New 2 Golf Cart Limit

[N44125]

How is the new mandate that only allows 2 golf carts per group working out for you?

[dewilson58]

First day or two, "supervision" was available for the battles.

Now that supervision is gone, most starters don't care.

[golfing eagles]

How is the new mandate that only allows 2 golf carts per group working out for you?

It's not "new", it's the same as it was for many years pre-pandemic.

[Pairadocs]

It's not "new", it's the same as it was for many years pre-pandemic.

Yes, exactly. Two times I had a tee time in the past and did not get to play. I chose to return home. The time had 2 openings. I chose a time, that made a threesome. When I checked it I was directed to get into the cart of a man sitting in the driver's seat smoking a cigar. I have no problem with that in general, but I personally don't want to sit next to that in a golf cart. I was very careful to discretely tell the starter I had no objections to playing with two gentlemen, but would be more comfortable just taking my own car. Told that was impossible and was told to put my things on the cart next to the cigar smoker. I asked if perhaps one of the gentlemen could just be told to bring their clubs and put on my cart so I could decline someone asking to smoke in the cart. Answer was "no", that is up to the starter to assign how these things are settled and the twosome checked in first. So, got my bag and proceeded to the 2nd man's cart. As I approached they were having the most vulgar conversation you can imagine. I am no Victorian prude but this was just too much (discussing one man's ex-wife in really shocking terms). I quietly went back and told the starter "This is just not going to workout, is there any other option, maybe be assigned to a group going off after my time ?". Looked at his sheet and told me no openings, so my choice was to get on one the carts of the two individuals, or, go home. I went home, thought it over, and decided to go have a calm, UN-argumentative talk with the golf admin. office about how such things are regulated as to civil language and smoking, etc. At public courses I found the marshals are on top of such things, but having no course marshals here (years ago I was shocked to find they only have "ambassadors" but didn't give it much thought really), I never expected to run into such situations of having no right to ride alone due to the 2 cart rule. Also surprised to fine he who checks in first has the choice to be the driver and not have to move his/her clubs to another cart. I have only had two instances of this in all these years so, while annoying to have plans and be given the choice of riding with a smoker or a person with a habit of fowl language, I consider it fortunate. When my husband could no longer play, I found most golfers to be warm, welcoming, polite and willing to ride in my cart or theirs. However, when it changed to being able to ride alone if you wished, I was so hopeful that it would not revert to the "old" two cart rule. I realize on exec courses anyone always has the choice of renting a walking cart to avoid unpleasant circumstances such as smoking, etc. so I am not furious, or angry, just sorry to see this return because most times it is a pleasant way to meet new friends. I do think the ability to check gender of players if you pay for the one line reservation system is a great feature, but never thought it was critical until I had the two "experiences".

[alwann]

Wait a minute, pairadocs. Didn't I read a single walk-on could take his/her own cart so long as the one-in-the-rough rule is observed. The other day I asked one of the management crew and he confirmed this.

[Bogie Shooter]

Yes, exactly. Two times I had a tee time in the past and did not get to play. I chose to return home. The time had 2 openings. I chose a time, that made a threesome. When I checked it I was directed to get into the cart of a man sitting in the driver's seat smoking a cigar. I have no problem with that in general, but I personally don't want to sit next to that in a golf cart. I was very careful to discretely tell the starter I had no objections to playing with two gentlemen, but would be more comfortable just taking my own car. Told that was impossible and was told to put my things on the cart next to the cigar smoker. I asked if perhaps one of the gentlemen could just be told to bring their clubs and put on my cart so I could decline someone asking to smoke in the cart. Answer was "no", that is up to the starter to assign how these things are settled and the twosome checked in first. So, got my bag and proceeded to the 2nd man's cart. As I approached they were having the most vulgar conversation you can imagine. I am no Victorian prude but this was just too much (discussing one man's ex-wife in really shocking terms). I quietly went back and told the starter "This is just not going to workout, is there any other option, maybe be assigned to a group going off after my time ?". Looked at his sheet and told me no openings, so my choice was to get on one the carts of the two individuals, or, go home. I went home, thought it over, and decided to go have a calm, UN-argumentative talk with the golf admin. office about how such things are regulated as to civil language and smoking, etc. At public courses I found the marshals are on top of such things, but having no course marshals here (years ago I was shocked to find they only have "ambassadors" but didn't give it much thought really), I never expected to run into such situations of having no right to ride alone due to the 2 cart rule. Also surprised to fine he who checks in first has the choice to be the driver and not have to move his/her clubs to another cart. I have only had two instances of this in all these years so, while annoying to have plans and be given the choice of riding with a smoker or a person with a habit of fowl language, I consider it fortunate. When my husband could no longer play, I found most golfers to be warm, welcoming, polite and willing to ride in my cart or theirs. However, when it changed to being able to ride alone if you wished, I was so hopeful that it would not revert to the "old" two cart rule. I realize on exec courses anyone always has the choice of renting a walking cart to avoid unpleasant circumstances such as smoking, etc. so I am not furious, or angry, just sorry to see this return because most times it is a pleasant way to meet new friends. I do think the ability to check gender of players if you pay for the one line reservation system is a great feature, but never thought it was critical until I had the two "experiences".

Wait a minute, pairadocs. Didn't I read a single walk-on could take his/her own cart so long as the one-in-the-rough rule is observed. The other day I asked one of the management crew and he confirmed this.

Probably one of those starters exercising his supposed superiority. It amazes how a fellow villager can be such an ass ! It just makes the good guys look bad……..

[BrianL99]

Wait a minute, pairadocs. Didn't I read a single walk-on could take his/her own cart so long as the one-in-the-rough rule is observed. The other day I asked one of the management crew and he confirmed this.

You are exactly right. IF the "3rd cart" reservation is a different # than the original booking for the Tee Time, you can take a 3rd cart. No questions, no justifications.

I don't play Exec courses, so I don't know how it applies there, but on the Championship courses, I've had no problem with the situation, at Mallory, Palmer, Cane Garden & TDS. That's all I've been to, since the recent update to the policy.

[gego3650]

goes to show you give a inch people will take foot

[Babubhat]

Cart path only should be acceptable for executive courses. Don’t understand paying for a trail fee and not able to use personal cart.

[DARFAP]

They can’t force you to ride with a smoker, period dot.

[bowlingal]

in the executive courses, you can still have 4 carts per foursome, BUT only 2 can be on the fairway of a par 4. Championship courses are different though. Only 2 carts per foursome on the complete course. Read the posting at the starter shack for clarification.

[Babubhat]

Incorrect. Yesterday Lowlands demanded only 2 carts per foursome.

Starter made no mention of a posted policy. It should be glued to the check in window.

Exception: Only executive courses that have continuous
golf car path may allow up to four golf cars in a group with two golf cars remaining on the golf car path at all times.

Found the policy buried in the golf website. This should be on front page. The author of this policy needs to get an earful from many. A 90 degree rule solves this issue. Ridiculous.

https://www.golfthevillages.com/whatsnew/Golf%20Cart%20Policies.pdf

[golfing eagles]

They can’t force you to ride with a smoker, period dot.

You mean like chain you to the smoker's cart? No, they can't.

But they can designate you as a third cart (if you are on a different reservation #) and make you stay on the cart path. If you refuse, they can, like any business deny you service---as long as it is not on the basis of race, religion, etc. Period dot.

[dewilson58]

They can’t force you to ride with a smoker, period dot.

Same reservation number or not......I've seen a starter "force" and I've seen a starter understand and let it slide.

It's a power thing for the starter.......it's sad some starters.

[FredMitchell]

Golf is a good walk spoiled - by golf carts (and real estate oriented course architects).

Try adding a carry bag to your cart. Perhaps when you start swapping your clubs into it the starter will relent, or the two drivers will make an accomodation?

[NoMo50]

This is not new, as stated earlier. Fortunately, I have not encountered one of the power hungry starters yet. But, if I did, I would demand a $4.00 + tax refund for my trail fee. You pay the trail fee to be able to take YOUR cart on the course. Let's open up a whole new argument!

[guitarguy]

Golf carts are extremely detrimental to championship golf courses conditions. Bermuda becomes stagnant in the winter. Notice how course employees place stakes to route traffic to diminish grass being killed. Our courses are played heavily in the winter.
The course superintendents are trying to maintain the best conditions. Will the same complainers here later complain about poor course conditions this winter?

[golfing eagles]

This is not new, as stated earlier. Fortunately, I have not encountered one of the power hungry starters yet. But, if I did, I would demand a $4.00 + tax refund for my trail fee. You pay the trail fee to be able to take YOUR cart on the course. Let's open up a whole new argument!

No, you pay a trail fee to use A cart, not necessarily your own. But if you’re referring to a trail fee, you’re referring to execs where the point is moot except on the few par 4s

[drcar]

Wait a minute, pairadocs. Didn't I read a single walk-on could take his/her own cart so long as the one-in-the-rough rule is observed. The other day I asked one of the management crew and he confirmed this.

That is correct

[drcar]

They can’t force you to ride with a smoker, period dot.

You are CORRECT! But they say you can't play

[drcar]

First day or two, "supervision" was available for the battles.

Now that supervision is gone, most starters don't care.

Who someone who says he is MR Helpful, you seem to give out wrong information. Supervisors are available to handle problems and starters better care!

[Yellowrose]

How can they enforce it? Tell them Covid is still out there & you don't want a stranger in your cart.

[drcar]

Incorrect. Yesterday Lowlands demanded only 2 carts per foursome.

Starter made no mention of a posted policy. It should be glued to the check in window.

Exception: Only executive courses that have continuous
golf car path may allow up to four golf cars in a group with two golf cars remaining on the golf car path at all times.

Found the policy buried in the golf website. This should be on front page. The author of this policy needs to get an earful from many. A 90 degree rule solves this issue. Ridiculous.

https://www.golfthevillages.com/whatsnew/Golf%20Cart%20Policies.pdf

The rules have been posted for almost 2 months, and gee whyy do you think they went to 2 carts almost no one followed the 2 cart in the fairway rule, what makes you think the 90degree rule would be different!

[drcar]

This is not new, as stated earlier. Fortunately, I have not encountered one of the power hungry starters yet. But, if I did, I would demand a $4.00 + tax refund for my trail fee. You pay the trail fee to be able to take YOUR cart on the course. Let's open up a whole new argument!

LOL, let us know how your demand works out!

[drcar]

How can they enforce it? Tell them Covid is still out there & you don't want a stranger in your cart.

Easy! you won't play.

[Babubhat]

Rules were effective November 1. Don’t know where the months ago come from. Needs to be in writing. Oral representations are nonsense

[KJ1325]

Just tell the starter "cough cough" sure hope I don't have COVID. I would hate to be the one that forced me to ride with this guy. If that doesn't work, try it on the cigar smoker. JK

[drcar]

Rules were effective November 1. Don’t know where the months ago come from. Needs to be in writing. Oral representations are nonsense

It went into effect 11/1, you are correct! But it was posted on the web site and signs were up at all starter buildings since the middle of September.

[drcar]

Just tell the starter "cough cough" sure hope I don't have COVID. I would hate to be the one that forced me to ride with this guy. If that doesn't work, try it on the cigar smoker. JK

LOL, neither works!

[dewilson58]

Rules were effective November 1. Don’t know where the months ago come from. Needs to be in writing. Oral representations are nonsense

it was posted at starter shacks for "months"..................that's where it come from

:mornincoffee:

[Pdesensi]

I agree

[Wilson02852]

How dare they enforce a pre-pandemic rule. Don't they realize the world has changed for the better since then.

If you don't like the rules, don't play. If all you do is complain about The Villages move.

[Vermilion Villager]

Incorrect. Yesterday Lowlands demanded only 2 carts per foursome.

Starter made no mention of a posted policy. It should be glued to the check in window.

Exception: Only executive courses that have continuous
golf car path may allow up to four golf cars in a group with two golf cars remaining on the golf car path at all times.

Found the policy buried in the golf website. This should be on front page. The author of this policy needs to get an earful from many. A 90 degree rule solves this issue. Ridiculous.

https://www.golfthevillages.com/whatsnew/Golf%20Cart%20Policies.pdf

Lowlands and Longleaf the exceptions to the executive course rules. The reason is there is not a continuous cart path along the par 4's

[Marathon Man]

They can’t force you to ride with a smoker, period dot.

No, but they could offer you the option to go home.

[dolphin]

How is the new mandate that only allows 2 golf carts per group working out for you?

Makes no sense on executive course with no par 4,s. Speeds up play

[dolphin]

No sense on executive courses esp those without par 4’s Besides speeds up play

[ehonour]

I've played golf for over 60 years. Two carts per foursome has been NORMAL at nearly every golf course I've played. I was astonished to come to TV and see three and four carts in a group.

If I sign up as a single, I'm playing cart roulette and I'm going to get whatever I get. That's the way it's always been. If I want more assurance about not riding with someone objectionable, then I join a regular group of friends. (Of course, even there, there's always that ONE guy...) If I truly don't want to ride with someone, as the OP describes, I can always get a rain check and play another day.

[tulio]

The real issue is pace of play. Having one or more golf carts having to stay in the rough means the golfer "most likely" will have to walk to his ball. Many people use range finders
so they walk to their ball, shoot the distance, then walk back to their cart to get the club they want, then walk back to the ball and hit it. Yes, they should guess the distance bring 2 or 3 clubs with them but many people do not do this. It is similar to golf path only holes. I understand why, when the course is wet, it has to be done. However, when you are then told you are behind and have to "pick up your pace of play" I have to bite my tongue to what I want to reply. I don't know how often this is going to happen, but if it is often, I predict many over the "pace of play" rounds. It is called the law of unintended consequences.

[KJ1325]

I've played golf for over 60 years. Two carts per foursome has been NORMAL at nearly every golf course I've played. I was astonished to come to TV and see three and four carts in a group.

If I sign up as a single, I'm playing cart roulette and I'm going to get whatever I get. That's the way it's always been. If I want more assurance about not riding with someone objectionable, then I join a regular group of friends. (Of course, even there, there's always that ONE guy...) If I truly don't want to ride with someone, as the OP describes, I can always get a rain check and play another day.

Or just carry your walking cart and say I'll just walk it.

[Hans53]

Agreed. golf cart path should good enough to let a fee paying golfer use his own cart.especially on executive courses which have cart paths.

[Plinker]

I play the Championship courses twice, weekly. I am in a group of four and we always submit a request for all of us even if we know one will be unable to play.
Upon checking in, we state that one decided not to play because they had an appointment they forgot about or some other excuse. That way, we never worry about potentially riding with an unpleasant individual or dealing with a starter on a power trip.

[DonH57]

Yes, exactly. Two times I had a tee time in the past and did not get to play. I chose to return home. The time had 2 openings. I chose a time, that made a threesome. When I checked it I was directed to get into the cart of a man sitting in the driver's seat smoking a cigar. I have no problem with that in general, but I personally don't want to sit next to that in a golf cart. I was very careful to discretely tell the starter I had no objections to playing with two gentlemen, but would be more comfortable just taking my own car. Told that was impossible and was told to put my things on the cart next to the cigar smoker. I asked if perhaps one of the gentlemen could just be told to bring their clubs and put on my cart so I could decline someone asking to smoke in the cart. Answer was "no", that is up to the starter to assign how these things are settled and the twosome checked in first. So, got my bag and proceeded to the 2nd man's cart. As I approached they were having the most vulgar conversation you can imagine. I am no Victorian prude but this was just too much (discussing one man's ex-wife in really shocking terms). I quietly went back and told the starter "This is just not going to workout, is there any other option, maybe be assigned to a group going off after my time ?". Looked at his sheet and told me no openings, so my choice was to get on one the carts of the two individuals, or, go home. I went home, thought it over, and decided to go have a calm, UN-argumentative talk with the golf admin. office about how such things are regulated as to civil language and smoking, etc. At public courses I found the marshals are on top of such things, but having no course marshals here (years ago I was shocked to find they only have "ambassadors" but didn't give it much thought really), I never expected to run into such situations of having no right to ride alone due to the 2 cart rule. Also surprised to fine he who checks in first has the choice to be the driver and not have to move his/her clubs to another cart. I have only had two instances of this in all these years so, while annoying to have plans and be given the choice of riding with a smoker or a person with a habit of fowl language, I consider it fortunate. When my husband could no longer play, I found most golfers to be warm, welcoming, polite and willing to ride in my cart or theirs. However, when it changed to being able to ride alone if you wished, I was so hopeful that it would not revert to the "old" two cart rule. I realize on exec courses anyone always has the choice of renting a walking cart to avoid unpleasant circumstances such as smoking, etc. so I am not furious, or angry, just sorry to see this return because most times it is a pleasant way to meet new friends. I do think the ability to check gender of players if you pay for the one line reservation system is a great feature, but never thought it was critical until I had the two "experiences".

You're best bet is to play with a golf partner or group you know so you don't have to endure being paired up with someone you find offensive. These policies were in effect before covid and now returned as the excuse for the current condition of the courses. The conditions won't improve without maintenance changes and now we'll be dealing with slower play. I for one will be dropping my trail fees when they expire because I will have two good knees and can't justify paying the 140 dollars to ride in others carts. Good luck.

[tophcfa]

I play the Championship courses twice, weekly. I am in a group of four and we always submit a request for all of us even if we know one will be unable to play.
Upon checking in, we state that one decided not to play because they had an appointment they forgot about or some other excuse. That way, we never worry about potentially riding with an unpleasant individual or dealing with a starter on a power trip.

So you purposely book a t time not planning to use it. That is very selfish and inconsiderate. First, it robs a fellow Villager of an opportunity to get an open t time. Second, it robs the golf course owner of the revenue that can never be recovered from that t time. Not only does that hurt the owner of the golf course, it hurts all golfers as that lost revenue opportunity can result in future greens fee price increases. Here is hoping an algorithm in the t time system catches up with that practice and locks out the associated ID #’s from booking t times.

[John Mayes]

I play the Championship courses twice, weekly. I am in a group of four and we always submit a request for all of us even if we know one will be unable to play.
Upon checking in, we state that one decided not to play because they had an appointment they forgot about or some other excuse. That way, we never worry about potentially riding with an unpleasant individual or dealing with a starter on a power trip.

That’s called “ghosting” and is highly frowned on by the golf office. Continued “ghosting” can result in play restrictions to the offenders.

[dewilson58]

That’s called “ghosting” and is highly frowned on by the golf office. Continued “ghosting” can result in play restrictions to the offenders.

Bingo

[Indy-Guy]

If you go to golfthevillages.com and click on Golf Cart Policies below is what is stated

No more than two golf cars will be allowed when golfers share
the same reservation number and the same tee time.


When ‘special circumstances’ occur, making 3 golf cars an option,
one golf car must remain off the fairway on each hole.
No more than three golf cars will be allowed in any group.


Exception: Only executive courses that have continuous
golf car path may allow up to four golf cars in a group with two
golf cars remaining on the golf car path at all times.

I only play Championship courses so what I state refers to Championship courses only.

If a reservation is made for 3 golfers at the same time they all have the same reservation #. If another golfer joins that threesome they have a different reservation #.

Now here is where it gets dark gray. When special circumstances' occur making 3 golf cars an option one golf car must remain off the fairway on each hole.

What are special circumstances? Yes I am aware that we are all special.

My thought would be that below are two of the obvious special circumstances.

Three ladies on a reservation # and a man joins them under a different # one lady dosen't want to ride with a man they don't know.

Three golfers on same reservation 2 non smokers 1 smoker and another golfer joins them with different reservation # that golfer can take a third cart instead of riding with the smoker.

Now what member of the country club staff makes the decision as to what may determine any other special circumstance? I can answer that question no one knows.

I was told by a starter on October 31st when we showed up at the starter shack with 3 carts that tomarrow 3 carts would not be allowed on the course. I said what does the special circunstance policy mean and he said that he dosen't make that decision. I then asked him what he would do if tomarrow 3 carts showed up at the starter shack. His answer was he would sent them back to the proshop and they would that decision. I then ask him if that was his policy or was that the policy of that country club his answer was that was the policy of that counrty club. At the turn that starter started out the same thing tomarrow you won't be able to take 3 carts. I asked him what would you do if 3 carts showed up he said no matter what only 3 carts. I told him what the other starter said and he said he had never heard of such a thing.

As I see it as most of The Villages operations are ran at a high level of effeciency the championship golf operations rules seem to very at to who you are talking to and that person is very poor at making up thier on policies. One of the places they very the most is at the starter shacks. At the starter shacks they are either control freaks or only half way pay attention as to when they want you to pull up to the white stake or tee box.

The cart rules are fine with me but some clarifacation of how to handle the gray area would be nice. My guess is if you ask three people at a country club you will get three different answers.

[Andyb]

How is the new mandate that only allows 2 golf carts per group working out for you?
It is necessary because too many people abuse the fairways and other parts of the course with excessive cart riding. I see people driving almost on the greens. I can understand exemptions for handicap players.

[MisterPratt]

How does a single golfer who is placed in a single cart know the driver/owner has sufficient insurance should an accident occur?

[barbnick]

Yes, exactly. Two times I had a tee time in the past and did not get to play. I chose to return home. The time had 2 openings. I chose a time, that made a threesome. When I checked it I was directed to get into the cart of a man sitting in the driver's seat smoking a cigar. I have no problem with that in general, but I personally don't want to sit next to that in a golf cart. I was very careful to discretely tell the starter I had no objections to playing with two gentlemen, but would be more comfortable just taking my own car. Told that was impossible and was told to put my things on the cart next to the cigar smoker. I asked if perhaps one of the gentlemen could just be told to bring their clubs and put on my cart so I could decline someone asking to smoke in the cart. Answer was "no", that is up to the starter to assign how these things are settled and the twosome checked in first. So, got my bag and proceeded to the 2nd man's cart. As I approached they were having the most vulgar conversation you can imagine. I am no Victorian prude but this was just too much (discussing one man's ex-wife in really shocking terms). I quietly went back and told the starter "This is just not going to workout, is there any other option, maybe be assigned to a group going off after my time ?". Looked at his sheet and told me no openings, so my choice was to get on one the carts of the two individuals, or, go home. I went home, thought it over, and decided to go have a calm, UN-argumentative talk with the golf admin. office about how such things are regulated as to civil language and smoking, etc. At public courses I found the marshals are on top of such things, but having no course marshals here (years ago I was shocked to find they only have "ambassadors" but didn't give it much thought really), I never expected to run into such situations of having no right to ride alone due to the 2 cart rule. Also surprised to fine he who checks in first has the choice to be the driver and not have to move his/her clubs to another cart. I have only had two instances of this in all these years so, while annoying to have plans and be given the choice of riding with a smoker or a person with a habit of fowl language, I consider it fortunate. When my husband could no longer play, I found most golfers to be warm, welcoming, polite and willing to ride in my cart or theirs. However, when it changed to being able to ride alone if you wished, I was so hopeful that it would not revert to the "old" two cart rule. I realize on exec courses anyone always has the choice of renting a walking cart to avoid unpleasant circumstances such as smoking, etc. so I am not furious, or angry, just sorry to see this return because most times it is a pleasant way to meet new friends. I do think the ability to check gender of players if you pay for the one line reservation system is a great feature, but never thought it was critical until I had the two "experiences".
Only two carts on the fairway at any time.

[Plinker]

So you purposely book a t time not planning to use it. That is very selfish and inconsiderate. First, it robs a fellow Villager of an opportunity to get an open t time. Second, it robs the golf course owner of the revenue that can never be recovered from that t time. Not only does that hurt the owner of the golf course, it hurts all golfers as that lost revenue opportunity can result in future greens fee price increases. Here is hoping an algorithm in the t time system catches up with that practice and locks out the associated ID #’s from booking t times.

Relax. Take a breath. The vast majority of time we are a foursome. There has been the occasional time when one of us dropped out the morning of play which happens to all groups. We have used the above strategy on rare occasions as we are full-time residents and are almost always here. I have no issue with a 4th golfer joining us but must take their own cart. We can alternate who stays on the path.

[John Mayes]

Relax. Take a breath. The vast majority of time we are a foursome. There has been the occasional time when one of us dropped out the morning of play which happens to all groups. We have used the above strategy on rare occasions as we are full-time residents and are almost always here. I have no issue with a 4th golfer joining us but must take their own cart. We can alternate who stays on the path.

You’re right, things happen and people can’t show up but on those occasional times, does someone call the course to let them know? If you know that someone isn’t going to play and you don’t let the course know, you’re possibly depriving someone else of getting a tee time.

[golfing eagles]

I play the Championship courses twice, weekly. I am in a group of four and we always submit a request for all of us even if we know one will be unable to play.
Upon checking in, we state that one decided not to play because they had an appointment they forgot about or some other excuse. That way, we never worry about potentially riding with an unpleasant individual or dealing with a starter on a power trip.

And THAT is EXPLICITLY against the rules:

From District.gov

System “Abuse”

The Villages Tee Time System, as is the game of golf, is built around the integrity of the individual; it is the only game where players call penalties on themselves. Our tee time system is a fair and equitable system for assigning tee times to residents of The Villages. It does, to some extent, rely on each resident using the system in a fair and equitable manner. However, from time to time, we encounter activity that appears to be to the contrary. Some individuals attempt to circumvent the integrity of the system. Whether or not these actions are intentional, it is our responsibility to protect the privileges of all residents by appropriately dealing with the matter. If we encounter such activity associated with a resident’s golfer ID#, the resident will be notified of our concern, and appropriate action taken (see the District’s golf penalty policy at www.DistrictGov.com), up to and including the suspension of system use and golfing privileges. We, as well as our fellow residents, appreciate everyone’s fair play.

Multiple tee time cancellations using “ghost golfers” :

“Ghost Golfer” refers to a golfer ID# which is used to obtain tee times, but is subsequently cancelled, either always or a majority of the time. This type of “system abuse” will cause the golfer ID# to be de-activated in the system for a period of time. Additionally, the individual making the request, and the golfer who replaces the ghost golfer, may also be subject to de-activation.

So, you may wish to reconsider your groups "policy" of booking 4 slots for 3 golfers.

[golfing eagles]

Relax. Take a breath. The vast majority of time we are a foursome. There has been the occasional time when one of us dropped out the morning of play which happens to all groups. We have used the above strategy on rare occasions as we are full-time residents and are almost always here. I have no issue with a 4th golfer joining us but must take their own cart. We can alternate who stays on the path.

Again, you don't get to make up your own rules.

Personally, I like the pre-pandemic rule that was posted at some, but not all starter shacks---Destin always had that sign. It read: "If you are the person that refuses to double up in a cart, then you are the person who stays on the cart path the ENTIRE round"

[kkingston57]

How is the new mandate that only allows 2 golf carts per group working out for you?

No problem. Did like driving my own cart as it sped up play, but do understand that more carts= more wear and tear on the golf course.

[MSchad]

This is not new, as stated earlier. Fortunately, I have not encountered one of the power hungry starters yet. But, if I did, I would demand a $4.00 + tax refund for my trail fee. You pay the trail fee to be able to take YOUR cart on the course. Let's open up a whole new argument!
Wrong NoMo….. you pay a trail fee to be able to use “A CART” whether it be yours, your neighbors, a loner or a rental, A Cart.

[villager7591]

If the executive course has a par 4, and all 4 players take their own cart, how can there only be 2 carts on the fairway ?

[dewilson58]

If the executive course has a par 4, and all 4 players take their own cart, how can there only be 2 carts on the fairway ?

Two of them stay on the path or stay in the rough.

:shrug:

[cindyandrich]

How is the new mandate that only allows 2 golf carts per group working out for you?
Executive courses are cart path only (except for handicap); so it shouldn't matter how many golf carts go out on a course with no par fours. They just be on the pavement and not affecting the course conditions.

[sloanst]

Not bad. We played Palmer yesterday with 3 carts. The player(s) with their ball closest to the rough stayed off the fairway. Sometimes that would change and it can be a little like herding cats but the ambassadors didn't have a problem with how we conducted ourselves.

[HORNET]

Yes, exactly. Two times I had a tee time in the past and did not get to play. I chose to return home. The time had 2 openings. I chose a time, that made a threesome. When I checked it I was directed to get into the cart of a man sitting in the driver's seat smoking a cigar. I have no problem with that in general, but I personally don't want to sit next to that in a golf cart. I was very careful to discretely tell the starter I had no objections to playing with two gentlemen, but would be more comfortable just taking my own car. Told that was impossible and was told to put my things on the cart next to the cigar smoker. I asked if perhaps one of the gentlemen could just be told to bring their clubs and put on my cart so I could decline someone asking to smoke in the cart. Answer was "no", that is up to the starter to assign how these things are settled and the twosome checked in first. So, got my bag and proceeded to the 2nd man's cart. As I approached they were having the most vulgar conversation you can imagine. I am no Victorian prude but this was just too much (discussing one man's ex-wife in really shocking terms). I quietly went back and told the starter "This is just not going to workout, is there any other option, maybe be assigned to a group going off after my time ?". Looked at his sheet and told me no openings, so my choice was to get on one the carts of the two individuals, or, go home. I went home, thought it over, and decided to go have a calm, UN-argumentative talk with the golf admin. office about how such things are regulated as to civil language and smoking, etc. At public courses I found the marshals are on top of such things, but having no course marshals here (years ago I was shocked to find they only have "ambassadors" but didn't give it much thought really), I never expected to run into such situations of having no right to ride alone due to the 2 cart rule. Also surprised to fine he who checks in first has the choice to be the driver and not have to move his/her clubs to another cart. I have only had two instances of this in all these years so, while annoying to have plans and be given the choice of riding with a smoker or a person with a habit of fowl language, I consider it fortunate. When my husband could no longer play, I found most golfers to be warm, welcoming, polite and willing to ride in my cart or theirs. However, when it changed to being able to ride alone if you wished, I was so hopeful that it would not revert to the "old" two cart rule. I realize on exec courses anyone always has the choice of renting a walking cart to avoid unpleasant circumstances such as smoking, etc. so I am not furious, or angry, just sorry to see this return because most times it is a pleasant way to meet new friends. I do think the ability to check gender of players if you pay for the one line reservation system is a great feature, but never thought it was critical until I had the two "experiences". Back when I just got here, Starters would make you take on a rider with you. There were Golfers that would show up to the starter shacks and that they needed a ride. I refused to take on a Golfer that smoked, I refused to let him on my cart mostly for liability reasons, starter told me that I couldn’t play. I left and went to the GMS office, told them my story, they called the starter shack and never had that problem again.

[Vermilion Villager]

I play the Championship courses twice, weekly. I am in a group of four and we always submit a request for all of us even if we know one will be unable to play.
Upon checking in, we state that one decided not to play because they had an appointment they forgot about or some other excuse. That way, we never worry about potentially riding with an unpleasant individual or dealing with a starter on a power trip.

Yes.....we have special names for people like you.

[drcar]

If you go to golfthevillages.com and click on Golf Cart Policies below is what is stated

No more than two golf cars will be allowed when golfers share
the same reservation number and the same tee time.


When ‘special circumstances’ occur, making 3 golf cars an option,
one golf car must remain off the fairway on each hole.
No more than three golf cars will be allowed in any group.


Exception: Only executive courses that have continuous
golf car path may allow up to four golf cars in a group with two
golf cars remaining on the golf car path at all times.

I only play Championship courses so what I state refers to Championship courses only.

If a reservation is made for 3 golfers at the same time they all have the same reservation #. If another golfer joins that threesome they have a different reservation #.

Now here is where it gets dark gray. When special circumstances' occur making 3 golf cars an option one golf car must remain off the fairway on each hole.

What are special circumstances? Yes I am aware that we are all special.

My thought would be that below are two of the obvious special circumstances.

Three ladies on a reservation # and a man joins them under a different # one lady dosen't want to ride with a man they don't know.

Three golfers on same reservation 2 non smokers 1 smoker and another golfer joins them with different reservation # that golfer can take a third cart instead of riding with the smoker.

Now what member of the country club staff makes the decision as to what may determine any other special circumstance? I can answer that question no one knows.

I was told by a starter on October 31st when we showed up at the starter shack with 3 carts that tomarrow 3 carts would not be allowed on the course. I said what does the special circunstance policy mean and he said that he dosen't make that decision. I then asked him what he would do if tomarrow 3 carts showed up at the starter shack. His answer was he would sent them back to the proshop and they would that decision. I then ask him if that was his policy or was that the policy of that country club his answer was that was the policy of that counrty club. At the turn that starter started out the same thing tomarrow you won't be able to take 3 carts. I asked him what would you do if 3 carts showed up he said no matter what only 3 carts. I told him what the other starter said and he said he had never heard of such a thing.

As I see it as most of The Villages operations are ran at a high level of effeciency the championship golf operations rules seem to very at to who you are talking to and that person is very poor at making up thier on policies. One of the places they very the most is at the starter shacks. At the starter shacks they are either control freaks or only half way pay attention as to when they want you to pull up to the white stake or tee box.

The cart rules are fine with me but some clarifacation of how to handle the gray area would be nice. My guess is if you ask three people at a country club you will get three different answers.

Lots of typing for a very easy question. Starters DO NOT make the call for special circumstances, the pro or the assistance mangers make the call when notified.

[drcar]

How does a single golfer who is placed in a single cart know the driver/owner has sufficient insurance should an accident occur?

Insurance is not a concern of the golf courses. If you are in the same reservation all players know each other. If you are a add on you can take own cart.