities, Transverse Shopping Center, a body of water Lake Deaton, looks like there really isn't much room for an executive course. Along the northern edge is all golf courses and homes, no commercial facilities until you cross east over Morse. It's the lay of the land (the lake) and the placement of the square.

Distance wise, if you're north of 44, it's only about a five minute drive to 466A. I think they crammed as much stuff as they could in the strip of land. 466A to 466 is a good five miles at least.

Google Maps (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brownwood+Paddock+Square/@28.8492887,-82.0081409,3132m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x69009d4485cf5959!8m2 !3d28.8442891!4d-82.0220965)

[robsherry]

Very true, but still can get a tee time as a single player. Yep, this isn't the same place it once was, but everything changes. Get use to it or get gone.

[mike1946]

If you are just playing Executive Courses Priority Membership has no effect... it's not accounted for in the allocation system - it only has an effect when booking champ courses. Learned this from a talk given by a Tee Time office executive to our golfing group.

[HoosierPa]

The ratio of golf to houses really begins to thin out once you get south of 466A. The further south you go, the thinner it gets. The developer would rather use the land for house profits instead of free golf holes. They will tell you the new young home buyers are not interested in golf anymore. And the "golf" they try to satisfy you with is "putt and play" and "pitch and putt". Poor excuses for real golf courses, executive or championship length.

You should invest your money to buy some land and compete with TV developer and you could build a lot more courses than houses people could play for free. You might run The Morse’s out of business (or go broke in the first few months)

[Grochest]

I visited TV a couple years back for possible retirement location but decided not to move there just because the golf courses were too crowded.

[Two Bills]

I visited TV a couple years back for possible retirement location but decided not to move there just because the golf courses were too crowded.

Should have come in the summer.
Courses are empty!

[thevillagernie]

If you have been around here for 10 or more years you may have noticed that the free golf we once had is getting harder and harder to find. This week my Tuesday group (12 Players), Wednesday group (4 players) and Thursday group (4 Players) all failed to receive a tee time using the tee time system to book a tee time in advance. One of the groups even had an average of less than 2.0 points. My Monday group got a time only because it dropped out 12 players. Yes I am aware that some are going to say we have too many points, or we didn't put in enough courses (18). Give me all the excuses you want but it wasn't always like this. So what changed? The developers did!! They keep building houses but have failed to keep up with the necessary number of courses, plain and simple. Times are changing but not for the better for those of us who enjoy playing a fair amount of golf. And if you think it is bad no just wait till another 5000 homes are built.
every winter....????

[DrBrutyle109]

Are you talking about Executive Courses or Champ courses? I play in a Wed and Fri group on Champ courses and we have no problem in the high snowbird season getting on Champ courses. It's not free and never has been. We play a lot of the same courses but we get T Times We are all Priority members.
Wow. All the golf I play on the executive courses is free. Hope they don’t find out I’m getting it free!
Oh........I forgot....I walk and carry.......hence.....free golf

[Skunky1]

Class action suit against the Developer seems to be the proper path for resolution

[ewitte]

The ratio of golf to houses really begins to thin out once you get south of 466A. The further south you go, the thinner it gets. The developer would rather use the land for house profits instead of free golf holes. They will tell you the new young home buyers are not interested in golf anymore. And the "golf" they try to satisfy you with is "putt and play" and "pitch and putt". Poor excuses for real golf courses, executive or championship length.
We are 46 and bought for the golf courses. It would be a shame by the time we could actually retire we couldn’t use them.

[dewilson58]

The ratio of golf to houses really begins to thin out once you get south of 466A.
Numbers & Facts to support???

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Plenty of tee times available is you sign up as a single.

The more people in your group, the less likely it is to get as time.

[Russp]

There are less activities because of the virus so more people are playing golf multiple day's possible?

[banjobob]

IMO one thing we don’t need is more golf courses, nobody need to hog And play 2,3 or 4 time a day. Nowhere one earth are there more golf courses in community. So, if your playing too many times day or week don’t whine about it.
I agree to spend every day playing golf is fine but to complain because others want to play is pathetic especially since I know some that play twice a day.

[diamond2005]

[QUOTE=jimmemac;1894041]If you have been around here for 10 or more years you may have noticed that the free golf we once had is getting harder and harder to find. This week my Tuesday group (12 Players), Wednesday group (4 players) and Thursday group (4 Players) all failed to receive a tee time using the tee time system to book a tee time in advance. One of the groups even had an average of less than 2.0 points. My Monday group got a time only because it dropped out 12 players. Yes I am aware that some are going to say we have too many points, or we didn't put in enough courses (18). Give me all the excuses you want but it wasn't always likwhat changed? The developers did!! They keep building houses but have failed to keep up with the necessary number of courses, plain and simple. Times are changing but not for the better for those of us who enjoy playing a fair amount of golf. And if you think it is bad no just wait till another 5000 homes are built.[/QUOTE
Remember, there is no such thing as FREE golf. Some of your amenity fees go to Executive golf.

[karostay]

if you have been around here for 10 or more years you may have noticed that the free golf we once had is getting harder and harder to find. This week my tuesday group (12 players), wednesday group (4 players) and thursday group (4 players) all failed to receive a tee time using the tee time system to book a tee time in advance. One of the groups even had an average of less than 2.0 points. My monday group got a time only because it dropped out 12 players. Yes i am aware that some are going to say we have too many points, or we didn't put in enough courses (18). Give me all the excuses you want but it wasn't always like this. So what changed? The developers did!! They keep building houses but have failed to keep up with the necessary number of courses, plain and simple. Times are changing but not for the better for those of us who enjoy playing a fair amount of golf. And if you think it is bad no just wait till another 5000 homes are built.

Free golf tomorrow

[John_W]

I visited TV a couple years back for possible retirement location but decided not to move there just because the golf courses were too crowded.

Don't keep us in suspense, let us know where you decided to retire in Florida and the golf courses are not crowded January to April?

[Shadia328]

This is why I became a Priority member. Out population is booming, but the number of courses is hardly changing. If I play enough golf, it pays for itself.

[jabacon6669]

Good choice, where did you go, I might follow. I just moved the TV. Back home my private club was 4500 for the year, I'd play at least 100 times a year, so that averages out about $45/round. TV isn't so cheap. almost 800 for a single priority member, which gets you about a $46 rate, plus part of your amenity fee goes towards golf, I'm probably averaging $60-$65/round down here. No free golf here. They do desperately need more champion courses. This is a golfing community, always will be, continue the building down south, it's one crowded north of 44 because all the new folks have no place to play, but to come up north of 44.

[divolady@bellsouth.net]

This is why we moved from The Villages because it is getting to large. The developers are not building golf courses to keep up with the growth. Like their forefathers before them they don’t care about the residents just the MONEY!

[divolady@bellsouth.net]

We moved back to South Georgia. Weather about the same and plenty of golf courses.

[Bogie Shooter]

We are 46 and bought for the golf courses. It would be a shame by the time we could actually retire we couldn’t use them.

Don't believe everything you read on TOTV.

[thecinks1@gmail.com]

You have a right to be frustrated. Of course, I point out that it always gets very tight this time of year.
I'll simply pass along what we were told when working on a large church group that played executive golf once a month on Sunday afternoons. We had up to 24 players. The Tee Time Office told us to choose lots of courses (you said you did that) and to give a large window of time (we always used at least a three hour window).
Once we started doing that, we never had a group thrown out. Just saying. Good luck.

[jbrown132]

As soon as the winter rates started on January first we noticed that getting t times on the executives got squeezed in a big way. The choice for a non priority couple of paying $128 to hit off fairways with almost no grass, versus hitting off a Tee for free is kind of a no brainer during the winter months. Add to that the lack of adequate t times during the short winter days, houses being built at a faster pace than golfing opportunities are added, and golf being a very safe pandemic activity, and you have the perfect storm for jammed packed executive courses. We have been able to get executive t times, but you must be very flexible with both courses and times. If you have a tight time window and limit requests to only a couple of courses, you won’t have much luck unless you have not played in the last week (no points).

I’m a priority member and play once a week on an executive course, usually on the weekend, and twice a week on championship courses. In the ten years I have lived here have only been bumped once on an executive course. However, during the winter months I usually go outside TV to play once a week where I would normally be playing a championship course. There are some great courses within a thirty-five to forty minute drive, that are less expensive, are in much better shape than courses in TV and you can almost always get tee times. By doing this you do not accumulate to many points so you rarely get bumped and get to play under better conditions. If you don’t mind doing the drive and sharing that chore with the other guys in your group this is the way to go.

[gregcharlesnelson@gmail]

what close cheap 9 hole courses do you recommend?

[graciegirl]

BINGO...give this man a cigar!

I always wonder why the first reaction from some is to try to escalate trouble.

This is the busy season in Florida. We are swamped with visitors. We have always needed to extend our comfort zone for executive golf here during this time, both in geographic area and in time slots. There is golf..free golf, but you just have to drive a little further and play at a different time. This is the way it has been as long as I can remember.

I don't think it has a thing to do with cigars or halal. Nope. Or bashing the developer.

[billethkid]

What is a not crowded golf course?
Tee times 30 minutes apart?
Nobody in front or in back of you?
Most popular courses public and private tend to be fully booked.
Does a fully booked (for the day all t times filled) = being crowded?
If it is average pace of play who cares if there is someone in front and behind?

Factors that taint the equation?
How many foresomes?
How many points?
Flexibility of time preferences (or not).
Flexibility of specific courses (or not).

Why do some feel the golf courses have to be in their neighborhood?

And so on and on?

:popcorn::popcorn:

[golfing eagles]

What is a not crowded golf course?
Tee times 30 minutes apart?
Nobody in front or in back of you?
Most popular courses public and private tend to be fully booked.
Does a fully booked (for the day all t times filled) = being crowded?
If it is average pace of play who cares if there is someone in front and behind?

Factors that taint the equation?
How many foresomes?
How many points?
Flexibility of time preferences (or not).
Flexibility of specific courses (or not).

Why do some feel the golf courses have to be in their neighborhood?

And so on and on?

:popcorn::popcorn:

C'mon man----don't confuse these people with the facts:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[jimmemac]

The area furthest away from 466A towards 44, you have Brownwood Square, a fire station, now a wood shop, huge Eisenhower Rec Center and facillities, Transverse Shopping Center, a body of water Lake Deaton, looks like there really isn't much room for an executive course. Along the northern edge is all golf courses and homes, no commercial facilities until you cross east over Morse. It's the lay of the land (the lake) and the placement of the square.

Distance wise, if you're north of 44, it's only about a five minute drive to 466A. I think they crammed as much stuff as they could in the strip of land. 466A to 466 is a good five miles at least.

Google Maps (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brownwood+Paddock+Square/@28.8492887,-82.0081409,3132m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x69009d4485cf5959!8m2 !3d28.8442891!4d-82.0220965)

Yes but they have 7 exec courses and 3 championship course in that small area.

[golfing eagles]

Yes but they have 6 exec courses and one championship course in that small area.

Last I knew, there are 3 championship and 7 execs between 466A and 44

[j_vermilya]

You are exactly right. I posted about this a few weeks ago and was ridiculed, but that doesn't matter because I know it's true. The huge amount of new homes in the southern portion, without many amenities, impacts golf, shopping, restaurants. The original promise that there would be no building south of 44 should have been kept. And with all the apartments as well, it's only getting worse...

[billethkid]

You are exactly right. I posted about this a few weeks ago and was ridiculed, but that doesn't matter because I know it's true. The huge amount of new homes in the southern portion, without many amenities, impacts golf, shopping, restaurants. The original promise that there would be no building south of 44 should have been kept. And with all the apartments as well, it's only getting worse...

Where/when was this ever promised?

[John_W]

We moved back to South Georgia. Weather about the same and plenty of golf courses.

Where exactly. I lived in Savannah 1972 and 1973 and again 1982 to 1988. I liked Savannah, but very few golf courses and the nice ones are private. I could do better than Savannah, with a place the same size, but better beaches, weather the same and no state income tax and a few more golf courses, I would go to Pensacola, Florida.

With Savannah, you need to go 35 miles north to Hilton Head to find a good amount of golf courses and they're not cheap. Brunswick, Georgia is OK, kind of small town, weather slightly better but the golf courses are expensive because they're on an island. Atlanta has a lot of golf courses, but was the worse place I ever lived, wouldn't go there if you gave me a house for free. Weather was terrible, 100 degrees everyday in August and in January we had 4" of snow and the whole town shut down. Crime was terrible, traffic was terrible, and home prices were going up.

If I left TV for golf courses, I wouldn't stop in Georgia, I would go to Myrtle Beach, SC. Wouldn't exactly find a 55+ community, but plenty of reasonable housing prices, condos overlooking the beach nicely appointed for $150K. Plenty of things to do entertainment wise, a nice beach although I prefer the Gulf over the Atlantic and it has 100 golf courses.

Myrtle Beach, shop and dine at Barefoot on the Beach

https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/c_fill,h_300,q_75,w_720/v1/clients/myrtlebeach/7f6f0992_4fc3_4e3d_8012_15aead84a212_e8a0733b-ad23-4d8b-b349-f74d0fdf3d13.jpg

When I did live in Savannah in the 80's I went to a lot of Savannah Braves and then the Savannah Cardinal games. The stadium was ancient, but had character. Now in Pensacola you have minor league baseball and minor league hockey. The baseball stadium is new and sits right on the water. I lived in Pensacola for six years, if it wasn't for TV and the benefits of a 55+ community, I would live there.

https://www.onlinegambling.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BlueWahoosStadium.jpg

[collie1228]

My group plays twice a week on the championship courses, a mix of about 16-20 golfers, some priority, some not. We don't have any problem obtaining tee times. Our window is 11:56AM to 2:00PM, and we generally put in all of the courses in the northern part of The Villages, plus Cane, Mallory and Havana. The latest tee time we've had is about 1:00PM, but we generally get tee times between noon and 12:30. I agree that there has been a change in The Villages regarding golf - the developer doesn't seem to consider the southern portion to be a golfing community. But so far it hasn't hurt us.

[Ken D.]

Priority membership has no influence on executive courses, only championship.

[Bilyclub]

Mangrove being closed is making things crazy in this part of town.

[haysus7]

People are staying put. There are no cruises, no travel. There is only golf.

[Grunt 1946]

When I first visited The Villages in 2001 everything was free, and everyone was old. I didn't buy. Today, many are much younger, and most things cost something today. HUMMMM!

[merrymini]

I do not play golf but am looking out my doors onto a golf course. It takes an amazing amount of land to build one. Businesses need to make money or they would not exist for whatever service or goods it provides. Stop complaining about businesses making money! The effects of this china virus on our and the world’s economy will be felt for YEARS!

[Bogie Shooter]

When I first visited The Villages in 2001 everything was free, and everyone was old. I didn't buy. Today, many are much younger, and most things cost something today. HUMMMM!

I was not old in 2001..........I did buy.

[jarodrig]

Wow. All the golf I play on the executive courses is free. Hope they don’t find out I’m getting it free!
Oh........I forgot....I walk and carry.......hence.....free golf

I hate to be the one to break it to you but we do NOT have free golf in The Villages, Executive courses or otherwise.....

The executive golf courses are owned and operated by the VCCDD (Village Center Community Development District) and the Sumter Landing Community Development District.

Executive Courses are supported and maintained by the AMENITY FEES of the residents of The Villages......

Part of your monthly amenity fee goes toward the maintenance and upkeep of all of the Executive golf courses....

So in essence, Executive golf is not FREE ! But, it would be fair to say that there are no ADDITIONAL greens fees for residents to play the Executives.....other than the trail fee unless like you, the person walks......

For those who want verity what I’ve posted can go to the District’s website....once on the site, go to the search box on top of the page and search for executive golf and then click on the first link provided (VCDD Golf)

Village Community Development Districts (http://Www.districtgov.org)

[jarodrig]

Class action suit against the Developer seems to be the proper path for resolution

The Developer does not own the Executive courses.... but good try... :ohdear:

[jarodrig]

My group plays twice a week on the championship courses, a mix of about 16-20 golfers, some priority, some not. We don't have any problem obtaining tee times. Our window is 11:56AM to 2:00PM, and we generally put in all of the courses in the northern part of The Villages, plus Cane, Mallory and Havana. The latest tee time we've had is about 1:00PM, but we generally get tee times between noon and 12:30. I agree that there has been a change in The Villages regarding golf - the developer doesn't seem to consider the southern portion to be a golfing community. But so far it hasn't hurt us.

The discussion started by the OP is about Executive courses, not Championship......

[noslices1]

I play three times a week on Exec courses, in three different groups, 2 of which have more than 12 players and one foursome. One group, about 6 months ago didn’t get a tee time, but went on the computer and put the group on at a later time than had been requested. Maybe the person whose group you are in has too narrow of a time request.

[John_W]

When I first visited The Villages in 2001 everything was free, and everyone was old. I didn't buy. Today, many are much younger, and most things cost something today. HUMMMM!

In 1996 I went to both Disney World and Universal Studios and they were $36 to enter. Universal did not have the parking garage across the 4 lane street with the elevated skyway and moving sidewalk to take you into the park. You parked in a big asphalt parking lot right out front and walked in, not even a tram to take you. One thing you can always count in Florida, things will change.

[Kjbatl]

This is why we moved from The Villages because it is getting to large. The developers are not building golf courses to keep up with the growth. Like their forefathers before them they don’t care about the residents just the MONEY!

I did some quick numbers from the district gov website on number of homesites versus number of executive courses and the fact is the area south of 466A to include Fenney and new areas is much less crowded. The numbers show we in the south have far more holes of executive golf than either of the other areas so it is not true that the "new" homes are causing you to not get tee times.
North of 466 has 21,975 homesites and 13 exec courses to average 1690 homes per course.
South of 466 to 466A 23054 homesites with 16 courses to avg 1440 homes per course.
South of 466A has 11184 homesites with 13 courses to avg 860 homesites per course.
This includes all areas up to District 12. I know District 13(newest construction) will add to the last group, but they are far better the the northern areas with number of available holes.

[drcar]

You are exactly right. I posted about this a few weeks ago and was ridiculed, but that doesn't matter because I know it's true. The huge amount of new homes in the southern portion, without many amenities, impacts golf, shopping, restaurants. The original promise that there would be no building south of 44 should have been kept. And with all the apartments as well, it's only getting worse...

If I may, who made you a promise that they would not build south of 44?

[almyers]

He said FREE, and I agree.

[tomhinz]

From January thru March with all the renters (who get priority), it is just difficult even though you pay for a trail fee. Something should be done.

[drcar]

From January thru March with all the renters (who get priority), it is just difficult even though you pay for a trail fee. Something should be done.

BTW who told you renters get priority?

[MSchad]

I did some quick numbers from the district gov website on number of homesites versus number of executive courses and the fact is the area south of 466A to include Fenney and new areas is much less crowded. The numbers show we in the south have far more holes of executive golf than either of the other areas so it is not true that the "new" homes are causing you to not get tee times.
North of 466 has 21,975 homesites and 13 exec courses to average 1690 homes per course.
South of 466 to 466A 23054 homesites with 16 courses to avg 1440 homes per course.
South of 466A has 11184 homesites with 13 courses to avg 860 homesites per course.
This includes all areas up to District 12. I know District 13(newest construction) will add to the last group, but they are far better the the northern areas with number of available holes.
Facts.... nice vs all the complaining.

[rsalisbu]

I hear Fairways of Penbrook has openings! Maybe have your group try there? I personally haven't seen anything out of the ordinary for tee times during this high volume season. Covid doesn't help either

Good luck

Loving the villages

[yankygrl]

I hear Fairways of Penbrook has openings! Maybe have your group try there? I personally haven't seen anything out of the ordinary for tee times during this high volume season. Covid doesn't help either

Good luck

Loving the villages
There are too many people trying to get tee times in specific areas - NORTH of 44. The issue as I see it is exactly that everyone south of 44 have limited courses so now they put in for those north off 44 and mostly south of 466 and many of us will not drive south to play on the limited number of courses there.

[yankygrl]

From January thru March with all the renters (who get priority), it is just difficult even though you pay for a trail fee. Something should be done.
Who told you renters get priority? Also I am unaware that EXECUTIVE course have any priority tee times. Championship do.

[yankygrl]

The promise to not build south of WHATEVER has been made by the developers since they crossed 441, then it was 466 etc. when we lived above 466A we were told the same thing and now here I sit at home south of 466 A and north of 44.

[golfing eagles]

The promise to not build south of WHATEVER has been made by the developers since they crossed 441, then it was 466 etc. when we lived above 466A we were told the same thing and now here I sit at home south of 466 A and north of 44.

Not so much a promise by the "developers" as an implication by their salespeople.

[ONTAP15]

IMO one thing we don’t need is more golf courses, nobody need to hog And play 2,3 or 4 time a day. Nowhere one earth are there more golf courses in community. So, if your playing too many times day or week don’t whine about it.
You should be able to play as many times as you want. You must be a non golfer..

[graciegirl]

From January thru March with all the renters (who get priority), it is just difficult even though you pay for a trail fee. Something should be done.

We all equally share in the chance to hit it in trap, all of us...every man and woman jack of us. You get a bit of an edge with priority. You can usually tell the renters. They walk in your putting line.

[Jayhawk]

I play three times a week on Exec courses, in three different groups, 2 of which have more than 12 players and one foursome. One group, about 6 months ago didn’t get a tee time, but went on the computer and put the group on at a later time than had been requested. Maybe the person whose group you are in has too narrow of a time request.

Exactly. Most people complaining about getting shut out are not selecting enough courses and limiting the time window. Our group has 15-20 players, twice a week, and we get tee times every week because we don't request a tight window. Right now we put in 9:00 - 2:30 and NEVER get shut out.

[UpNorth]

Numbers & Facts to support???

Just get out a map and take a look for yourself.

[vinnytalk]

Of course that person was talking about executive; he mention free. And yes he is correct too many players not enough courses and also they are in the worst shape.
Either they need better landscapers who where is the money go if not to repair the courses????

[asiebel]

I have been here 12 years and exec courses have always been hard to get during winter months!

[Pairadocs]

If you have been around here for 10 or more years you may have noticed that the free golf we once had is getting harder and harder to find. This week my Tuesday group (12 Players), Wednesday group (4 players) and Thursday group (4 Players) all failed to receive a tee time using the tee time system to book a tee time in advance. One of the groups even had an average of less than 2.0 points. My Monday group got a time only because it dropped out 12 players. Yes I am aware that some are going to say we have too many points, or we didn't put in enough courses (18). Give me all the excuses you want but it wasn't always like this. So what changed? The developers did!! They keep building houses but have failed to keep up with the necessary number of courses, plain and simple. Times are changing but not for the better for those of us who enjoy playing a fair amount of golf. And if you think it is bad no just wait till another 5000 homes are built.

Been here more than 10, winters always a little crowded but always got something for us, or for a foursome from our neighborhood. HOWEVER, many times church group, other group play, time after time nothing. Now we are to the point where, despite having 1point, can't get a time on any course I could reasonably get to (historic side to 466A.

We just "roll with it" like others have, the Villages have a LOT of guests, and guests get preference on all courses. When we first visited years ago, we were so impressed; little did WE know that some tax paying, amenity paying residents were paying the price for us to be able to say we wanted to play ________ at exactly ______ on________, and "poof" our rep gave us a printed schedule of our requests; no alternatives, no times other than we requested. NOW I understand. "ALL the golf you care to play" is NEVER explained that all the golf you wish to play IF you don't get "too many" points: translation if you play TOO MUCH.

Now, could we do better if we took our $160 amenity bill per month, live outside the villages and play golf at all the surrounding courses, probably yes. Two people ($80 each), probably would get 4 rounds for $80 in the off season (all kinds of deals then outside the villages), and we have never failed to get 4 rounds a month here. However, that was NOT on Championship length courses, so, it's probably a toss up.

It is hard to understand how people who don't play golf, and generally don't swim or go to "free" classes that used to be taught by volunteers, play tennis, or anything put up with the monthly fee for.... ?.... flowers and nice music on the squares they could access anyway, but, we all do it. We feel if we can get 4 rounds a month in the winter months, at least we are on the winning side of the financial part. Just had some relatives (5 years here) move out but near. They played no sports, did not swim, and started wondering why they paid the amenity. They are natives and lived in many locations in Florida, always got something for their HOA fees, lawn service, pest service, two pools, recreation center and event rooms to have private parties too large for their villa or condos. So, they moved, best thing to do if unsatisfied. As natives, they didn't go far...LOL, from here ! Now at least they get some otherwise expensive services for their HOA fees..... but IF they played golf, they would not be ahead because of the price of golf in the three months considered "tourist" time.

[massachusettskid]

Has anyone tried Red Fox, Gray Fox or Longleaf in the Fenney area?

[beckylou152]

We rented for a month and are on our way home now. We tried to golf 5 times and we’re pleasantly surprised to get 5 tee times! We loved the courses and found them not to be too crowded. Just our opinion!

[dewilson58]

Just get out a map and take a look for yourself.
The point of my post was.................too many complaint without facts. The whiners just make stuff up. Another poster did the research and posted the facts well before your nasty post. Here is the information:


I did some quick numbers from the district gov website on number of homesites versus number of executive courses and the fact is the area south of 466A to include Fenney and new areas is much less crowded. The numbers show we in the south have far more holes of executive golf than either of the other areas so it is not true that the "new" homes are causing you to not get tee times.
North of 466 has 21,975 homesites and 13 exec courses to average 1690 homes per course.
South of 466 to 466A 23054 homesites with 16 courses to avg 1440 homes per course.
South of 466A has 11184 homesites with 13 courses to avg 860 homesites per course.
This includes all areas up to District 12. I know District 13(newest construction) will add to the last group, but they are far better the the northern areas with number of available holes.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

IMO one thing we don’t need is more golf courses, nobody need to hog And play 2,3 or 4 time a day. Nowhere one earth are there more golf courses in community. So, if your playing too many times day or week don’t whine about it.

No one NEEDS to play golf at all. And no one needs to go to the squares to listen to music or dance. No one needs any of the activities that we have here. Who are you to say how much golf a resident should play? Who are you to decide how many times a week is "too many"?

I don't know what activities you enjoy but how would you like it if someone told you that you are doing it too often?

Yes, there are more golf courses here but there are also more residents here that play golf. The golf courses are overcrowded in the season. We definitely need more golf courses.

There is another reason for more golf courses. With so much play on the courses that we have they get beat up. By spreading that play around to more courses, the conditions would improve.

The number of courses we need is relative to the demand, not to your idea of how much any individual SHOULD play.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Has anyone tried Red Fox, Gray Fox or Longleaf in the Fenney area?

I played both Red Fox and Grey Fox. They are excellent courses and were in great shape when I played them.

A word of warning, they are very long and very difficult. I played from the back tees on the first few holes and moved after about four holes. I was hitting the ball pretty good back then but got tired of hitting three woods and hybrids to par threes.

[TimeForChange]

Really glad you felt that way. I've been here nine years, played every champ course many, many times and have never felt the courses were over crowded. Once in a while a slow group will get in front of you but if you mention it to the ambassador they will have them speed up. You must not know FL very well. Hardly find any place that is not overcrowded especially in the Winter.

[HIgolfers]

Exactly. Most people complaining about getting shut out are not selecting enough courses and limiting the time window. Our group has 15-20 players, twice a week, and we get tee times every week because we don't request a tight window. Right now we put in 9:00 - 2:30 and NEVER get shut out.

I put in a request for Executive for a Monday afternoon - 8 golfers, most with 0 or 1 point, one golfer had 2 points, asked for 1230 to 330, listed 12 courses and we did not get a tee time. So I guess I have to put the request in for all day?

[Jayhawk]

I put in a request for Executive for a Monday afternoon - 8 golfers, most with 0 or 1 point, one golfer had 2 points, asked for 1230 to 330, listed 12 courses and we did not get a tee time. So I guess I have to put the request in for all day?

Maybe, or a wider time window. I just got ours for Tuesday starting at 11:05 for 16 golfers. One guy had 3.9 points. No one had zero. As I said earlier, we have a wide window and listed about every course south of St. Charles to highway 44, none for more than about a 15-20 minute golf cart ride for anyone in our group.

[Topspinmo]

There are 16 exec courses between 466 and 466A. There are 6 exec courses between 466A and 44 (and all six are closer to 466A). So no exec courses by 44 like both sides of 466 and 466A. WHY?

Why? Why they put the golf cart bridge in.:faint:

[Topspinmo]

No one NEEDS to play golf at all. And no one needs to go to the squares to listen to music or dance. No one needs any of the activities that we have here. Who are you to say how much golf a resident should play? Who are you to decide how many times a week is "too many"?

I don't know what activities you enjoy but how would you like it if someone told you that you are doing it too often?

Yes, there are more golf courses here but there are also more residents here that play golf. The golf courses are overcrowded in the season. We definitely need more golf courses.

There is another reason for more golf courses. With so much play on the courses that we have they get beat up. By spreading that play around to more courses, the conditions would improve.

The number of courses we need is relative to the demand, not to your idea of how much any individual SHOULD play.

and no one needs to play guitar? :popcorn:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

and no one needs to play guitar? :popcorn:

Absolutely true. And I would not be happy if someone was telling me that I play the guitar too much.

[davefin]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but wait until the bridges are open over the turnpike! THEN, all villagers south of the turnpike can use their own carts on the courses North of RT44. Then watch the T Time reservation rejections at the Executive Courses.

[Mortal1]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but wait until the bridges are open over the turnpike! THEN, all villagers south of the turnpike can use their own carts on the courses North of RT44. Then watch the T Time reservation rejections at the Executive Courses.

there is a limit to how far most will travel to play after they've ventured forth and tried those far away(+5miles).
I have 5 to 6.5 points for the previous 7 days every week. I play 7days/wk. I put in for about 8-10 courses 6 days in advance for times 11am to 1:30pm. I have always gotten a tee time and not traveled more than 4miles.

Now add one more person...widen the times by about an hour on each end and about 4-5 more courses...now make it a foursome....

If you want to almost guarantee a tee time keep the groups small...otherwise don't use guests and accept you will miss some days.

I love playing in the heat of summer....courses in better condition and a pile more tee times for groups of 4 or more.

[YouNeverKnow]

If you are putting in guests It will make it much harder to get a tee time.

[vintageogauge]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but wait until the bridges are open over the turnpike! THEN, all villagers south of the turnpike can use their own carts on the courses North of RT44. Then watch the T Time reservation rejections at the Executive Courses.

It might be just the opposite with those north of 44 heading south to play the 5 or 6 courses that are down here.

[JSR22]

It might be just the opposite with those north of 44 heading south to play the 5 or 6 courses that are down here.

Currently, there are 4 Executive courses South of 44. The putting course and pitch and putt are not Executive courses.

[tvbound]

Since the amazing and varied choices for golf is one of the main reasons we are planning on moving to The Villages, along with the whole golf cart lifestyle, I hope that the situation either isn't as bad as some are saying in this thread, or that it is temporary. Recognizing that being a renter and just walking on is different than my goal of joining regular groups, my fingers are crossed that doing the group thing won't be challenging when we finally make it there.

[thelegges]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but wait until the bridges are open over the turnpike! THEN, all villagers south of the turnpike can use their own carts on the courses North of RT44. Then watch the T Time reservation rejections at the Executive Courses.

Someone should have let you in on the secret. Those from the south have been playing since day one. Drive to any courses and get Free rental golf cart, is a sweet deal. When the bridge opens, then no free cart rental. Our group of 32 plus has been shut out once. Glad those who know the system never complains about tee times

[vintageogauge]

Currently, there are 4 Executive courses South of 44. The putting course and pitch and putt are not Executive courses.

There are 5 courses, 2 in Fenney, 2 in McClure, and one in Marsh Bend. That does not include the Pitch and Putt or Putt and Play.

[UpNorth]

There are 5 courses, 2 in Fenney, 2 in McClure, and one in Marsh Bend. That does not include the Pitch and Putt or Putt and Play.

And that's it. Looking at all the new areas in the January flyer provided by The Villages, they are adding things like the "Jubilee Putting Course", the "Mickey Lee Pitch & Putt", and the "Clifton Cove Putting Course". No free execs in sight.

[jarodrig]

And that's it. Looking at all the new areas in the January flyer provided by The Villages, they are adding things like the "Jubilee Putting Course", the "Mickey Lee Pitch & Putt", and the "Clifton Cove Putting Course". No free execs in sight.

You need to educate yourself....... there will be a number of executive and championships being worked on as we speak....

Go to YouTube and search for the videos produced by GoldWingNut......

[Northwoods]

I put in a request for Executive for a Monday afternoon - 8 golfers, most with 0 or 1 point, one golfer had 2 points, asked for 1230 to 330, listed 12 courses and we did not get a tee time. So I guess I have to put the request in for all day?

That's pretty unusual (afternoon tee time with 12 courses and all golfers had 2 points or less). If you had a "guest" in there... you will never get a tee time.
I've found if I put in a "wider" window (from 9:00 - 1:30) I always get a tee time even with golfers that have 2 or 3 points. But if I put in a guest... that's dead on arrival.

[VApeople]

My wife and I play the exec courses twice a week and always get the tee time (or very close to it) and the course we request.