GHIN Handicap Renewal

[swooner]

Last Wednesday I renewed my GHiN System handicap for 2024. For the first time in 30 years in TV I am not a priority member as I simply do not play enough to warrant the extra cost. After renewing the handicap I realized that they had charged me $5.00 more than they charge Priority Members.

That is as close to stealing as I can imagine. Both priority and Resident members receive the identical GHIN service. Nothing about it differentiates in any way based on membership status. What then, other than pure and simple greed justifies this repulsive practice?

If anyone has a rational explanation for this I’d like to hear it. Please spare me the normal TOTV comments like I’m cheap or insensitive or other foolish chatter that often accompanies minor complaints on this forum. If you have something intelligent to say I’d love to see your rational explanation.

[Bill14564]

Offering discounted fees for priority members is stealing from non-priority members?

[BrianL99]

Last Wednesday I renewed my GHiN System handicap for 2024. For the first time in 30 years in TV I am not a priority member as I simply do not play enough to warrant the extra cost. After renewing the handicap I realized that they had charged me $5.00 more than they charge Priority Members.

That is as close to stealing as I can imagine. Both priority and Resident members receive the identical GHIN service. Nothing about it differentiates in any way based on membership status. What then, other than pure and simple greed justifies this repulsive practice?

If anyone has a rational explanation for this I’d like to hear it. Please spare me the normal TOTV comments like I’m cheap or insensitive or other foolish chatter that often accompanies minor complaints on this forum. If you have something intelligent to say I’d love to see your rational explanation.


There is no such thing as "Priority Membership", it's "Enhanced Membership". The Enhanced Members play the exact same golf courses as non-enhanced members, yet pay less.

Perhaps you don't understand what the "Enhanced Membership" is all about?

[Papa_lecki]

You pre pay for discounts in the future; greens fees and GHIN service.
$5 difference is a bargain.

[photo1902]

Last Wednesday I renewed my GHiN System handicap for 2024. For the first time in 30 years in TV I am not a priority member as I simply do not play enough to warrant the extra cost. After renewing the handicap I realized that they had charged me $5.00 more than they charge Priority Members.

That is as close to stealing as I can imagine. Both priority and Resident members receive the identical GHIN service. Nothing about it differentiates in any way based on membership status. What then, other than pure and simple greed justifies this repulsive practice?

If anyone has a rational explanation for this I’d like to hear it. Please spare me the normal TOTV comments like I’m cheap or insensitive or other foolish chatter that often accompanies minor complaints on this forum. If you have something intelligent to say I’d love to see your rational explanation.

What’s hard to understand? It’s a perk of Enhanced

[swooner]

There is no such thing as "Priority Membership", it's "Enhanced Membership". The Enhanced Members play the exact same golf courses as non-enhanced members, yet pay less.

Perhaps you don't understand what the "Enhanced Membership" is all about?

Well pardon me. Please change all my priority references to enhanced membership. Exactly the response I was trying to avoid.

[swooner]

Thanks for the answer. It makes absolutely no sense.

[Bill14564]

Those last three replies seem like rather irrational reactions from someone asking for a rational response.

Are you really looking for an explanation or do you just want to complain and find someone to agree with you/

[swooner]

You pre pay for discounts in the future; greens fees and GHIN service.
$5 difference is a bargain.
Great response. Too bad it makes no sense.

[swooner]

Those last three replies seem like rather irrational reactions from someone asking for a rational response.

Are you really looking for an explanation or do you just want to complain and find someone to agree with you/

Irrational or non relevant responses aren't worthy of a reply

[Bill14564]

Irrational or non relevant responses aren't worthy of a reply

You've been given the same answer in three different ways by three separate people. A wise person would take that as a clue. Your response is somewhat different.

[Steve]

Last Wednesday I renewed my GHiN System handicap for 2024. For the first time in 30 years in TV I am not a priority member as I simply do not play enough to warrant the extra cost. After renewing the handicap I realized that they had charged me $5.00 more than they charge Priority Members.

That is as close to stealing as I can imagine. Both priority and Resident members receive the identical GHIN service. Nothing about it differentiates in any way based on membership status. What then, other than pure and simple greed justifies this repulsive practice?

If anyone has a rational explanation for this I’d like to hear it. Please spare me the normal TOTV comments like I’m cheap or insensitive or other foolish chatter that often accompanies minor complaints on this forum. If you have something intelligent to say I’d love to see your rational explanation.

Are you sure the difference isn't because you renewed in December when previously you renewed in November? I don't know if there still is, but there used to be a $5 discount if you renewed before a certain date in November. I'm not an "Enhanced Member", but when I renewed a couple of weeks ago it was $5 higher than last year and I just assumed that was the reason.

And back in the day when I was a "Priority Member" there was no difference in the renewal rate.

[swooner]

Are you sure the difference isn't because you renewed in December when previously you renewed in November? I don't know if there still is, but there used to be a $5 discount if you renewed before a certain date in November. I'm not an "Enhanced Member", but when I renewed a couple of weeks ago it was $5 higher than last year and I just assumed that was the reason.

And back in the day when I was a "Priority Member" there was no difference in the renewal rate.
Wrong!

[Gpsma]

Golf complaints again…will it ever stop?

[JMintzer]

Offering discounted fees for priority members is stealing from non-priority members?

Yeah, I can't figure out his logic, either...

Spend more money, get some perks...

[shut the front door]

Yeah, I can't figure out his logic, either...

Spend more money, get some perks...

There is no logic. Just anger needing to lash out. Hence the repeated posts lashing out.

[Laker14]

I have to admit I was a bit confused as to why, as an "Enhanced" member I got a discount for this service, but when I researched it, and I'm not sure I got a definitive answer, from what I can gather, clubs and associations pay the Florida Golf Association a fee, and then can charge their members whatever they want.
If I'm correct, the association or club sets the price for the GHIN membership, but any golfer has the option of going directly to the FGA and paying them. However, it's $35 if you get it directly from FGA.

If I understand the system correctly, the entity that owns the Championship courses, and does the money collecting, is giving their "members" a $5 break, as a perk for paying the Enhanced fee.
The OP's complaint makes no more sense than if he were complaining about paying a higher greens fee than the Enhanced Member, since as a non-enhanced member, he is getting the same product, but at a higher price.

[BobnBev]

Geezzzz, I miss a good, lively dog poop thread.

[Raywatkins]

I don’t know the answer to the question. But I would, in the circumstances stated, simply ask at the local pro shop for an explanation, rather than make an assumption, that may or may not be correct.

[Two Bills]

I have sympathy with the Op's dilemma.
Why should he have to pay, when those who pay $$$$ per year membership get it for free.
Similarly, I am charged by Amazon for delivery, whilst those who pay for Amazon Prime get it for nothing, and next day!
Just not fair at all. :icon_wink:

[Andyhope]

Priority members pay extra for the discounts . 🤐🤐

[Laker14]

I don’t know the answer to the question. But I would, in the circumstances stated, simply ask at the local pro shop for an explanation, rather than make an assumption, that may or may not be correct.

Good luck with that. Let me know how you make out.

[Mrmean58]

USGA membership to establish a handicap is $50 when not associated with a golf club. The Villages discounts the resident early renewal rate to $25, $20 early renewal for Enhanced membership. Starting Jan 1st, the renewal rate goes up for both. With the enormous number of golfers in TV, the early renewal program is needed or the golf shops will be more crowded with whining residents who forgot to renew before their membership expired. As it is there will be 1000s saying no one "told me my membership expires and why can't I get the cheaper cost?"

[swooner]

I have to admit I was a bit confused as to why, as an "Enhanced" member I got a discount for this service, but when I researched it, and I'm not sure I got a definitive answer, from what I can gather, clubs and associations pay the Florida Golf Association a fee, and then can charge their members whatever they want.
If I'm correct, the association or club sets the price for the GHIN membership, but any golfer has the option of going directly to the FGA and paying them. However, it's $35 if you get it directly from FGA.

If I understand the system correctly, the entity that owns the Championship courses, and does the money collecting, is giving their "members" a $5 break, as a perk for paying the Enhanced fee.
The OP's complaint makes no more sense than if he were complaining about paying a higher greens fee than the Enhanced Member, since as a non-enhanced member, he is getting the same product, but at a higher price.
Wrong. Not getting the same product. ie., no tee time priority etc.

[swooner]

I have to admit I was a bit confused as to why, as an "Enhanced" member I got a discount for this service, but when I researched it, and I'm not sure I got a definitive answer, from what I can gather, clubs and associations pay the Florida Golf Association a fee, and then can charge their members whatever they want.
If I'm correct, the association or club sets the price for the GHIN membership, but any golfer has the option of going directly to the FGA and paying them. However, it's $35 if you get it directly from FGA.

If I understand the system correctly, the entity that owns the Championship courses, and does the money collecting, is giving their "members" a $5 break, as a perk for paying the Enhanced fee.
The OP's complaint makes no more sense than if he were complaining about paying a higher greens fee than the Enhanced Member, since as a non-enhanced member, he is getting the same product, but at a higher price.
Not the same product! How can you possibly think that?

[Sandy and Ed]

I have sympathy with the Op's dilemma.
Why should he have to pay, when those who pay $$$$ per year membership get it for free.
Similarly, I am charged by Amazon for delivery, whilst those who pay for Amazon Prime get it for nothing, and next day!
Just not fair at all. :icon_wink:
Ah, sounds like the start of a new thread!!!

[Laker14]

Wrong. Not getting the same product. ie., no tee time priority etc.

Complete sentences would make your responses decipherable.

[Laker14]

Not the same product! How can you possibly think that?

I am getting 18 holes of golf on the same course that you are getting 18 holes of golf. That's the same product.

I am also getting the same product but at a reduced rate because I forked over several hundred dollars, all at once, at a prior date, in order to get a favorable rate later.

Likewise with the GHIN membership. It's the same product you are getting, however, because I forked over the money earlier, I am getting a very small discount when I purchase the same product that you are purchasing.

[guitarguy]

Would you be less angry if a person was given a coupon for a $5 GHIN discount upon paying for an enhanced membership? How would that be different?

[Laker14]

Geezzzz, I miss a good, lively dog poop thread.

When I find myself missing the same thing, I use the "search' feature.

It's like watching Seinfeld reruns on YouTube.

[Duppman]

Golf complaints again…will it ever stop?

I certainly hope not. Great entertainment (I'm easily entertained) in the morning!

[gighilton]

I hear your pain over the $5 extra for GHIN. I have a GHIN in North Carolina but have to have another one at TV, IF I play in championship course tournaments. Men's day Ladies day, etc. If i only play on executive courses, no GHIN is required. There is a $5 discount if renewed prior to the 1st of January. So if you don't play tournaments that require a GHIN number or are a member of the enhanced membership, you don't have to pay anything! Save all 25 and thank The Villages for their graciousness this time of year!

[Laker14]

I hear your pain over the $5 extra for GHIN. I have a GHIN in North Carolina but have to have another one at TV, IF I play in championship course tournaments. Men's day Ladies day, etc. If i only play on executive courses, no GHIN is required. There is a $5 discount if renewed prior to the 1st of January. So if you don't play tournaments that require a GHIN number or are a member of the enhanced membership, you don't have to pay anything! Save all 25 and thank The Villages for their graciousness this time of year!

I did not know that your NC GHIN index wouldn't allow you to play in tournaments here. That just seems odd. I would have thought the index would be universal.

BTW, not sure what you mean when you say that members with enhanced membership don't have to pay for GHIN. We still pay. We get a $5 discount over the non enhanced population.

[forebubba]

Last Wednesday I renewed my GHiN System handicap for 2024. For the first time in 30 years in TV I am not a priority member as I simply do not play enough to warrant the extra cost. After renewing the handicap I realized that they had charged me $5.00 more than they charge Priority Members.

That is as close to stealing as I can imagine. Both priority and Resident members receive the identical GHIN service. Nothing about it differentiates in any way based on membership status. What then, other than pure and simple greed justifies this repulsive practice?

If anyone has a rational explanation for this I’d like to hear it. Please spare me the normal TOTV comments like I’m cheap or insensitive or other foolish chatter that often accompanies minor complaints on this forum. If you have something intelligent to say I’d love to see your rational explanation.

I stopped the GHIN service years ago. I dont play in tournaments or on men's day. No reason to use it

[Steve]

Wrong!

Are you saying I'm wrong because I remember the way it used to be? I've been here for 19 years next May. I don't know how long you've lived here but things have definitely changed over the years. I'm just asking if there is something new going on. Whatever it is, $5 is not worth getting all snippy about. If I'm wrong please explain why so you can educate me and the thousands of others on this thread hanging on your every word.

[JGibson]

I hate being nickled and dimed also but the $5 isn't worth this much of your time.
Let it go and enjoy the golf.

[ILLINOIS RAY]

If you apply logic of not charging more for non Enhanced membership to Handicap system, then Enhanced members should also pay same price to play golf, as it is the same course

[kkingston57]

Last Wednesday I renewed my GHiN System handicap for 2024. For the first time in 30 years in TV I am not a priority member as I simply do not play enough to warrant the extra cost. After renewing the handicap I realized that they had charged me $5.00 more than they charge Priority Members.

That is as close to stealing as I can imagine. Both priority and Resident members receive the identical GHIN service. Nothing about it differentiates in any way based on membership status. What then, other than pure and simple greed justifies this repulsive practice?

If anyone has a rational explanation for this I’d like to hear it. Please spare me the normal TOTV comments like I’m cheap or insensitive or other foolish chatter that often accompanies minor complaints on this forum. If you have something intelligent to say I’d love to see your rational explanation.

Enhanced AKA Priority gives those people better prices including the handicap system. As an aside very few retailers give discounts on products like GPS watches, rangefinders etc and TV does give a 10% discount on these products. Do not like changes made in the Enhanced program, but it still helps us getter better tee times. Last year our group required players to have an enhanced membership and we never got stuck with OB Hills. Prior year we got stuck there toooo many times.

In meantime city owned courses in S. Florida now can get $125+ to play a muni.

[Tyson]

Here is what's worse. I pay for my GHIN at my country club back home but the Villages wont recognize it and makes me pay for another GHIN to play any tournaments in TV. It was called priority membership for decades, and everyone I know calls it that.

[kkingston57]

Priority members pay extra for the discounts . 🤐🤐

Saved $30 on a golf watch and they were lower than Amazon

[jjombrello]

It seems to me that your question has been answered, but if you choose not to believe them, call the golf division and talk to someone there who knows the fee structures and what GHIN membership costs without enhancement membership and what it costs with enhanced membership. The difference could be that the GHIN system charges a certain amount and The Villages discounts it $5 if one buys the enhanced membership.

[Laker14]

Saved $30 on a golf watch and they were lower than Amazon

I was not aware of that bennie. I would not have expected the prices to beat Amazon's. I would have figured it was a few % off a grossly overpriced product, which is pretty much my experience with pro shop clothing and golf bags.

[Albany]

Last Wednesday I renewed my GHiN System handicap for 2024. For the first time in 30 years in TV I am not a priority member as I simply do not play enough to warrant the extra cost. After renewing the handicap I realized that they had charged me $5.00 more than they charge Priority Members.

That is as close to stealing as I can imagine. Both priority and Resident members receive the identical GHIN service. Nothing about it differentiates in any way based on membership status. What then, other than pure and simple greed justifies this repulsive practice?

If anyone has a rational explanation for this I’d like to hear it. Please spare me the normal TOTV comments like I’m cheap or insensitive or other foolish chatter that often accompanies minor complaints on this forum. If you have something intelligent to say I’d love to see your rational explanation.

I don't understand any of this. The GHIN system, which is a global handicap system, is not owned or operated by The Villages. Are you sure that the folks at GHIN haven't raised their price for the coming year? And I guess to keep my handicap in place regardless of where I play, Pebble Beach? Innisbrook? Augusta National? I would just pay GHIN the $5. But you state that you didn't take The Villages enhanced membership for the coming year because you just don't play enough on the Championship courses here in TV. That being the case, are you sure you need to pay for a GHIN handicap? I no longer golf at my private club where an established handicap is mandatory, so I dropped my GHIN subscription. And unless I play in a "sanctioned" event here in TV, like ladies or mens day, I don't need an established handicap. If the OP really thinks he needs an established handicap just pay the $5.

[USN-Retired]

You’re asking the wrong people, unless someone on this forum works for the Golf Division AND can give an accurate response! You need to call Golf Admin.

I believe the # is available on GolfTheVillages.com.

One element I can comment on factually, it is cheaper to renew your GHIN from when renewal starts in mid-November thru the 1st week of January than for the rest of the year. Exception is after July 1st it is half price.

I will add one final point … Enhanced Members also pay cheaper Greens fees & get priority in getting tee times. That’s part of the benefit of being an Enhanced Member. So it is a likely follow-on that they also get their GHIN for a reduced rate.

[Justputt]

So, the argument is over the cost of a 2 for 1 happy hour beer......?

[golfing eagles]

Last Wednesday I renewed my GHiN System handicap for 2024. For the first time in 30 years in TV I am not a priority member as I simply do not play enough to warrant the extra cost. After renewing the handicap I realized that they had charged me $5.00 more than they charge Priority Members.

That is as close to stealing as I can imagine. Both priority and Resident members receive the identical GHIN service. Nothing about it differentiates in any way based on membership status. What then, other than pure and simple greed justifies this repulsive practice?

If anyone has a rational explanation for this I’d like to hear it. Please spare me the normal TOTV comments like I’m cheap or insensitive or other foolish chatter that often accompanies minor complaints on this forum. If you have something intelligent to say I’d love to see your rational explanation.

Thanks for the answer. It makes absolutely no sense.

Irrational or non relevant responses aren't worthy of a reply

Not the same product! How can you possibly think that?

First of all, what a bunch of nonsense over $5. But to call it "stealing" is laughable.

Want a possible explanation? When you renew you GHIN, staff members have to write down your number, take you money, give you a receipt, and eventually transmit that info to the GHIN powers that be. Time is money. If TV chooses to discount that for priority members by $5, it is their choice, just as I choose to continue to use the term "priority member" as opposed to the new (probably) politically correct term of "enhanced".

Sometimes we need to offer cheese to go with someone's whine.

[Laker14]

So, the argument is over the cost of a 2 for 1 happy hour beer......?

Please don't trivialize 2 for 1 happy hour beer in this manner.

[swooner]

I hear your pain over the $5 extra for GHIN. I have a GHIN in North Carolina but have to have another one at TV, IF I play in championship course tournaments. Men's day Ladies day, etc. If i only play on executive courses, no GHIN is required. There is a $5 discount if renewed prior to the 1st of January. So if you don't play tournaments that require a GHIN number or are a member of the enhanced membership, you don't have to pay anything! Save all 25 and thank The Villages for their graciousness this time of year!
You're getting screwed. If you have a GHIN in NC you don't need another one in the Villages.

[swooner]

Are you saying I'm wrong because I remember the way it used to be? I've been here for 19 years next May. I don't know how long you've lived here but things have definitely changed over the years. I'm just asking if there is something new going on. Whatever it is, $5 is not worth getting all snippy about. If I'm wrong please explain why so you can educate me and the thousands of others on this thread hanging on your every word.
It's simply a matter of principle. Too bad most people on this forum are not bright lights and seem to think it's about money. I do things like this occasionally just to see how many dimwits really live here. Answer: LOTS!

[swooner]

If you apply logic of not charging more for non Enhanced membership to Handicap system, then Enhanced members should also pay same price to play golf, as it is the same course
Now that's really one of the more illogical responses, even for here

[Papa_lecki]

You're getting screwed. If you have a GHIN in NC you don't need another one in the Villages.

It’s the same number, it needs to be associated with the golf assoc of Fla, as well.

It something the villages requires to play in tournaments and men’s day.

You have to pay twice.

[Laker14]

It's simply a matter of principle. Too bad most people on this forum are not bright lights and seem to think it's about money. I do things like this occasionally just to see how many dimwits really live here. Answer: LOTS!

Well, you've gone a long way towards demonstrating that.