executive courses

[village dreamer]

why do we put up with poor executive courses. who ever is in charge is not doing a good job. maybe put his job on the line.we pay big bucks for what weeds and dirt.i belive we own the executive courses.we need a voice. this has been going on for a few years.

[BrianL99]

why do we put up with poor executive courses. who ever is in charge is not doing a good job. maybe put his job on the line.we pay big bucks for what weeds and dirt.i belive we own the executive courses.we need a voice. this has been going on for a few years.

You have a voice, every time you vote for someone on the Board of Supervisors of the 2 involved, CDD's.

[JoMar]

Plus no solutions.....choices might be to reduce play on the Exec courses (wonder how that will be received), invest more amenity fee monies into the maintenance (increase fees or remove other amenities..wonder how that will be received). Always easy to complain, not so easy to come up with viable solutions. What's your poison to be able to put up with the exec courses?

[Bogie Shooter]

why do we put up with poor executive courses. who ever is in charge is not doing a good job. maybe put his job on the line.we pay big bucks for what weeds and dirt.i belive we own the executive courses.we need a voice. this has been going on for a few years.


One if these individuals could answer your questions.

Mitch Leininger, GCSAA
Director of Executive Golf Maintenance

Tamara Rolle
Administrative Assistant to Executive Golf Maintenance

Dalton Parker
Supervisor of Executive Golf Maintenance

Jack Winters
Supervisor of Executive Golf Maintenance

Contact Us
Executive Golf Maintenance
1026 Canal Street
The Villages, FL 32162
Phone: 352-674-1885
Fax: 352-674-1805


Hours: Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,

[tophcfa]

Plus no solutions.....choices might be to reduce play on the Exec courses (wonder how that will be received), invest more amenity fee monies into the maintenance (increase fees or remove other amenities..wonder how that will be received). Always easy to complain, not so easy to come up with viable solutions. What's your poison to be able to put up with the exec courses?

One solution would be to build more courses. Over the last few years the number of holes of executive golf per roof top has gotten seriously diluted as the pace of home building has rapidly outpaced additional golf holes (putting and pitching courses don’t cut the mustard).

[JMintzer]

One solution would be to build more courses. Over the last few years the number of holes of executive golf per roof top has gotten seriously diluted as the pace of home building has rapidly outpaced additional golf holes (putting and pitching courses don’t cut the mustard).

They are building more courses...

[Hardlyworking]

Not everyone plays golf.

[BrianL99]

Not everyone plays golf.

That's a lot like moving to an Equestrian Community and complaining about the smell of horses ... or moving to a Fly In Community and complaining about the airplanes.

[Hardlyworking]

That's a lot like moving to an Equestrian Community and complaining about the smell of horses ... or moving to a Fly In Community and complaining about the airplanes.

How so? It’s not a complaint, it’s an observation. There isn’t a one to one correlation to the number of houses built and the numbers of golfers. Not everyone plays golf.

[golfing eagles]

They are building more courses...

How many times do I have to tell you. STOP CONFUSING PEOPLE WITH THE FACTS:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[JMintzer]

Not everyone plays golf.

And that is why this thread is in the "The Villages GOLF COURSE Conditions" sub-forum...

[JMintzer]

How many times do I have to tell you. STOP CONFUSING PEOPLE WITH THE FACTS:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

https://media.tenor.com/RpghvJN-ucgAAAAC/sorry.gif

[golfing eagles]

How so? It’s not a complaint, it’s an observation. There isn’t a one to one correlation to the number of houses built and the numbers of golfers. Not everyone plays golf.

One to one correlation???? Hardly, we don't have room for 80,000 golf courses. However, prior to crossing 44, there was approximately 1 championship course for every 5,000 homes and 1 exec for every 1,500 homes. Based on the proposed construction plans, by the time they build out to CR 470, that ratio will be approximately the same.

[drcar]

One to one correlation???? Hardly, we don't have room for 80,000 golf courses. However, prior to crossing 44, there was approximately 1 championship course for every 5,000 homes and 1 exec for every 1,500 homes. Based on the proposed construction plans, by the time they build out to CR 470, that ratio will be approximately the same.

You are correct, as usual!

[Hardlyworking]

One to one correlation???? Hardly, we don't have room for 80,000 golf courses. However, prior to crossing 44, there was approximately 1 championship course for every 5,000 homes and 1 exec for every 1,500 homes. Based on the proposed construction plans, by the time they build out to CR 470, that ratio will be approximately the same.

I was responding to post #5, for some reason the quote didn’t come through.

[JMintzer]

One to one correlation???? Hardly, we don't have room for 80,000 golf courses. However, prior to crossing 44, there was approximately 1 championship course for every 5,000 homes and 1 exec for every 1,500 homes. Based on the proposed construction plans, by the time they build out to CR 470, that ratio will be approximately the same.

https://media2.giphy.com/media/3o7btQDFlvGcv8PXt6/giphy.gif

[Flyers999]

Plus no solutions.....choices might be to reduce play on the Exec courses (wonder how that will be received), invest more amenity fee monies into the maintenance (increase fees or remove other amenities..wonder how that will be received). Always easy to complain, not so easy to come up with viable solutions. What's your poison to be able to put up with the exec courses?

I vote for increasing amenity fees.

[drcar]

I vote for increasing amenity fees.

Increasing the amenity fees affects everyone. Increasing the cost of trail fees only affects golfers.

Also the course conditions are caused by several issues. Not all can be fixed with more money. These issues have been stated many times and people don't want to hear them. But lack of water is a prime issue, all the courses in Sumter county are under a limited amount of water from the water district. We also had 2 very hard freezes which lasted for a couple of days. Add to that the number of golf carts on the courses heavily affect the fairways. The greens are another matter, that is detailed and tough. More money would help but it is not a cure all.

[Rwirish]

Not enough and not fast enough. Putting and pitch and putt courses aren’t golf courses.

[rjn5656]

What I don't understand is why are some in decent shape and others should be shut down. Is it the maintenace crews who are doing the work? Who is supervising the work and the conditions?

[TomPerry]

To keep all the executive courses in top shape would mean 1. Limit the amount of play on each course, or 2. Closing courses for more maintenance resulting in more play on the remaining courses. Pick your poison!

[lovebiking]

why do we put up with poor executive courses. who ever is in charge is not doing a good job. maybe put his job on the line.we pay big bucks for what weeds and dirt.i belive we own the executive courses.we need a voice. this has been going on for a few years.

To cover golf, pickleball, pools, rec centers, common areas, etc. Big bucks? Really? So here's several solutions for the golfers.

1. Limit the players to the point that the courses can be maintained to Village Dreamers standard.

2. Increase fees that the golfers pay so that maintenance crews can work all night on every golf course just for the "season" and then let them go for the next 8 months.

Maybe these are the best solutions but at least I offered something. I was told a very long time ago by a very wise and prominent man (much to my chagrin) that I should never complain about something without offerein "something" as a possible solution,,otherwise I am nothing more than a complainer.

[wamley]

My wife and I play the exective courses 3 times a week. What I do see that could help the greens significantly is repairing your ball marks. Too many time I see a pock marked green. There is no good reason they were not repaired. Sometimes there are 10 to 15 ball marks that will cause issues woithe the greens because they aren't fixed. Also it makes putting difficult when your ball is bouncing over these obstruction. Laziness is the only reason I can think of.

[Gunny2403]

And the Non-Golfers should pay also?

[Gunny2403]

Putting and pitching courses are useless in my opinion

[txfan]

why do we put up with poor executive courses. who ever is in charge is not doing a good job. maybe put his job on the line.we pay big bucks for what weeds and dirt.i belive we own the executive courses.we need a voice. this has been going on for a few years.

Golf course maintenance is a partnership between the management and the golfers.

The majority of Executive participants have little sense of the basic “rules” of etiquette - fill tee divots with sand/mix (even if they’re not yours), and ball marks on greens (even if they’re not yours).

I consider playing Executives as practice because they get so much play by many who believe course upkeep is management’s responsibility.

If players would take a few extra seconds to do a little maintenance, conditions would be better.

Same goes for the Championships, but players paying actual $ means a higher percentage of those who will do their part to keep the course in good shape.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

why do we put up with poor executive courses. who ever is in charge is not doing a good job. maybe put his job on the line.we pay big bucks for what weeds and dirt.i belive we own the executive courses.we need a voice. this has been going on for a few years.

“We” are part of the problem. How many ball marks and sand traps do you repair as you play? I do as much as I can while still keeping within play times per hole.

[jebartle]

FIX BALL MARKS, REPAIR DIVOTS and for those PRIORITY MEMBERS that think they don't have to rake sand trap mess, you are sadly mistaken.

[OhioBuckeye]

Village Dreamer, not saying you’re wrong but who’s standards are you talking about. I’m sure theirs some people that are happy with the Executive Courses. You know TV could close some of TV Executive Course & make the rest Supreme. But then they’ll be that group of people that’ll complain that they can’t get a tee time. You know to keep 40+ executive courses & 12+ Championships Courses up to standards that some people want, they would have to raise your amenities. Then the non golfers would complain. Like I said, not saying you’re wrong but I think TV’s do their best for what money they have coming in!

[Daddymac]

One to one correlation???? Hardly, we don't have room for 80,000 golf courses. However, prior to crossing 44, there was approximately 1 championship course for every 5,000 homes and 1 exec for every 1,500 homes. Based on the proposed construction plans, by the time they build out to CR 470, that ratio will be approximately the same.

In those numbers are you using the Pitch and putt.. and the putting course ???? And Where are you getting your number of NEW COURSES From..

[golfing eagles]

In those numbers are you using the Pitch and putt.. and the putting course ???? And Where are you getting your number of NEW COURSES From..

1) not putting courses, see below for pitch and putt
2) continuing the dream in the paper and Villages website, as well as stated construction plans.

The plan calls for 20,000 homes between 44 and 470, there is one championship course with 3 more under construction/planned, so the 5,000 to 1 ratio holds. There are only 5 existing execs south of 44, and 3 "short" exec courses (pitch and putt). There are at least 3 more execs planned, perhaps another pitch and putt, but detailed plans are sketchy. This might make the exec ratio rise to 1:2000, but the developer may be banking on younger retirees being more interested in hiking and biking than golf. There is certainly more than enough land to correct any ratio that fall out of balance.

[ThirdOfFive]

Village Dreamer, not saying you’re wrong but who’s standards are you talking about. I’m sure theirs some people that are happy with the Executive Courses. You know TV could close some of TV Executive Course & make the rest Supreme. But then they’ll be that group of people that’ll complain that they can’t get a tee time. You know to keep 40+ executive courses & 12+ Championships Courses up to standards that some people want, they would have to raise your amenities. Then the non golfers would complain. Like I said, not saying you’re wrong but I think TV’s do their best for what money they have coming in!
Good points. You can’t please all of the people, all of the time. Considering the weather since Christmas, all the executive courses I’ve played seem to be in pretty good shape. Some, even excellent.

I would like to see (as Post #20 has it) a bit more consistency, course to course, in the level of maintenance. It seems to vary significantly. More than one company doing maintenance? Indifferent supervision? Different maintenance needs course-to-course?

[arickis]

Why complain to other villagers on this site? The man in charge is Mitch Leininger. Everyone should complain to him and just maybe someone will listen. mitch.leininger@districtgov.org

[JMintzer]

Putting and pitching courses are useless in my opinion

It's 50% of your game... Every teaching pro I know says THAT is where most of your practice should be...

[tophcfa]

It's 50% of your game... Every teaching pro I know says THAT is where most of your practice should be...

Right, but you need to practice on the same conditions that you are practicing for. Hitting off a mat and putting on fuzzy greens, that don’t resemble Championship course greens, is counterproductive. That’s why courses like Palmer have both pitching and putting greens on site. Being able to practice hitting full swings off grass is problematic in a place with so many golfers as practice areas would not be able to hold real grass. I hate hitting off mats, it teaches you bad habits which don’t improve your game.

[JMintzer]

Right, but you need to practice on the same conditions that you are practicing for. Hitting off a mat and putting on fuzzy greens, that don’t resemble Championship course greens, is counterproductive. That’s why courses like Palmer have both pitching and putting greens on site. Being able to practice hitting full swings off grass is problematic in a place with so many golfers as practice areas would not be able to hold real grass. I hate hitting off mats, it teaches you bad habits which don’t improve your game.

Every Championship course has a practice putting green and some allow short pitching...

Some Exec courses also have practice greens...

[John Mayes]

1) not putting courses, see below for pitch and putt
2) continuing the dream in the paper and Villages website, as well as stated construction plans.

The plan calls for 20,000 homes between 44 and 470, there is one championship course with 3 more under construction/planned, so the 5,000 to 1 ratio holds. There are only 5 existing execs south of 44, and 3 "short" exec courses (pitch and putt). There are at least 3 more execs planned, perhaps another pitch and putt, but detailed plans are sketchy. This might make the exec ratio rise to 1:2000, but the developer may be banking on younger retirees being more interested in hiking and biking than golf. There is certainly more than enough land to correct any ratio that fall out of balance.

In Continuing the Dream, Vol 15, they state six additional executive courses are planned in addition to one more P&P and a new Golf Academy. I know things change or evolve, but they were committed enough to put it in writing.

Continuing The Dream: Volume 15 (https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream_Vol15/index.php)

[BrianL99]

Village Dreamer, not saying you’re wrong but who’s standards are you talking about. I’m sure theirs some people that are happy with the Executive Courses. You know TV could close some of TV Executive Course & make the rest Supreme. But then they’ll be that group of people that’ll complain that they can’t get a tee time. You know to keep 40+ executive courses & 12+ Championships Courses up to standards that some people want, they would have to raise your amenities. Then the non golfers would complain. Like I said, not saying you’re wrong but I think TV’s do their best for what money they have coming in!

Amenity fees have nothing to do with the Championship courses. The Championship courses are privately owned, maintained and operated.

& I doubt you'll find many people who are happy with the conditions at the Executive courses. It's embarrassing that they're even called "golf courses".

[village dreamer]

To cover golf, pickleball, pools, rec centers, common areas, etc. Big bucks? Really? So here's several solutions for the golfers.

1. Limit the players to the point that the courses can be maintained to Village Dreamers standard.

2. Increase fees that the golfers pay so that maintenance crews can work all night on every golf course just for the "season" and then let them go for the next 8 months.

Maybe these are the best solutions but at least I offered something. I was told a very long time ago by a very wise and prominent man (much to my chagrin) that I should never complain about something without offerein "something" as a possible solution,,otherwise I am nothing more than a complainer.
the big bucks im talking about, trail fees $142 x 40000= $5.6 million . the greens are disease and weeds not over played.

[BrianL99]

the big bucks im talking about, trail fees $142 x 40000= $5.6 million . the greens are disease and weeds not over played.

If the CDD's are taking in $5.6M in "trail fees", those Executive golf courses should in way better condition!

[Papa_lecki]

the big bucks im talking about, trail fees $142 x 40000= $5.6 million . the greens are disease and weeds not over played.

Do 40,000 really pay the trail fee? Wow

[Two Bills]

Putting and pitching courses are useless in my opinion

Don't agree.
They are good for beginners, and good for short game practice.
When I played, 90% of my practice was chipping, pitching, and putting.
Most people smashing drives etc. down the range are mainly practicing their faults.
Much more beneficial to concentrate on short game.
They are the money shots!
JMHO.

PS. .....and always putt out!

[BrianL99]

Don't agree.
They are good for beginners, and good for short game practice.
When I played, 90% of my practice was chipping, pitching, and putting.
Most people smashing drives etc. down the range are mainly practicing their faults.
Much more beneficial to concentrate on short game.
They are the money shots!
JMHO.

PS. .....and always putt out!

The statistics prove that's inaccurate and an "old wives tale".

Ball striking is more important.

[wbadger]

There seem to be two issues. One is why are courses maintained differently? This should be addressed by Exec. course maintenance management. The second issue is noncompliance to basic course etiquette and upkeep. Here's a different idea - designate a couple of courses that would : 1) have a couple of ambassadors with the authority to enforce the rules and upkeep of the course, 2) require divots to be sanded , traps to be raked, ball marks to be repaired, etc. Those not compliant should be asked to leave the course and not allowed to return. You would be surprised how the conditions would be greatly improved. On the downside, there would then be a lot of golfers wanting to play those specific courses. Unless of course if more courses would be included in this concept.

[BrianL99]

2) require divots to be sanded , traps to be raked, ball marks to be repaired, etc. Those not compliant should be asked to leave the course and not allowed to return. You would be surprised how the conditions would be greatly improved.



There's almost no way to get beginning golfers or lazy golfers, to replace divots, rake sand traps and fix ball marks. That said, all the good etiquette in the world, won't make up for deficient agronomy and maintenance practices.

PGA Tournaments destroy golf courses and a couple of weeks later, you'd hardly notice there was ever a tournament there.

[Two Bills]

The statistics prove that's inaccurate and an "old wives tale".

Ball striking is more important.

....and statistics missed a lot of 3 foot putts!:)

[dschneden]

What I don't understand is why are some in decent shape and others should be shut down. Is it the maintenace crews who are doing the work? Who is supervising the work and the conditions?

Answered in post #4

[village dreamer]

Do 40,000 really pay the trail fee? Wow
the population is around 140000 , and only 50% play golf. i may be a little low with 5.6 mill. $142x 70ooo people = 9.9 mill . if you play exc.golf and ride you pay trail fees,$142 per year or 8bucks a round 9holes.

[tuccillo]

The executive golf annual trail fee of about $142 is per house, not per person. My guess would be about 1/3 of the houses pay the executive golf annual trail fee. Perhaps 25K houses are paying the executive golf annual trail fee. The 9 hole trail fee if you don't pay the annual fee is $4. If anyone knows the exact number then please post.

the population is around 140000 , and only 50% play golf. i may be a little low with 5.6 mill. $142x 70ooo people = 9.9 mill . if you play exc.golf and ride you pay trail fees,$142 per year or 8bucks a round 9holes.

[village dreamer]

The executive golf annual trail fee of about $142 is per house, not per person. My guess would be about 1/3 of the houses pay the executive golf annual trail fee. Perhaps 25K houses are paying the executive golf annual trail fee. The 9 hole trail fee if you don't pay the annual fee is $4. If anyone knows the exact number then please post.
i look the trail fees up its $11

[village dreamer]

the other e paper said , mitch leininger has a new boss . mr bruce brown. to try and fix the executive courses, we can only hope.

[tuccillo]

No, the executive golf trail fee is $4 per round unless you pay the annual or semi-annual trail fee. You are confusing the greens fee ($7 or $11, depending on the date) for guests with the trail fee - two different things.

From the Villages Golf webpage:

What costs are related to playing on the Executive Golf Trail?

Green fees on the executive courses are free for residents. A trail fee is required for use of a golf car on the courses and may be paid per round, semi-annually or annually. The fee is required for each person in a golf car. The trail fee is $4.00 per person for each round played. Members of a household may purchase a six-month trail fee for $105.93 with tax and a yearly trail fee is available for $141.24 with tax. There is no charge to resident or guests for walking.

i look the trail fees up its $11

[tuccillo]

Please don't replace divots with the Bermuda grass that we have. Fill them with sand.

There's almost no way to get beginning golfers or lazy golfers, to replace divots, rake sand traps and fix ball marks. That said, all the good etiquette in the world, won't make up for deficient agronomy and maintenance practices.

PGA Tournaments destroy golf courses and a couple of weeks later, you'd hardly notice there was ever a tournament there.

[BrianL99]

Please don't replace divots with the Bermuda grass that we have. Fill them with sand.

Sorry, I forgot for a moment, that we're in Florida and it's Bermuda and should be filled.

[ThirdOfFive]

The point has been made several times but bears repeating. Course upkeep is a SHARED responsibility. That is why we have not only good etiquette standards but rules for conduct on the course that all too often get ignored. Just a few of the things I've seen in the past few months on the executive courses:

- Non-authorized golf carts driving onto the fairways instead of sticking to the paths.
- Traps (many) not being raked by the person hitting out of it.
- Pullcarts on greens.
- Cigarette butt on green (saw it only once but that is still too many)
- Ball marks not being fixed.
- Divots not being filled.
- Etc.

In fairness some of this is unintentional. I spoke to one of the people who was driving his cart on the fairway and he claimed not to have known: that he was ?"just visiting" for a couple of weeks. He actually thanked me for telling him. But others? Those rakes are lying around the edges of traps for a reason; it takes no great leap of logic to assume that they're there to be USED. A person can claim ignorance only so long, and the rules ARE posted.

In my opinion the more egregious violations should be penalized. The ambassadors know which group is playing which hole and a penalty similar to the "point" system for cancelling tee times could easily be implemented. My guess is that if such a system were implemented, things would improve.

[Papa_lecki]

The point has been made several times but bears repeating. Course upkeep is a SHARED responsibility. That is why we have not only good etiquette standards but rules for conduct on the course that all too often get ignored. Just a few of the things I've seen in the past few months on the executive courses:

- Non-authorized golf carts driving onto the fairways instead of sticking to the paths.
- Traps (many) not being raked by the person hitting out of it.
- Pullcarts on greens.
- Cigarette butt on green (saw it only once but that is still too many)
- Ball marks not being fixed.
- Divots not being filled.
- Etc.

In fairness some of this is unintentional. I spoke to one of the people who was driving his cart on the fairway and he claimed not to have known: that he was ?"just visiting" for a couple of weeks. He actually thanked me for telling him. But others? Those rakes are lying around the edges of traps for a reason; it takes no great leap of logic to assume that they're there to be USED. A person can claim ignorance only so long, and the rules ARE posted.

In my opinion the more egregious violations should be penalized. The ambassadors know which group is playing which hole and a penalty similar to the "point" system for cancelling tee times could easily be implemented. My guess is that if such a system were implemented, things would improve.

Agree on these….

One thing that we all should do, fix our ball marks (and by our, i mean my foursome) on a green and fix one additional ball mark.
Same will divots on the tee box.
Especially those of us who are more mobile (can bend over easier).

[Littletommy]

You have a voice, every time you vote for someone on the Board of Supervisors of the 2 involved, CDD's.
I agree. You can also come to the next VCCDD monthly Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday April 12 at 3:30 located at Savanah Center and voice your opinion.

[FredTheHead]

We need to treat the grass with some tender care. Courses should be allowed to heal divots by shutting down play one out of every four weeks.

[kkingston57]

Amenity fees have nothing to do with the Championship courses. The Championship courses are privately owned, maintained and operated.

& I doubt you'll find many people who are happy with the conditions at the Executive courses. It's embarrassing that they're even called "golf courses".

Just played Long Leaf. Course was in great shape and greens were smooth and "fast". A lot of undulations. Looks like the warmer weather is helping a lot.

[kkingston57]

the big bucks im talking about, trail fees $142 x 40000= $5.6 million . the greens are disease and weeds not over played.

The trail fees would give the courses additional $140K in revenue each year. This would pay the salaries of 3-4 maintenance workers a year. Bet fertilizer and fuel costs exceed the 140K a year. Really need to know how much of our $160 monthly fee goes towards exec golf. Hats off to the person in charge of Long Leaf. Played there on 3/17 and course was top notch.

[kkingston57]

....and statistics missed a lot of 3 foot putts!:)

And putts within the leather. Statistics also do not show people rolling the ball in the fairway.

[JMintzer]

And putts within the leather. Statistics also do not show people rolling the ball in the fairway.

How else can you make sure it's your ball? :o

[PaPaLarry]

From what I see and hear, they are building more courses. What I don't hear is members or residents not taking care of their OWN courses!!! How hard is it to fill in a divot or repair ball marks, OR steer away from greens so tire marks don't wear away grass next to greens, and rake sand in traps. Everyone loves playing nine holes but no one wants to take care of their OWN courses. (There are some very responsible golfers too) Maintenance takes time, and Extra maintenance takes more time

[mntlblok]

Just found this forum in our efforts to research TV, particularly in regards to the availability of practice areas for chipping and pitching. That "knee high" limitation was concerning, but have been able to run down a resident via DM who has been very helpful with that.

Pleasantly surprised at the level of discourse here on the forum, and I now know a lot more about the current issues with the executive courses. So, no deal killers, yet. :-)

[ohiosbestus]

Most of the problems according to my thinking is the lack of water going to those tee boxes and also the daily movement of tee areas need to be circulated or moved every day not every 3 to 4 days or longer. The same goes for the flags, they need continuous moving daily. Some of the movements is strictly not enough maintenance personnel, or the available of personnel not being told what to specifically do or the personnel taking short cuts to not follow procedures.

[wisbad1]

Plus no solutions.....choices might be to reduce play on the Exec courses (wonder how that will be received), invest more amenity fee monies into the maintenance (increase fees or remove other amenities..wonder how that will be received). Always easy to complain, not so easy to come up with viable solutions. What's your poison to be able to put up with the exec courses?
Reduce play? Refused two days in a row. Zero points too!

[Dave951]

Watching the Valspar golf championship this weekend. The greens look brown there too

[Causey]

I have actually been told by an Ambassador to not fill the divots. He said "if you do that, I will have nothing to do". True story!

[laboutj]

Played Bogart yesterday, grass on the tee boxes was dead. I'm attributing these poor conditions to a few factors: drought, heat and overplay. Off campus conditions are also going downhill quickly with the lack of rain.

[Flyers999]

Reduce play? Refused two days in a row. Zero points too!

Ouch! Any guests?

[Margterrymcg]

Not everyone plays golf.

True but it’s why a very large percentage of retiree choose The Villages

[HoosierPa]

why do we put up with poor executive courses. who ever is in charge is not doing a good job. maybe put his job on the line.we pay big bucks for what weeds and dirt.i belive we own the executive courses.we need a voice. this has been going on for a few years.

“Big Bucks”?
Matter of opinion. $180 amenity fee to maintain all the executive courses, ballfields, pools, tennis/pickle ball courts, and all the rec centers and much much more.
I’d say we get a heck of a lot for our money!

[village dreamer]

Played Bogart yesterday, grass on the tee boxes was dead. I'm attributing these poor conditions to a few factors: drought, heat and overplay. Off campus conditions are also going downhill quickly with the lack of rain.
i played bogart today... need to shut it down.

[village dreamer]

i called mitch leininger [ 352 674 1885] , thats who is in charge of the ex.golf courses.told him about bogart, he was very friendly and open, i was very surprised i got hold of him. if you would like to report something ,just make sure you tell him what course and what hole.

[SHIBUMI]

I would have written earlier but I could not stop laughing. Its amazing how people can complain about something they get for virtually free. Lets break it down: Executive Courses do 300+ rounds a day. If they rake the bunkers in the a.m. then at least 30-50 people are going thru them who are afraid of rakes. Just take a preferred lie in the bunker unless its in your own pitch mark or looks fine. Once on the green take 2 putts and pick the ball up. Why aggravate yourself. Greens this time of the year are not growing normal, if at all, and so putting will be a little bumpy and some bare. You can't put 300+ rounds on those slightly dormant greens and expect Augusta National. But you do. So you need a reality check.
A good rule of thumb is to pick up the ball after 5 swings and move on. All tee boxes have to do is to accept a tee anything else is window dressing. People are having a really good time out there and on the pitch and putts. If your not, switch to the Championship Courses and play from the 150 yard markers. You may just enjoy the added fee.

[BrianL99]

I would have written earlier but I could not stop laughing. Its amazing how people can complain about something they get for virtually free.



Now everyone will be laughing.

[DonH57]

From what I see and hear, they are building more courses. What I don't hear is members or residents not taking care of their OWN courses!!! How hard is it to fill in a divot or repair ball marks, OR steer away from greens so tire marks don't wear away grass next to greens, and rake sand in traps. Everyone loves playing nine holes but no one wants to take care of their OWN courses. (There are some very responsible golfers too) Maintenance takes time, and Extra maintenance takes more time

I've observed the same. It's apparent doing those little things is too difficult for most golfers here. There will always be those who abuse the priveledge of playing. Do the villages even do the good golf class anymore?

[MSchad]

I've observed the same. It's apparent doing those little things is too difficult for most golfers here. There will always be those who abuse the priveledge of playing. Do the villages even do the good golf class anymore?
Good Golf School (https://www.golfthevillages.com/goodgolfschool/index.aspx)

[JMintzer]

I've observed the same. It's apparent doing those little things is too difficult for most golfers here. There will always be those who abuse the priveledge of playing. Do the villages even do the good golf class anymore?

Interesting... The golf groups I play with ALL fix their (and one or two other) ball makes, fill their divots and rake the bunkers...

[DonH57]

Interesting... The golf groups I play with ALL fix their (and one or two other) ball makes, fill their divots and rake the bunkers...

So do the two groups I play with. I only based my question about good golf school on what I observe course condition wise when I've played. Ten years ago when I attended golf ettiquite and care of the course was covered.

[laboutj]

So do the two groups I play with. I only based my question about good golf school on what I observe course condition wise when I've played. Ten years ago when I attended golf ettiquite and care of the course was covered.

There must be someone to blame? Snowbirds? Renters? :D

[DonH57]

There must be someone to blame? Snowbirds? Renters? :D

Funny you mention that. I've never blamed a certain group of villagers for damages to the courses which occurs year round however I think it got worse from growth and the villages tightened down on the requirements to acquire the cart accessibility pass.

[Tvflguy]

Played Sarasota yesterday, just desired a fun, relatively easy and nice-views location. One would think that “less-skilled” golfers would abuse the course. Nope, and actually each green was extremely nice. Rich green grass with very few pitch marks and well cared for. The only gripe would be that the greens were much too long; every putt needed 1/4 extra force.

[JMintzer]

Played Sarasota yesterday, just desired a fun, relatively easy and nice-views location. One would think that “less-skilled” golfers would abuse the course. Nope, and actually each green was extremely nice. Rich green grass with very few pitch marks and well cared for. The only gripe would be that the greens were much too long; every putt needed 1/4 extra force.

The "less skilled" golfers rarely leave pitch marks. They tend to roll the ball up on to the green...

[laboutj]

:bigbow:The "less skilled" golfers rarely leave pitch marks. They tend to roll the ball up on to the green...

[Papa_lecki]

I know this post will be crucified…..

But, if the districts picked ONE executive in each “area” (i.e. north of 466; 466 to 466A; 466a to 44, south of 44) and charged $20 or $25 a round, BUT the courses get an extra level of maintenance, basically, they are awesome courses.
Maybe tee times are spaced out an extra minute or two.

Would you support it? And would you pay to play that course?

[Jayhawk]

There must be someone to blame? Snowbirds? Renters? :D

People who complain about Snowbirds and Renters?

:jester:

[Bay Kid]

People who complain about Snowbirds and Renters?

:jester:

So true!

[SHIBUMI]

Grass does not grow well in the winter months......any course comments are futile
wait till June...then start complaining as Mother Nature can't be blamed
Cudos to those whose fix ball marks and rake bunkers and sand divots
No money will replace Mother Nature