High season Championship Golf Rates are out

[tophcfa]

As usual, the new golf rates are out now that we are almost a couple weeks away from when they will take effect. In general, the rates for a resident member are up $3 from the January through May 2022 rates, or a little less than a 5% rate increase. Not bad given the inflation levels on everything else. That being said, it’s gonna cost $67 before taxes for one person to play 18 holes at most courses while using their own cart. To put that in perspective, it will cost my wife and I almost $145, including taxes, to use our cart for a round of golf that takes approximately 4 hours. That’s dam close to what an entire month of amenity fees costs. It’s no wonder the Executive courses are so flipping crowded during the high rate season for Championship golf. Golf on : )

[alwann]

As usual, the new golf rates are out now that we are almost a couple weeks away from when they will take effect. In general, the rates for a resident member are up $3 from the January through May 2022 rates, or a little less than a 5% rate increase. Not bad given the inflation levels on everything else. That being said, it’s gonna cost $67 before taxes for one person to play 18 holes at most courses while using their own cart. To put that in perspective, it will cost my wife and I almost $145, including taxes, to use our cart for a round of golf that takes approximately 4 hours. That’s dam close to what an entire month of amenity fees costs. It’s no wonder the Executive courses are so flipping crowded during the high rate season for Championship golf. Golf on : )
Golf Enhancement (aka Priority for 12 months) is going up $40, plus tax. It's beginning to feel like we're paying resort prices to play here.

[rustyp]

If you are a RM and played the afternoon wave this summer you will now experience a 335% rate hike.

[JSR22]

My husband is an EM and feels the winter rate increase for 2023 vs winter 2022 is reasonable.

[BrianL99]

Golf Enhancement (aka Priority for 12 months) is going up $40, plus tax. It's beginning to feel like we're paying resort prices to play here.


Golf in the Villages is a GREAT DEAL!

Less than $11,000 for 200 Rounds/year in a golf cart (your own).

My club at home, would be about $13,000 for 200 rounds and I wouldn't have the convenience of bringing my own golf cart to the course and getting there in 10-15 minutes ... plus The Villages gives you the choice of a dozen different courses.

[Babubhat]

Golf Enhancement (aka Priority for 12 months) is going up $40, plus tax. It's beginning to feel like we're paying resort prices to play here.

Just use the coupons in the Sun if you want a place with a better price

[rustyp]

Golf in the Villages is a GREAT DEAL!

Less than $11,000 for 200 Rounds/year in a golf cart (your own).

My club at home, would be about $13,000 for 200 rounds and I wouldn't have the convenience of bringing my own golf cart to the course and getting there in 10-15 minutes ... plus The Villages gives you the choice of a dozen different courses.

My club at home for 2022 was $500 single membership, $1050 family, $130 student. 18 holes and their conditions beats winter conditions on the champ courses here in TV. Added bonus I can call my lunch order in and have it ready at the turn. Many weekend tournaments , member guest, and club championships.

[Bogie Shooter]

My club at home for 2022 was $500 single membership, $1050 family, $130 student. 18 holes and their conditions beats winter conditions on the champ courses here in TV. Added bonus I can call my lunch order in and have it ready at the turn. Many weekend tournaments , member guest, and club championships.

One course?

[rustyp]

So, your home is not in The Villages? What do I do with this information?

My residence is here in TV. My summer home and family are up north. North is where I grew up and still call home. I am here because life dealt me a hand of having to help look after elders down here. You are welcome to do anything you wish with this information. Myself - I wouldn't trade the dual lifestyle for all the tea in - well you know where.

[rustyp]

One course?

yes all 18 holes

[BrianL99]

My club at home for 2022 was $500 single membership, $1050 family, $130 student. 18 holes and their conditions beats winter conditions on the champ courses here in TV. Added bonus I can call my lunch order in and have it ready at the turn. Many weekend tournaments , member guest, and club championships.

Those numbers simply don't meet the common sense test.

Any 18 Hole Golf course in reasonable decent condition, is going to spend at least $600,000, just to maintain status quo on the grass. Which means, at $500/person, it would take 1200 "Members" just to maintain the course to minimum standards. A typical Private course would have somewhere between 300-450 Members. Semi-Private, possibly 400 - 700.

Then the course has to figure out how to pay other staff, taxes, utilities, insurance, etc.

[rustyp]

Those numbers simply don't meet the common sense test.

Any 18 Hole Golf course in reasonable decent condition, is going to spend at least $600,000, just to maintain status quo on the grass. Which means, at $500/person, it would take 1200 "Members" just to maintain the course to minimum standards. A typical Private course would have somewhere between 300-450 Members. Semi-Private, possibly 400 - 700.

Then the course has to figure out how to pay other staff, taxes, utilities, insurance, etc.

Here you go Thomas
Brantingham Golf Course | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BrantinghamGolfCourse)

[Love2Swim]

Here you go Thomas
Brantingham Golf Course | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BrantinghamGolfCourse)

Nice course. We used to belong to the Watertown golf course. Can't beat the prices and conditions for golf in northern NY. Golf in the Villages comes in a poor second.

[BrianL99]

Here you go Thomas
Brantingham Golf Course | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BrantinghamGolfCourse)


That's an apple to oranges comparison.

Brantingham is a PUBLIC golf course and only 5300 yards. It's $26/round for a golf cart, doesn't provide any amenities and at least according to the reviews I read, it's condition doesn't compare with the Championship Clubs in The Villages.

[UpNorth]

Looking at the new rates, I figure my last round on a Villages Championship course will be on Christmas day. ;)

[rustyp]

That's an apple to oranges comparison.

Brantingham is a PUBLIC golf course and only 5300 yards. It's $26/round for a golf cart, doesn't provide any amenities and at least according to the reviews I read, it's condition doesn't compare with the Championship Clubs in The Villages.

Again I can offer assistance - Brantingham is privately owned - The owner and myself are friends. No subsidy money. Open to the public. Just like our Champ Courses. Also look up our Championship Courses and you will find they are all approx 5400 yds for 18 holes from the white tees which appear to be in my observation the most common set of tees used in TV

[BrianL99]

Again I can offer assistance - Brantingham is privately owned - The owner and myself are friends. No subsidy money. Open to the public. Just like our Champ Courses. Also look up our Championship Courses and you will find they are all approx 5400 yds for 18 holes from the white tees which appear to be in my observation the most common set of tees used in TV


Perhaps you might consider playing the Executive Golf Courses, which seem to be a fairer comparison to you're used to? Better deal, too. FREE, instead of paying $500/year.

[HoosierPa]

As usual, the new golf rates are out now that we are almost a couple weeks away from when they will take effect. In general, the rates for a resident member are up $3 from the January through May 2022 rates, or a little less than a 5% rate increase. Not bad given the inflation levels on everything else. That being said, it’s gonna cost $67 before taxes for one person to play 18 holes at most courses while using their own cart. To put that in perspective, it will cost my wife and I almost $145, including taxes, to use our cart for a round of golf that takes approximately 4 hours. That’s dam close to what an entire month of amenity fees costs. It’s no wonder the Executive courses are so flipping crowded during the high rate season for Championship golf. Golf on : )

You can save 25% on Championship Golf by playing at Continental. Their course was just renovated and has new greens. Their price also includes a cart

[golfing eagles]

Again I can offer assistance - Brantingham is privately owned - The owner and myself are friends. No subsidy money. Open to the public. Just like our Champ Courses. Also look up our Championship Courses and you will find they are all approx 5400 yds for 18 holes from the white tees which appear to be in my observation the most common set of tees used in TV

There is a HUGE difference between a private country club and a public golf course that is privately owned. Apples and oranges. Heck, when I was 16, I could play Bethpage Black on a weekday for $1.75---much less total than $500 year as well......but.......3 hour waits, 7 hour rounds, and at the time, deplorable conditions. My club in Central NY ran close to $10,000 each year, but......no wait, pristine condition, practice area, tennis courts, clubhouse with social events and restaurant. No comparison.

[rickaslin]

Those numbers simply don't meet the common sense test.

Any 18 Hole Golf course in reasonable decent condition, is going to spend at least $600,000, just to maintain status quo on the grass. Which means, at $500/person, it would take 1200 "Members" just to maintain the course to minimum standards. A typical Private course would have somewhere between 300-450 Members. Semi-Private, possibly 400 - 700.

Then the course has to figure out how to pay other staff, taxes, utilities, insurance, etc.

Also he forgot to mention they can only play 5 months out of year be cause of cold or snow!

[rickaslin]

Nice course. We used to belong to the Watertown golf course. Can't beat the prices and conditions for golf in northern NY. Golf in the Villages comes in a poor second.

I suggest you go play in UPPER NEW YORK in January !

[rickaslin]

Again I can offer assistance - Brantingham is privately owned - The owner and myself are friends. No subsidy money. Open to the public. Just like our Champ Courses. Also look up our Championship Courses and you will find they are all approx 5400 yds for 18 holes from the white tees which appear to be in my observation the most common set of tees used in TV

I tried to make a tee time January 4th 2023 but couldn't since they will have a foot of snow!

[rustyp]

There is a HUGE difference between a private country club and a public golf course that is privately owned. Apples and oranges. Heck, when I was 16, I could play Bethpage Black on a weekday for $1.75---much less total than $500 year as well......but.......3 hour waits, 7 hour rounds, and at the time, deplorable conditions. My club in Central NY ran close to $10,000 each year, but......no wait, pristine condition, practice area, tennis courts, clubhouse with social events and restaurant. No comparison.

Speaking of apples and oranges Beth Page is a New York State Park. Subsidized by every NYS taxpayer. No comparison to a course owned by a private individual but open for public play. The Championship Courses here in TV are exactly the same - privately owned opened to the public.

[miharris]

Nice course. We used to belong to the Watertown golf course. Can't beat the prices and conditions for golf in northern NY. Golf in the Villages comes in a poor second.
I grew up in Watertown, graduated in 78.

[rustyp]

I tried to make a tee time January 4th 2023 but couldn't since they will have a foot of snow!

Well of course you couldn't play golf on Jan 4th at Brantingham. The owner makes and grooms cross country ski trails. He welcomes the locals to ski on the course free of charge as a good neighbor. How community minded is your local country clubs ?

[Janie123]

As usual, the new golf rates are out now that we are almost a couple weeks away from when they will take effect. In general, the rates for a resident member are up $3 from the January through May 2022 rates, or a little less than a 5% rate increase. Not bad given the inflation levels on everything else. That being said, it’s gonna cost $67 before taxes for one person to play 18 holes at most courses while using their own cart. To put that in perspective, it will cost my wife and I almost $145, including taxes, to use our cart for a round of golf that takes approximately 4 hours. That’s dam close to what an entire month of amenity fees costs. It’s no wonder the Executive courses are so flipping crowded during the high rate season for Championship golf. Golf on : )
I lived on a 7400 yard city course in Colorado where the Colorado Open was held. I compare it to Palmer/Glenview/Lopez. I lived in the city and green fees + cart was $75-$88 depending on the day. I’m an EM here (mainly to get tee times - the discount might be a wash probably save me a few bucks over the year) Comparing conditions in FL vs up north is hard because the soil/temp/grasses are so very different. I grew up in PA and worked the course in high school. Getting the grass to grow was easy. The biggest difference I see is 4 hours to play here here vs 5.5+ on these public courses at least on the ones in Colorado.

And the crowds on the executive probably has to do with the 60k+ snowbirds that flock to TV every January for 4 months.

I’m happy to pay for our championship courses 2x a week where I can drive to the course in 5-15 min in my cart and be back home in 4.5 hours. In Colorado I could just be starting the back nine.

[mkjelenbaas]

As usual, the new golf rates are out now that we are almost a couple weeks away from when they will take effect. In general, the rates for a resident member are up $3 from the January through May 2022 rates, or a little less than a 5% rate increase. Not bad given the inflation levels on everything else. That being said, it’s gonna cost $67 before taxes for one person to play 18 holes at most courses while using their own cart. To put that in perspective, it will cost my wife and I almost $145, including taxes, to use our cart for a round of golf that takes approximately 4 hours. That’s dam close to what an entire month of amenity fees costs. It’s no wonder the Executive courses are so flipping crowded during the high rate season for Championship golf. Golf on : )
Check the prices at Harbor Hills - the course is in great shape- only a short ride (by auto)!!

[Sparky6236]

As usual, the new golf rates are out now that we are almost a couple weeks away from when they will take effect. In general, the rates for a resident member are up $3 from the January through May 2022 rates, or a little less than a 5% rate increase. Not bad given the inflation levels on everything else. That being said, it’s gonna cost $67 before taxes for one person to play 18 holes at most courses while using their own cart. To put that in perspective, it will cost my wife and I almost $145, including taxes, to use our cart for a round of golf that takes approximately 4 hours. That’s dam close to what an entire month of amenity fees costs. It’s no wonder the Executive courses are so flipping crowded during the high rate season for Championship golf. Golf on : )

Golf for a RM increases from $38 + tax to $42.50 + tax. That's more like ab12% increase.

[jabacon6669]

With all due respect, if you're paying 13,000 back home, it must be a pretty nice private course. That would figure out to be $65/round. Now you paid for your own cart, but figure in approx $20 of that cart/round. now you up to $85, figure into that your priority membership, roughly another $4/round, or $8/round if you only play twice a week, or 100 rounds, so now your at $90 plus or minus a little. Now figure into that that a portion of your amenity fee is for golf, all be it executive golf, but you're still paying wether you use it, or not. Not sure what that amounts to, maybe $100/ month, or $1200/year. So let's add $6/round to your rate, or $12 if you only play twice /week at 100 rounds/years. So, now your average round is about $100/ +-/round. You're actually putting out about $20,000/ year. I've golfed all my life, belonged to private clubs and public courses. Good private course are around 5,000 to $10,000 today, about 1/4 to 1/2 of what you are paying. Public course's are about $60 to $80/round with a cart. Bottom line is TV golf is very expensive. I am not complaining, just saying, in response to your analogy.

[MSGirl]

My club at home for 2022 was $500 single membership, $1050 family, $130 student. 18 holes and their conditions beats winter conditions on the champ courses here in TV. Added bonus I can call my lunch order in and have it ready at the turn. Many weekend tournaments , member guest, and club championships.

And I bet your club at home consisted of one 18-27 hole golf course. And how often did you play golf in the winter back home?

[PoolBrews]

Golf in the Villages is a GREAT DEAL!

Less than $11,000 for 200 Rounds/year in a golf cart (your own).

My club at home, would be about $13,000 for 200 rounds and I wouldn't have the convenience of bringing my own golf cart to the course and getting there in 10-15 minutes ... plus The Villages gives you the choice of a dozen different courses.

You can't compare prices here to prices at home and simply declare it a great deal. That doesn't even make sense. Prices in central Florida are not comparable to prices in New York, San Francisco, Seattle, etc.

You need to compare prices in The Villages to prices at comparable courses just outside the The Villages. When you do that, you realize that it's a really BAD deal.

We can play at good courses outside of The Villages for half of the rate here - and many of those courses are better maintained.

I'm certainly rethinking my priority membership at this point.

[golfing eagles]

Speaking of apples and oranges Beth Page is a New York State Park. Subsidized by every NYS taxpayer. No comparison to a course owned by a private individual but open for public play. The Championship Courses here in TV are exactly the same - privately owned opened to the public.

Ok, so I'll substitute Colonie Hill Golf Club in Hauppauge which cost $3.25. Now you have a direct privately owned public course to compare with.

[golfing eagles]

I lived on a 7400 yard city course in Colorado where the Colorado Open was held. I compare it to Palmer/Glenview/Lopez. I lived in the city and green fees + cart was $75-$88 depending on the day. I’m an EM here (mainly to get tee times - the discount might be a wash probably save me a few bucks over the year) Comparing conditions in FL vs up north is hard because the soil/temp/grasses are so very different. I grew up in PA and worked the course in high school. Getting the grass to grow was easy. The biggest difference I see is 4 hours to play here here vs 5.5+ on these public courses at least on the ones in Colorado.

And the crowds on the executive probably has to do with the 60k+ snowbirds that flock to TV every January for 4 months.

I’m happy to pay for our championship courses 2x a week where I can drive to the course in 5-15 min in my cart and be back home in 4.5 hours. In Colorado I could just be starting the back nine.

Antler Creek in Falcon, CO??????

[Jayhawk]

Looking at the new rates, I figure my last round on a Villages Championship course will be on Christmas day. ;)

So, you have defined what "Value" is to you. That's great.

Value Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary (https://www.yourdictionary.com/value)

"A fair or proper equivalent in money, commodities, etc., esp. for something sold or exchanged; fair price or return."

Based on demand, there are plenty of people who perceive they are getting value when paying to play on TV Championship courses. That's how an economy should work.

[Papa_lecki]

Inflation is killing golf course maintenance budgets.

Fuel is up 100-125%
Lawn chemicals - dont know
Labor ???
Equipment - my club ordered a piece of lawn equipment for 70,000, two years ago, it came in at 90,000 this fall
Because equipment is back ordered, maintenance budgets are up

[golfing eagles]

Looking at the new rates, I figure my last round on a Villages Championship course will be on Christmas day. ;)

Priority rates on most courses has gone up to $49.50 from $47---a 5.3% increase. So, based on current inflation rates, are you "figuring" on not buying any food or gasoline as well????? Fertilizer, gasoline, equipment, and labor are all more expensive----nobody is going to run a golf course at a loss.

[rustyp]

Ok, so I'll substitute Colonie Hill Golf Club in Hauppauge which cost $3.25. Now you have a direct privately owned public course to compare with.

$3.25 a round with no membership fee ? How do they do that ? That's fantastic. I had to buy a house to get free golf.

[Steve]

As usual, the new golf rates are out now that we are almost a couple weeks away from when they will take effect. In general, the rates for a resident member are up $3 from the January through May 2022 rates, or a little less than a 5% rate increase. Not bad given the inflation levels on everything else. That being said, it’s gonna cost $67 before taxes for one person to play 18 holes at most courses while using their own cart. To put that in perspective, it will cost my wife and I almost $145, including taxes, to use our cart for a round of golf that takes approximately 4 hours. That’s dam close to what an entire month of amenity fees costs. It’s no wonder the Executive courses are so flipping crowded during the high rate season for Championship golf. Golf on : )
The golf courses in The Villages are primarily a sales tool. As prospective owners are driven around they see the courses and think "This is golf paradise." They aren't told how the rates have gone up exorbitantly over the years with no end in sight. The high price makes for less play so it's easier to maintain the course. (I know they tout 3 million rounds a year, but that includes executive courses and I think they count every nine as one round, so 18 holes is tabulated as 2 rounds.) I've been here 17 1/2 years and when I moved here golf WAS a bargain. Now, during the low rate times I play here just once a week and outside TV twice a week. In the high rate season it's outside TV 100%. Eagle Ridge, The Links, Plantation at Leesburg, Stonecrest, Silver Springs Shores and more, all within 15-30 minutes of TV at less than half the price--it's a no-brainer!

[Ken D.]

Golf in the Villages is a GREAT DEAL!

Less than $11,000 for 200 Rounds/year in a golf cart (your own).

My club at home, would be about $13,000 for 200 rounds and I wouldn't have the convenience of bringing my own golf cart to the course and getting there in 10-15 minutes ... plus The Villages gives you the choice of a dozen different courses.
So, you play 4 rounds of championship golf every week of the year? Wow

[Steve]

That's an apple to oranges comparison.

Brantingham is a PUBLIC golf course and only 5300 yards. It's $26/round for a golf cart, doesn't provide any amenities and at least according to the reviews I read, it's condition doesn't compare with the Championship Clubs in The Villages.

The Villages GCs are also public golf course IF you want to pay what they're asking. Anybody can play whether you live here or not.

[JSR22]

So, you play 4 rounds of championship golf every week of the year? Wow

I know a number of people who play the championship courses 4 times a week. My husband plays the championship courses at least 3 times a week. We moved here because of the number of Championship courses.

[Ken D.]

My club at home for 2022 was $500 single membership, $1050 family, $130 student. 18 holes and their conditions beats winter conditions on the champ courses here in TV. Added bonus I can call my lunch order in and have it ready at the turn. Many weekend tournaments , member guest, and club championships.
$500 covers greens fees and cart?

[Steve]

You can't compare prices here to prices at home and simply declare it a great deal. That doesn't even make sense. Prices in central Florida are not comparable to prices in New York, San Francisco, Seattle, etc.

You need to compare prices in The Villages to prices at comparable courses just outside the The Villages. When you do that, you realize that it's a really BAD deal.

We can play at good courses outside of The Villages for half of the rate here - and many of those courses are better maintained.

I'm certainly rethinking my priority membership at this point.

I dumped my priority membership after my third year here. It took me that long to find out how much cheaper it is to play outside TV. (I'm a slow learner!)

[golfing eagles]

$3.25 a round with no membership fee ? How do they do that ? That's fantastic. I had to buy a house to get free golf.

It was 1974, on weekdays, and I was under 18.

[MidWestIA]

Southern Oaks is the most expensive?! I go there because they are always open because people do not want to go there.

[rustyp]

It was 1974, on weekdays, and I was under 18.

Sounds like they are good community citizens introducing the youth to golf and trying to preserve the sport. We could use a little more of this giving back when one is fortunate enough to afford it and a whole lot less greed for the sake of status once one has made it. Case in point $67 round of golf to the very patrons that purchased a house for hundreds of thousand dollars. But then again maybe the seller hasn't made it yet.

[JohnN]

OP - "To put that in perspective, it will cost my wife and I almost $145"

50% cost saving tip for you - stop taking your wife!
Just teasing, don't tell her that I said that. Merry Christmas.

[rustyp]

$500 covers greens fees and cart?

Brantingham Golf Course is in Lewis County NY. The entire county has four golf courses. All four are privately owned and open to the public. The rates for all three are similar. At Brantingham $500 covers green fees - no cart. You can rent a cart. You can also use your own cart but need to pay a trail fee. You can also rent a spot for your own cart in their storage barn. FYI this course is making a profit by hosting tournaments most every weekend. They cater the banquits for most of those tournaments and the bar business is usually very good at those events.

[tophcfa]

Golf for a RM increases from $38 + tax to $42.50 + tax. That's more like ab12% increase.

Double check your source of information there Sparky. I wish your source of information was correct, but it doesn’t match what has been published on Golfthevillages.com.

[OhioBuckeye]

You answered the question about as honestly as you can. The only thing different in Championship/Executive course is you use your Driver & if you’re a resident Executive courses are free unless you don’t have a cart!

[maistocars]

That's an apple to oranges comparison.

Brantingham is a PUBLIC golf course and only 5300 yards. It's $26/round for a golf cart, doesn't provide any amenities and at least according to the reviews I read, it's condition doesn't compare with the Championship Clubs in The Villages.
Also, it looks like the season doesn't even start until May, and being in northern NY, likely ends mid-September.

[UpNorth]

Priority rates on most courses has gone up to $49.50 from $47---a 5.3% increase. So, based on current inflation rates, are you "figuring" on not buying any food or gasoline as well????? Fertilizer, gasoline, equipment, and labor are all more expensive----nobody is going to run a golf course at a loss.

Guess you missed the "smiley" face at the end of my post. Pay attention next time.

[Tom M]

My club at home for 2022 was $500 single membership, $1050 family, $130 student. 18 holes and their conditions beats winter conditions on the champ courses here in TV. Added bonus I can call my lunch order in and have it ready at the turn. Many weekend tournaments , member guest, and club championships.

My golf club at home was (in 2022) two 18 hole courses for both my wife and I for $1,350. And in fantastic shape with plush fairways and greens that are rolled and true. Alas, only open 7 months. This is a supply and demand thing at the Villages - why drop the rates when all the tee times are taken?

[tophcfa]

This is a supply and demand thing at the Villages - why drop the rates when all the tee times are taken?

Dam straight on that, the last few years have seen the supply and demand equation steadily grow in the wrong direction for Village residents who enjoy Championship golf. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you build a crap load more houses and only add 18 holes of turnpike golf, the demand for expensive tee times will be there.

[Chamo]

You want to play you have to pay.
People stop complaining you pay a amenities fee you can play on all of the executive golf course if you want.
If you don’t like it then you can take up table tennis. Stop the Whining

[Mrfriendly]

Inflation is killing golf course maintenance budgets.

Fuel is up 100-125%
Lawn chemicals - dont know
Labor ???
Equipment - my club ordered a piece of lawn equipment for 70,000, two years ago, it came in at 90,000 this fall
Because equipment is back ordered, maintenance budgets are up

Saw this today on Golf website the cost to maintain a golf course:

How much does it cost to maintain a golf course? Here are the numbers (https://apple.news/A5RDjH-O2QSaGiIdn8j6JQQ)

[golfing eagles]

Guess you missed the "smiley" face at the end of my post. Pay attention next time.

I guess I did. So sorry, my bad, mea culpa

[Mrmean58]

And during the 2022 peak season it cost you and your wife $141 to play 18 holes with your own cart. I'm sure you have read or heard a report or two on how everything is now more expensive. The rate increase is lower than the current inflation rate so help me understand the tragedy the golf rate increase is causing.

[Flyer]

Didn't last years enhanced membership include the trail fee? Not included this year, yet no price decrease. The numbers don't work for me anymore. Will be doing more of my driving outside the villages when need to play championship courses occurs.

[BrianL99]

Saw this today on Golf website the cost to maintain a golf course:

How much does it cost to maintain a golf course? Here are the numbers (https://apple.news/A5RDjH-O2QSaGiIdn8j6JQQ)

Pretty legitimate #'s.

I consulted to a 45 Hole facility, outside of Boston. 36 Private Holes & a 9 Hole Public Course. The Superintendent's Budget there is now about $2.5M and that's outside of Capital Improvements. The Budget at my home course in NH now, is around $1,000,000/Year. That's the going rate in the Northeast right now, is typical somewhere between $800,000 - $1,500,000 for a private course.

[Love2Swim]

There is a HUGE difference between a private country club and a public golf course that is privately owned. Apples and oranges. Heck, when I was 16, I could play Bethpage Black on a weekday for $1.75---much less total than $500 year as well......but.......3 hour waits, 7 hour rounds, and at the time, deplorable conditions. My club in Central NY ran close to $10,000 each year, but......no wait, pristine condition, practice area, tennis courts, clubhouse with social events and restaurant. No comparison.

The Villages golf courses are absolutely NOT in pristine condition, and you generally have 4.5 -5 hour round of golf during the high season. If I play at Mallory for example, the "practice area" is a putting green that doesn't allow chipping, and there is one cage for hitting balls. What a joke. But they get away with charging the big prices because they can. Snowbirds are here, the courses are handy, and people are willing to pay more for convenience. The powers that be know they have a captive audience and they capitalize on that. But you can certainly get a better bang for the buck outside The Villages.

[Love2Swim]

Also, it looks like the season doesn't even start until May, and being in northern NY, likely ends mid-September.

They are open 6 months.

[Love2Swim]

You can't compare prices here to prices at home and simply declare it a great deal. That doesn't even make sense. Prices in central Florida are not comparable to prices in New York, San Francisco, Seattle, etc.

You need to compare prices in The Villages to prices at comparable courses just outside the The Villages. When you do that, you realize that it's a really BAD deal.

We can play at good courses outside of The Villages for half of the rate here - and many of those courses are better maintained.

I'm certainly rethinking my priority membership at this point.

Exactly. You get and A+ in finance and economics. Some of these other posters need to go back to school, lol.

[Love2Swim]

The golf courses in The Villages are primarily a sales tool. As prospective owners are driven around they see the courses and think "This is golf paradise." They aren't told how the rates have gone up exorbitantly over the years with no end in sight. The high price makes for less play so it's easier to maintain the course. (I know they tout 3 million rounds a year, but that includes executive courses and I think they count every nine as one round, so 18 holes is tabulated as 2 rounds.) I've been here 17 1/2 years and when I moved here golf WAS a bargain. Now, during the low rate times I play here just once a week and outside TV twice a week. In the high rate season it's outside TV 100%. Eagle Ridge, The Links, Plantation at Leesburg, Stonecrest, Silver Springs Shores and more, all within 15-30 minutes of TV at less than half the price--it's a no-brainer!

Good to know!

[golfing eagles]

The Villages golf courses are absolutely NOT in pristine condition, and you generally have 4.5 -5 hour round of golf during the high season. If I play at Mallory for example, the "practice area" is a putting green that doesn't allow chipping, and there is one cage for hitting balls. What a joke. But they get away with charging the big prices because they can. Snowbirds are here, the courses are handy, and people are willing to pay more for convenience. The powers that be know they have a captive audience and they capitalize on that. But you can certainly get a better bang for the buck outside The Villages.

Agree with everything except the 4.5-5 hour round. I think 4:25 is the longest I ever played in 8 years here

[Bogie Shooter]

This thread is almost (almost) as much fun to read as a ; thread on dog poop, round a bouts or anything else.

[golfing eagles]

This thread is almost (almost) as much fun to read as a ; thread on dog poop, round a bouts or anything else.

Yes, and all for a $2.50 rate increase. But let's see if we can tie it all together. A few dollars more for greens fees may keep some people off the courses, which means they exercise less and drive their carts less. This leads to less body heat and less CO2 emissions, which in turn reduce global warming. However, this gives them more time on their keyboards for global warming threads, which uses more electricity, some of which is generated by burning fossil fuels and adds to CO2 which increases global warming. But on the other hand, less golfers reduce the need for new courses, which reduces the number of trees cut down so more CO2 is removed from the atmosphere---unless the land is used to build coal burning power plants to generate the electricity for the EVs and electric golf carts that are being produced to combat global warming.

Guess what----Couldn't tie it all together :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Jayhawk]

But they get away with charging the big prices because they can. Snowbirds are here, the courses are handy, and people are willing to pay more for convenience. The powers that be know they have a captive audience and they capitalize on that.

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[Kingsport]

With the prices they charge, you’d think they would keep dog walkers off the cart paths!

[Bogie Shooter]

This thread is almost (almost) as much fun to read as a ; thread on dog poop, round a bouts or anything else.

Yes, and all for a $2.50 rate increase. But let's see if we can tie it all together. A few dollars more for greens fees may keep some people off the courses, which means they exercise less and drive their carts less. This leads to less body heat and less CO2 emissions, which in turn reduce global warming. However, this gives them more time on their keyboards for global warming threads, which uses more electricity, some of which is generated by burning fossil fuels and adds to CO2 which increases global warming. But on the other hand, less golfers reduce the need for new courses, which reduces the number of trees cut down so more CO2 is removed from the atmosphere---unless the land is used to build coal burning power plants to generate the electricity for the EVs and electric golf carts that are being produced to combat global warming.

Guess what----Couldn't tie it all together :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Confirmation noted…..:1rotfl:

[HoosierPa]

Golf Enhancement (aka Priority for 12 months) is going up $40, plus tax. It's beginning to feel like we're paying resort prices to play here.

It is a resort

[NoMo50]

Didn't last years enhanced membership include the trail fee? Not included this year, yet no price decrease. The numbers don't work for me anymore. Will be doing more of my driving outside the villages when need to play championship courses occurs.

Exactly. Not only is the $141.25 trail fee no longer included, they also stripped out the $200 Country Club pool membership. That's $340+ in benefits removed with no decrease in annual fee. One would have to play a lot of championship golf to make this pay off.

[JSR22]

Exactly. Not only is the $141.25 trail fee no longer included, they also stripped out the $200 Country Club pool membership. That's $340+ in benefits removed with no decrease in annual fee. One would have to play a lot of championship golf to make this pay off.

Depends on the member. My husband never plays executive courses, and we have our own pool. Removal of trail fees and priority pools was zero impact.

[tophcfa]

Depends on the member. My husband never plays executive courses, and we have our own pool. Removal of trail fees and priority pools was zero impact.

Actually, probably a positive impact because he is competing with less priority members for desired tee times.

[JSR22]

Actually, probably a positive impact because he is competing with less priority members for desired tee times.

None of the men he plays with gave up their priority. He is in 3 different groups, and they don't get shut out. Only priority members in the 3 groups and no guests.

[golfing eagles]

Exactly. Not only is the $141.25 trail fee no longer included, they also stripped out the $200 Country Club pool membership. That's $340+ in benefits removed with no decrease in annual fee. One would have to play a lot of championship golf to make this pay off.

Might want to check the math, and "a lot" needs a definition, but.....

If a couple goes for the whole enchilada, $971 EM + $273 pools + $132 Trail fees = $1,376/year

EM vs RM savings on most courses are $17.50 Jan-May and $9 June-Dec (2022) or an average of $12.54 year round.

$1376 / $12.54 = 109 rounds/year. So, a couple that "plays a lot" is actually playing one round/week to break even, and that's not counting the benefit of being more likely to get their choice of tee times, exec play and pools.

If the same couple plays 3x/week, they save $3,912.48 per year less the $1376 netting $2536.48 in savings----probably the best bargain in the Villages.

I leave it to interested readers to do the math for single enhancements and those without pool or trail fee add ons.

[OhioBuckeye]

Yep, you’re right!

[rustyp]

Might want to check the math, and "a lot" needs a definition, but.....

If a couple goes for the whole enchilada, $971 EM + $273 pools + $132 Trail fees = $1,376/year

EM vs RM savings on most courses are $17.50 Jan-May and $9 June-Dec (2022) or an average of $12.54 year round.

$1376 / $12.54 = 109 rounds/year. So, a couple that "plays a lot" is actually playing one round/week to break even, and that's not counting the benefit of being more likely to get their choice of tee times, exec play and pools.

If the same couple plays 3x/week, they save $3,912.48 per year less the $1376 netting $2536.48 in savings----probably the best bargain in the Villages.

I leave it to interested readers to do the math for single enhancements and those without pool or trail fee add ons.

The pool and trail fees are no longer tied to any part of the championship golf EM package. They are totally stand alone and available to any resident at the same price without championship golf. These fees should not be a variable in a formula for 2023 EM Vs RM.

As golfing eagles pointed out you need to consider Jan - May and June - Dec differences between EM and RM prices. It takes considerably more rounds to break even Vs if you use just the Jan - May rates.

Also remember your calculation is probably in rounds IE 18 holes. Many of us play 9 holes thus double the number of outings to break even.

Another variable is the waves. Jan - May no longer has waves IE fixed price all day. If you play the afternoon or evening waves June - Dec then the savings is even less per round Thus adding even more outings to the breakeven point.

Last of all don't forget you will probably have some sick days, cold weather cancellations, vacation days, etc. thus it is "X" times per week plus the estimated amount rounds that you missed due to those days.

[rustyp]

Our long time group of golfers play championship courses once per week (9 holes). From June to Dec we play the afternoon wave (9 holes). Two days per week we play exec courses. We are not spring chickens anymore. Also most of us have been here long enough we don't need to do it all in a day anymore. I worked out the numbers for those in our group that are here full time:

It cost $777 for EM package to realize a $267.75 savings between EM and RM - a net loss of $509.25. One needs to work out their own playing schedule to calculate the net worth.

[Burgy]

Southern Oaks is the most expensive?! I go there because they are always open because people do not want to go there.
To be fair it's new but not better. regarding Villages expense, yes rates have gone up, not a big change this time but quite a bit the last couple years. I do believe course conditions on championship courses have improved during the year, we will see how they hold up this winter. Bargains can be found elsewhere but it's hit or miss, I do believe cheaper than Orlando or other cities of size.No cart girls or club cleaners to deal with, reasonable snack rates.

[Crookedbreeze]

Little club in Fuquay Varina , nc Bentwinds, great place great food and great course . Think we got in at 5000$ . Average 400, to 450$ a month food and golf all you hit . Had a cart we were always above minimum $. That I can’t remember. Boy do I miss it and would love to be an able to locate at both places . Good here but getting $$

[UpNorth]

Southern Oaks is the most expensive?! I go there because they are always open because people do not want to go there.

For that rate, you can play Juliette Falls, Mission Inn, or Deer Island, and they'll include a cart in the price. Yes, I know they are a bit of a drive, but far more interesting layouts (IMHO) than Southern Oaks. And much quieter, too.:shrug:

[Papa_lecki]

Glad to read no one will be playing the championship courses this year, they wont be crowded.

[Pairadocs]

My club at home for 2022 was $500 single membership, $1050 family, $130 student. 18 holes and their conditions beats winter conditions on the champ courses here in TV. Added bonus I can call my lunch order in and have it ready at the turn. Many weekend tournaments , member guest, and club championships.

Is "home" some other location in Florida ? For the $1,050 is that only the "dues" and then did you have to also pay an amount per round ? We are from south Fl and although our dues were only $1200 per year (I guess roughly what the villages calls an "amenity fee") we also had to pay per round, but could run our own cart.

[Bogie Shooter]

Little club in Fuquay Varina , nc Bentwinds, great place great food and great course . Think we got in at 5000$ . Average 400, to 450$ a month food and golf all you hit . Had a cart we were always above minimum $. That I can’t remember. Boy do I miss it and would love to be an able to locate at both places . Good here but getting $$

20 years ago……………..? So relevant.

[justjim]

During the summer (June, July, August and half of September) we play various semi-private courses and public courses in Illinois. $35 - $45 a round including cart. Most have a senior rate around $30 on certain week days. Nine holes generally half price. No problem for my foursome getting tee times. Yep, cheap golf for us old guys who don’t play as much golf as we did in the past. We gave up the Private Country Club fifteen years ago. Our son belongs to “the Club” (7,200 pristine yards) and I play with him a time or two during the summer). Yep, senior tees. When we return to TV, the FL weather is a bit cooler and golf is still reasonable.

That said, you can throw numbers around (such as 60+thousand snowbirds?) and championship course cost but IMHO winter golf in TV is a bargain. There are also options just outside the so called bubble. We can play the executive courses two or three times a week, without problems, and thus the question mark regarding number of snowbirds. It’s a wonderful life! See it every year with the family. Fore!

[ohiosbestus]

Where do you see the new rates at?

[Rainger99]

Where do you see the new rates at?



https://www.golfthevillages.com/images/Winter2023.pdf