General question for everyone

[Rainger99]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

[frayedends]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

I bought my retirement house this year and I'm not yet retired, yet. But I own the house down there and will hopefully be there in 2 year. I don't golf, have no interest in it (not saying that couldn't change).

But anyhow, golf had nothing to do with my decision.

[Bill14564]

Free golf and walking trails did not factor into our decision. They are just two of the many available activities - we were interested in some of the others.

[margaretmattson]

I do not golf. With our recent move, we sold the golf cart and have no plans to replace. Hubby does golf but is losing interest. Time for both of us to spread our wings and try something new. It is great to live in a community with many options to keep you busy.

[Gpsma]

Think the villges needs to move on from free golf.
Golf is a dying sport…most “younger” people here arent moving to TV for golf.

[cjrjck]

Golf was a huge factor for me, not a factor at all for my wife.

[npwalters]

Golf was only a small part of our decision to move here. Golf cart access to many things, other sports activities, and an active lifestyle here were more important.

Now my wife plays 3 times a week. I am more interested in pickleball and softball but do golf occasionally. Golf cart access to restaurants, grocery stores, etc. is a great benefit to us. We put more miles on our two carts than the car.

In summary golf was not, but is now, important to my wife. That makes me happy.

[oldtimes]

We don't golf

[Bogie Shooter]

Think the villges needs to move on from free golf.
Golf is a dying sport…most “younger” people here arent moving to TV for golf.

But did you actually read the OP?

[Bogie Shooter]

Neither golf or walking trails played a significant part of our decision to move to The Villages. It was the overall lifestyle that sold us.

[Number 10 GI]

I thought about trying out golf once, but took two aspiring and went to bed. Golf had less than no influence on our decision to move to TV. Moved here because of the appealing well maintained appearance of TV, amenities and the weather.

[buzzy]

Free golf was a big draw for me in 2011, and still is. I don't play well enough to pay for it.

[Laker14]

Free golf was not a huge factor. Golf was. I was not expecting to be overwhelmed by the executive courses. Actually was pleasantly surprised at how much fun they are.
"Free" walking was no factor at all. I almost never pay to walk.
I have taken up pickleball since I started spending my winters here. I love it just as much, if not more, than golf now, although being 70, I see some handwriting on the wall about how much I will be able to play PB going forward. Year by year I expect golf to be more and more a bigger part of my life.
Golf was definitely a factor in my coming here. Not the only one, but a major one.

[asianthree]

Free was never a deciding factor, when we came in 2007. It was just a perk, available activity, and weather was a factor instead of dealing with being on the bay, and having to deal with storms/hurricane.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Free golf was definitely a factor for beloved spouse. It wasn't a factor at all for me since I don't play. If the golf cost $2 per 9-hole round for a walking fee, I think it would've made no difference at all.

[Topspinmo]

I was so drugged up on koolaid I couldn’t resist. now the koolaid has lost it luster.:duck:

[ThirdOfFive]

Top Ten. Along with weather, low taxes, Year-round tennis on well-maintained courts, reasonable cost of living, sensible law enforcement, well-kept surroundings, various clubs of interest, hiking and nature, and everything we could possibly ever need within a 10 minute golf cart ride.

But not a deal-breaker if it wasn't there.

[Velvet]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

I would have moved here without “free” golf because my relatives have been living in TV since 1992 although they have passed now. My husband, on the other hand, would NOT have moved here no matter how many walking trails were around.

[Ecuadog]

Neither free golf nor free walking trails influenced our decision to move to The Villages.

[Normal]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

Initially we didn’t even play golf (now we both do). We liked the fact that the neighborhoods felt safe, the Villages are clean, there are beautiful flowers, nice recreation centers with several activities, it’s been very easy to make friends, and it was easy to volunteer to help in clubs etc. We have zero regrets.

[LuvNH]

We knew nothing about The Villages and had no interest in moving to a retirement community in Florida. We rented a condo on the water every winter and just dropped by to visit friends on our way back north. We came through the B.Vista entrance and were amazed at how clean and neat everything was. We bought that weekend almost 20 yrs ago.

[Laker14]

I was so drugged up on koolaid I couldn’t resist. now the koolaid has lost it luster.:duck:

my sales agent forgot to tell me that once I bought I'd have to supply my own kool-aide.

[gatorbill1]

Free golf helped make the decision

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I was so drugged up on koolaid I couldn’t resist. now the koolaid has lost it luster.:duck:

:bigbow:

:agree:

[dewilson58]

Free golf had zero impact.

[bandsdavis]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

The Free Golf for Life certainly was what got our attention before we knew anything else about The Villages, but it was the wealth of other activities (especially music and theater performance) that sold it to us. The Free Golf at that point was only only a nice extra.

[tophcfa]

For me it was about being able to swim laps in the multiple outdoor sports pools, being able to go everywhere in a golf cart, and playing Championship golf at the 12 courses north of 44. The so called “free” executive golf is a bonus that we enjoy, especially my wife, as she prefers that to Championship golf.

I have to admit it, the Executive golf has grown on me. The Championship rates have more than doubled since we purchased, and during the winter months when it costs my wife and I about $150 to play a round together, the Executives have become an increasingly very good option. The problem is getting a friggin T time has become increasingly difficult over the years. I think the problem is a combination of the ever increasing cost of Championship golf as well as the continued dilution of the number of holes per rooftop as the Villages add homes way faster than golfing holes.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

If I picked one thing that influenced my decision it would be the fact that TV is a golf cart community. It’s not that you can have one, I have one now. But I’ve never seen a neighborhood actually plan and build for them. When we were out there last July, I was amazed at all the services you get to by golf cart!

We don’t golf, or play pickleball, and still there are too many activities to count. We live in 55+ community now in Arizona and it is virtually dead out here by comparison. I hope this answered the question.

[dhdallas]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

“Golf is a good walk spoiled.” Of course now golfers are too lazy to even walk the course. I prefer the cycling trails, kayaking, shooting, & blood sports.
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/members/dhdallas-118996/albums/golfing-in-tv/9996-long-range-shooting.jpg

[Garywt]

Golf had no factor for us but golf carts was the main factor. Being able to park the car and just drive the golf cart for hours everyday was the reason we bought.

[chrisinva]

"Free golf for life" - no attraction. "Walking trails" - big attraction!

[natjos]

Free golf was the main draw. Walking is already free

[HospitalCoder]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?
It was the biggest factor for us.

[elevatorman]

Golf was not a big factor for my wife and I.

[gettingby]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

I moved here because my wife made me. We’re from Florida and I wanted to move to the mountains but this is as far north as she wants to go. I really like Florida for several reasons but the one thing I can’t stand is the summer heat. By 10 am I’m looking to be indoors and it last 5 months. Oh well, that’s the price for paradise.

[Blackbird45]

I'm a New Yorker and before I retired, I worked many jobs here in Florida and always said I would never live in this state. I don't play golf, but live here in TV for its safety, cleanliness, affordability and connivence. My primarily MD, Publix's, and restaurants are a 3-minute drive, gym 8-minutes, and if that's not enough all my neighbors are all about my age and friendly. I did live in another smaller community for about 2 years and found I would have to drive off the property to get what they offer here.

[Remembergoldenrule]

Free golf was a big draw for me in 2011, and still is. I don't play well enough to pay for it.


Just took first golf lesson and played first pitch and play and I’m now totally hooked. Think the par three walking course is perfect for me. Never would have done it if weren’t living here. Glad for break from weather. Wish they would convert the old movie theater at Brownwood to bowling alley. Two alleys in Spanish Springs are full. Need one at Brownwood.

[golfing eagles]

"Free golf for life" - no attraction. "Walking trails" - big attraction!

Walking trails---less than zero attraction
"free" golf--meaning exec courses---didn't figure in the equation

The lack of snow
Golf cart access to just about everything
12 (at the time) Championship courses
Many dozens of rec centers, pools, tightknit friendly (for the most part) neighborhoods
Nightly entertainment (until we knew better) at the squares

All of that was the draw

[Jcals]

Golf was not part of our decision to move to TV.

[Desiderata]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

Free golf was a huge factor for me when deciding to buy here. There were so few walking trails it wasn’t even a factor. Other than the new, short trail by Miona, I’m not aware of any N of 44.

[HoosierPa]

I moved here because my wife made me. We’re from Florida and I wanted to move to the mountains but this is as far north as she wants to go. I really like Florida for several reasons but the one thing I can’t stand is the summer heat. By 10 am I’m looking to be indoors and it last 5 months. Oh well, that’s the price for paradise.

That’s why we put In a pool. Best time of the year now is summer. Never go inside in the summers

[asianthree]

OP looks like some came for free golf, many posted “free” wasn’t in the mix.

Looking to see how many were in your mind set or curious if some came to enjoy outdoor activities?

[IndianaJones]

Golf is one thing - wife was the other. I grew up here & would have never considered Central Florida but she loves it. Gets too cold in winter, way too hot in summer, no sea breeze, etc. We called this part of Florida “South Georgia” - real FL starts south of Orlando. But the golf is decent & it doesn’t like like many of the residents here walk much although there are good trails in the area.

[ROCKETMAN]

Think the villges needs to move on from free golf.
Golf is a dying sport…most “younger” people here arent moving to TV for golf.

Actually on a national level rounds of golf are up since the pandemic.

[asianthree]

Actually on a national level rounds of golf are up since the pandemic.

Golf Numbers were up during the pandemic. Indoor activities closed so golf saw lots of new players

[Mulliganguy]

I agree with previous post about free golf being a big draw cause we’re not that good of a golfer to pay for it every time. But we enjoy the other amenities and the overall experience and beauty of TV’s; especially our neighbors and friends we have come to know and love! Very supportive of one another!

[Happydaz]

I don’t play golf but many of my friends do. They say they play golf more here in The Villages than they ever did before. Some of my neighbors started playing golf when they moved here and play 3-4 days a week now. Although I don’t play golf I was attracted to the Villages because of the numerous golf courses that dot our landscape. As a gardener I love seeing the rolling hills and open spaces that golf courses provide. Without these beautiful open spaces more houses would dot the entire area. I wouldn’t move to a neighborhood that was nothing but home after home. Golf courses in The Villages add to the beauty of our home.

[Signguy]

They build the golf courses first to create the water mitigation, that allows the homesite to no longer be in the flood zone. So unlike other communities, you are not buying a home with a view of where the developer will be building THE golf course. Here you move in and can play golf right away and/or participate in all the activities available.

The golf courses are critical to the development even being possible.

Decline in golfers demographically will still have millions of people retiring who would like to play golf well into the future.

[Cindysum90]

We had no desire to golf when we moved here so it had no impact on our decision. We now golf and enjoy it. I don’t really understand the question about free walking trails - they do have free walking trails and I do enjoy them.

[La lamy]

I don't golf, so I obviously still would have moved here. But if there wasn't oodles of pickleball courts, BUH-BYE!

[barbnick]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?
Best decision I ever made 13 years ago to move to the villages. Golf was just another activity

[Gunny2403]

Meaningless in terms of decision to move here. Infrequently play

[Buckeye Bill]

I agree with everything there is to do here golf is down the list

[coconutmama]

Free golf was a big draw for me in 2011, and still is. I don't play well enough to pay for it.

Best answer!
I played great yesterday. Today will be lousy. Cannot be consistent for anything 😆.

Yes, free golf was & is a big reason to still be here. We try to get out there 3x a week.

[Justputt]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

Almost no impact. I haven't played golf in more than a dozen years, and my friends would argue I wasn't playing golf then...

Our decision was driven by the environment. I'm older than my wife, and we've moved many times over the years. Each time we moved it took a while to meet enough people to have a decent set of friends. With our respective family histories, there's no doubt I'll box/dirt knap/dirt dive well before her. On the Lifestyle visit it was very clear that if you aren't meeting people and making friends that you must be hiding. People are very friendly, very will to talk, and easy to get to know. That combined with the number of clubs/activities, getting settled into a new area was easy. Maybe it's as simple as a bunch of retired/semi-retired folks have more time and less stress making them more open to taking the time.

[coleprice]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?
Although my wife and I didn't golf prior to moving to The Villages 3 years ago, it is something that we "took up" after we arrived here. We love golfing and play Executive Courses at least 3 or 4 days a week (and occasionally Championship Courses), so it is VERY IMPORTANT to us. We also play water volleyball, Bocci, go dancing at town squares, etc. We look at golf as the "Anchor Activity" here at The Villages, but there are also many other activities, including Clubs to engage Villages residents.

[MX rider]

I don’t play golf but many of my friends do. They say they play golf more here in The Villages than they ever did before. Some of my neighbors started playing golf when they moved here and play 3-4 days a week now. Although I don’t play golf I was attracted to the Villages because of the numerous golf courses that dot our landscape. As a gardener I love seeing the rolling hills and open spaces that golf courses provide. Without these beautiful open spaces more houses would dot the entire area. I wouldn’t move to a neighborhood that was nothing but home after home. Golf courses in The Villages add to the beauty of our home.

Agree 100%. We've both have said the nice thing about all the golf courses, besides the obvious, is it creates beautiful green space and breaks up the density. As you drive around, very seldom is there no green space. This is truly a beautiful community in many ways.

As many here have said, free golf played a role, but it was really the total package, the weather and lifestyle that made this our happy place.

[Topspinmo]

Golf Numbers were up during the pandemic. Indoor activities closed so golf saw lots of new players


Golf should have been shut down also, golfers are not special.

[eweissenbach]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

I first heard of “free golf” for life in 2009 on a commercial on the Golf Channel. That drew my attention and I started researching TV online. I booked a Lifestyle Preview for April 2010 and have been coming ( renting for seven years, owning for seven years) for the last fourteen years part time. I would probably have never paid any attention to The Villages had it not been for the free golf for life statement on that commercial. And, once I got here, while not the only enticement, it was the major one. Still is.

[Topspinmo]

Best answer!
I played great yesterday. Today will be lousy. Cannot be consistent for anything 😆.

Yes, free golf was & is a big reason to still be here. We try to get out there 3x a week.

I play at least 3 sports inconsistently. Seems like reach certain level and struggle to be consistent. :mornincoffee:

[sowilts]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?
Golf was a major consideration as well as walking, biking trails. The landscaping on Morse and Buena Vista. Friendly neighbors and the way my wife has so many things to do since she doesn’t play Golf. The Villages is being on Vacation every day. Don’t understand why people have to find fault in such a unique place. The villagers is a large community but doesn’t seem so where we live, Linden, which has 99 homes I guess. We have a home in Annapolis as well and are Hybrids and go whenever our Grandchildren need us. Going to Hawaii for two weeks in March. 20 December our main water line burst and our neighbors, Joe, Fred and Bill contacted me and also The Villages and Richard drove down and turned the main off. Communications for the Villages was fantastic and my Brother, Linden isle stopped over and said Richard put a red flag at the location and no water damage inside. Drove down the day before Christmas and was using a shovel Christmas Day to find and fix the issue. 8000 gallons, only 64 dollars. Try that price in Maryland. Would still be running. 😳 We don’t have any complaints about living here just enjoying life and when I arrive home from early bird Golf I normally go on the Lanai and sit next to my wife and start another amazing day in the morning and if sitting on the Lanai at night watching the most Majestic Sunsets i have ever seen during my many Travels. Not everything is perfect but as close as it can be. Thanks to the Morse family for such a unique place.

[Topspinmo]

We do know golf and other activities really isn’t free. We all pay for them whether we use them or not with Amenities and maintenance fees.

[Switter]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

I am not retired yet. I moved to this general area because I own an ATV and wanted a place where I could ride it (Ocala national Forest) as well as the area having great fishing. I also liked how close it is to the beaches and still far enough away where hurricanes aren't as serious a threat.

Golf had zero influence on my decision, although when I retire I may take it up.

When I moved here I actually had no plans to live in the villages. I rented an Airbnb here while I looked around for a house in the Ocala area. For me, a swimming pool was an absolute must because I swim laps for fitness and because of the heat. Once I realized how many the swimming pools the villages had and the fact that I wouldn't have to maintain a pool myself, I decided to start looking in here. I wouldn't have moved to the villages without access to a swimming pool.

I wish they had more dedicated walk/bike trails though. I don't like contending with golf carts on the multi modal paths but I get it, the golf cart is king. Maybe someday in the future, if golfing declines a little, they can convert a golf course here and there to a walking/biking park.

[melpetezrinski]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

Free golf was not that important. The amount of golf in general was along with softball and most importantly, family that already lived here.

[kkingston57]

[QUOTE=Rainger99;2289827]How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

Bet this is a like the flip of a coin and golf was a big part of my decision. But free golf is over rated for the more serious golfers.

[Proveone]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?
Golf isn't free - you have to pay a trail fee. Then a fee for the tee time system. I don't golf anymore and would move but don't want to do all the packing. The Villages is now a convenience. I have been here since 2005. It was a novelty back then.

[Justputt]

We too like the pools but wish the hours of operation went much later into the evening. idk, maybe the bugs would drive that wish away.....

[UpNorth]

If there wasn't golf in the area, free or not, I would not have a home here. All that being said, I find the Championship Courses to be way overpriced and the Executives crowded and often in marginal condition. But there are options outside the bubble that keep me interested during the winter months.

[kkingston57]

I thought about trying out golf once, but took two aspiring and went to bed. Golf had less than no influence on our decision to move to TV. Moved here because of the appealing well maintained appearance of TV, amenities and the weather.

Your last line was the whip cream on our decision. Initially we thought that all of the residential grass was maintained by one company due to the uniformity and consistently good maintenance. Nice surprise when we were told differently. Weather not so good. We came from the warm(er) part of Florida.

[dewilson58]

Golf isn't free - you have to pay a trail fee.

Then a fee for the tee time system.


Trail fee & Tee time system are both optional.

[MidWestIA]

You are missing the point - more ACTIVITIES here than anywhere and I mean you can walk anywhere. If that's all I wanted I'd be back in north Dallas now. Get online and look at the activities and groups-clubs

[Lisanp@aol.com]

I think that free golf was the marketing line in the 1980s…now it’s active adult lifestyle. Even the developer knows that free golf doesn’t matter much to the newest villagers.

[richdell]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

Free golf had minimal influence on our moving here. If free anything had an influence, it was the entertainment in the squares.

[Two Bills]

It was the cheap booze and so many fellow drunks that really attracted me to TV.
Love the golf as well, and I am still really determined to actually finish a round before collapsing into my usual comatose state.

Cheers!
:beer3:

[jojo]

Free golf was not a factor at all in our decision. We took up golf after coming but the lifestyle, aesthetics, and many options for arts, sports, etc. drew us here. We continue to believe it's one of the best decisions we've made after almost 16 years.

[rsimpson]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

Golf (free and fee) was 75% of MY decision to buy/move here and 40% for my wife. We need more Exec courses in the south, IN ADDITION to the four 'in the works' around East Port.

[Decadeofdave]

Golfed once a year when I was working, was not going to golf in the V. Friend here convinced me to start up, now I enjoy it. Did not purchase because of golf.

[golfing eagles]

Golf should have been shut down also, golfers are not special.

No, they're not. HOWEVER, during the pandemic, golf could be played OUTDOORS, 6 foot social distancing maintained, never had to touch anything that belonged to another golfer, and they had PVC pipe sticking out of the holes and you didn't touch the flagstick. SO THEREFORE THERE WAS NOT A SINGLE REASON IN THE WORLD TO SHUT DOWN GOLF

And I thought we had heard the last of the Villagers whining about golf continuing while their favorite activity had to be shut down.

[Laker14]

It was the cheap booze and so many fellow drunks that really attracted me to TV.
Love the golf as well, and I am still really determined to actually finish a round before collapsing into my usual comatose state.

Cheers!
:beer3:

Round of golf, or a round at the bar?

[Laker14]

Golf should have been shut down also, golfers are not special.

Now that's just crazy talk.

[golfing eagles]

Now that's just crazy talk.

No, it's true. But that poster didn't consider his audience:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[DrMack]

We will own a home soon and can’t wait. I can tell you golf is my number one want. My wife likes the cleanliness and the feeling of being here.

[coffeebean]

Hubby and I do not golf so that aspect had zero influence on us wanting to move here. What did influence us is the infrastructure for golf carts is like no other in the entire world. I'm still in awe when I toodle around in the golf cart, traversing over bridges and driving through the tunnels. The absolutely gorgeous grounds and flowers through out is what sold us. Not to mention the manicured properties and common spaces. Although we do not golf, the open areas of rolling golf courses adds so much to my enjoyment of the beauty of this place. Everywhere we look as we drive along Morse Blvd, Buena Vista Blvd and Odell Circle (those are our "stomping grounds") there are those gorgeous open areas of golf courses.

We love it here.

[Rainger99]

OP looks like some came for free golf, many posted “free” wasn’t in the mix.

Looking to see how many were in your mind set or curious if some came to enjoy outdoor activities?

I did not have a mind set when I posted the question. I was interested at what the response would be. From my personal experience, most of my neighbors (I estimate about 70%) do not play golf at all. About 20% are serious golfers playing several times a week and the remaining 10% play 3-4 times a month.

At this point, I calculate that 27 said that it had no influence on their decision; 15 people said that it had some influence; and 16 that said it had a strong influence on their decision to move here.

It is a good thing that a large number of people don't play golf because if everyone played, it would be impossible to get a tee time!

Golf was a significant factor for me but was zero factor for my wife. She loves the flowers and the landscaping. We both love the fact that the entire area is well maintained - no garbage on the streets and no graffiti anywhere. However, the primary factor for me was the weather, the taxes, and the affordability of the Villages. If the Villages had free golf at Championship courses for life but had cold weather and high taxes, I would not have moved here. Free golf was an added bonus.

[Papa_lecki]

Golf isn't free - you have to pay a trail fee. Then a fee for the tee time system. I don't golf anymore and would move but don't want to do all the packing. The Villages is now a convenience. I have been here since 2005. It was a novelty back then.

If you walk, is golf free?
Isn’t walking good exercise?

[MX rider]

If you walk, is golf free?
Isn’t walking good exercise?

Golf may not be totally free, but it's damn close! Just like our amenity fee, they're both a bargain.

[MrChip72]

I've golfed with more than a few people on the Executive courses that moved here from other retirement communities in Florida because they found the pricing for the Championship courses was extremely reasonable compared to places South Florida. Where it's over well over $100 a round at a decent course which adds up if you're playing 20 rounds/month.

[wlasowicz]

The question I think of is yes golf is indirectly free but we all pay for thru our amenity fees specially does who do not golf and trail fees to use a golf cart Be curious how lower our amenity fees would be if they remove the golf portion of it

[patfla06]

Have absolutely no interest in golf.

[Laker14]

Reading many of the other responses has clarified a few things in my own mind that I hadn't thought of when I responded.
In a nutshell, I really like this place. I'm really happy to be here 8 months of the year. I am fortunate to be able to go north to a lake in the summer months, but if I didn't have a place on the lake, I could make a go of it here in the summer.
Today I played PB at the dawn's early light, came home and took a handful of naps, and then took a cart ride to a nearby golf course (5 minutes by cart) and chipped and putted for an hour or so. It was marvelous.

Where else could I have such a day? And the weather is not all that great right now, but it's good enough.

[Rainger99]

And the weather is not all that great right now, but it's good enough.

If you think the weather is not that great right now, check out the weather in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Kansas City this weekend!

[golfing eagles]

[/B]wlasowicz;2290279]The question I think of is yes golf is indirectly free but we all pay for thru our amenity fees specially does who do not golf and trail fees to use a golf cart Be curious how lower our amenity fees would be if they remove the golf portion of it

I wonder how much less it would be if they removed the walking paths
or the pickleball courts
or the neighborhood pools
or 2/3 of the rec centers

Nobody can decide that the community as a whole should only pay for the amenities that THEY like

[PersonOfInterest]

They have Free Golf here?? hhhmmmm

[Laker14]

If you think the weather is not that great right now, check out the weather in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Kansas City this weekend!

that's exactly what I was thinking about when I said "but it's good enough". I spent 40 winters in western NY. This is my 6th winter in Florida. I don't miss NY winters a bit.

More than once we celebrated Mother's Day with snow. Now I strongly resist any entreaties to return before Memorial Day.

[golfing eagles]

that's exactly what I was thinking about when I said "but it's good enough". I spent 40 winters in western NY. This is my 6th winter in Florida. I don't miss NY winters a bit.

More than once we celebrated Mother's Day with snow. Now I strongly resist any entreaties to return before Memorial Day.

Only spent 31 winters in Western NY (Finger Lakes), and now 10 here. But speaking of Mother's Day:

[Bill14564]

The question I think of is yes golf is indirectly free but we all pay for thru our amenity fees specially does who do not golf and trail fees to use a golf cart Be curious how lower our amenity fees would be if they remove the golf portion of it

If you're curious enough, you can find the answer.

Districtgov.org -> Departments -> Budget -> SLCDD -> FY23-24 Adopted Budget -> SLAD -> Expenditures:

311 Golf..: $3.2M
TOTAL: $94M

Golf expenditures are approx 1/30 of the amenities budget.

A Dec 18 letter from the Developer, presented at the Jan 8 meeting of the PWAC, sets the Contractual Amenity Fee for new sales at $195.

1/30 of $195 is $6.50. This simple, back-of-the-envelope calculation would say that removing golf would reduce Amenity Fee payments by less than $80/year.

[Laker14]

I wonder how much less it would be if they removed the walking paths
or the pickleball courts
or the neighborhood pools
or 2/3 of the rec centers

Nobody can decide that the community as a whole should only pay for the amenities that THEY like

Agree.
The wide disparity of available amenities guarantees there will be more activities available than anyone can have time and energy to enjoy, but it also is what makes TV what it is. I don't play mahjong (probably don't even know how to spell it), but I enjoy walking through a rec center and seeing a room full of people happily clacking tiles around the table. Or doing crafts, or shooting pool.

I like to chip and putt and when I take my cart to a local facility I often pass groups playing bocce, or shuffleboard, or horseshoes. When I play pickleball at Sea Breeze, more often than not there is a group of people playing beach tennis or beach volleyball.

All of this activity around, even though I don't participate in most of them, energizes me and makes me happy and proud to be part of this place.

I love it when my kids and grandkids show up and see all of these "old" folks out and about and doing these things. I like having them see what they might look forward to as opposed to what my grandparents did at my age, which was, as far as I can remember, sitting around the house watching TV.

[golfing eagles]

Agree.
The wide disparity of available amenities guarantees there will be more activities available than anyone can have time and energy to enjoy, but it also is what makes TV what it is. I don't play mahjong (probably don't even know how to spell it), but I enjoy walking through a rec center and seeing a room full of people happily clacking tiles around the table. Or doing crafts, or shooting pool.

I like to chip and putt and when I take my cart to a local facility I often pass groups playing bocce, or shuffleboard, or horseshoes. When I play pickleball at Sea Breeze, more often than not there is a group of people playing beach tennis or beach volleyball.

All of this activity around, even though I don't participate in most of them, energizes me and makes me happy and proud to be part of this place.

I love it when my kids and grandkids show up and see all of these "old" folks out and about and doing these things. I like having them see what they might look forward to as opposed to what my grandparents did at my age, which was, as far as I can remember, sitting around the house watching TV.

Absolutely! It's basically a quid pro quo. I'll pay for your pickleball if you pay for my golf. Unfortunately, since I don't play the execs very often, it's more like I'll pay for your pickleball and I'll pay for my golf. But that's OK---like you said:
"All of this activity around, even though I don't participate in most of them, energizes me and makes me happy and proud to be part of this place."

[rjn5656]

Golf was definitely was factor. If there wasn't golf, I would have probably bought in a different part of florida.

[Dusty_Star]

Agree.
The wide disparity of available amenities guarantees there will be more activities available than anyone can have time and energy to enjoy, but it also is what makes TV what it is. I don't play mahjong (probably don't even know how to spell it), but I enjoy walking through a rec center and seeing a room full of people happily clacking tiles around the table. Or doing crafts, or shooting pool.

I like to chip and putt and when I take my cart to a local facility I often pass groups playing bocce, or shuffleboard, or horseshoes. When I play pickleball at Sea Breeze, more often than not there is a group of people playing beach tennis or beach volleyball.

All of this activity around, even though I don't participate in most of them, energizes me and makes me happy and proud to be part of this place.

I love it when my kids and grandkids show up and see all of these "old" folks out and about and doing these things. I like having them see what they might look forward to as opposed to what my grandparents did at my age, which was, as far as I can remember, sitting around the house watching TV.

Along this vein, I saw a lot this year of people saying: "my amenities fees are too high, let's get rid of the flowers". I also noticed quite a few responses to this thread were: I like the flowers or my wife likes the flowers.
Unfortunately, it's the complainers who frequently voice their negativity.
Hopefully, it is well known that many more love the flowers & the landscaping & the golf course views.

[ThirdOfFive]

Hubby and I do not golf so that aspect had zero influence on us wanting to move here. What did influence us is the infrastructure for golf carts is like no other in the entire world. I'm still in awe when I toodle around in the golf cart, traversing over bridges and driving through the tunnels. The absolutely gorgeous grounds and flowers through out is what sold us. Not to mention the manicured properties and common spaces. Although we do not golf, the open areas of rolling golf courses adds so much to my enjoyment of the beauty of this place. Everywhere we look as we drive along Morse Blvd, Buena Vista Blvd and Odell Circle (those are our "stomping grounds") there are those gorgeous open areas of golf courses.

We love it here.
Well stated.

[ThirdOfFive]

I wonder how much less it would be if they removed the walking paths
or the pickleball courts
or the neighborhood pools
or 2/3 of the rec centers

Nobody can decide that the community as a whole should only pay for the amenities that THEY like
Well said!

No resident here uses ALL the amenities. So looking at it from that standpoint we're all paying in some manner for amenities that others use, but not us.

[Michael 61]

Golf was way down my list of desired amenities when I chose to move to The Villages. I know that is true of many “newer” retirees. Honestly, if golf was completely non-existent, I would still have chosen to retire in The Villages.

[DonH57]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

The free golf was important but the fact I could drive my golf cart to all our many courses and use same was great. I wouldn't have to throw clubs in the car, drive the car to any of courses, rent their carts, transfer every thing to cart and back in car and drive back. Can you imagine the nightmare that would be?

[golfing eagles]

If you're curious enough, you can find the answer.

Districtgov.org -> Departments -> Budget -> SLCDD -> FY23-24 Adopted Budget -> SLAD -> Expenditures:

311 Golf..: $3.2M
TOTAL: $94M

Golf expenditures are approx 1/30 of the amenities budget.

A Dec 18 letter from the Developer, presented at the Jan 8 meeting of the PWAC, sets the Contractual Amenity Fee for new sales at $195.

1/30 of $195 is $6.50. This simple, back-of-the-envelope calculation would say that removing golf would reduce Amenity Fee payments by less than $80/year.

That's interesting. 3.2M for 44 exec courses = about 72K/year/course for maintenance. According to the USGA, the average cost of maintaining and full 18 hole course is 800K/year. Our execs are about 1/4 as long but have 1/2 the greens of an 18 hole course, so one would expect it to cost slightly north of 200K/year for each exec. Is there another source that contributes to the maintenance of these courses, such as the CDD they are within, or is this 1/3 of the expected expenditure the reason for the condition of most execs?

[Rainger99]

If you're curious enough, you can find the answer.

Districtgov.org -> Departments -> Budget -> SLCDD -> FY23-24 Adopted Budget -> SLAD -> Expenditures:

311 Golf..: $3.2M
TOTAL: $94M

Golf expenditures are approx 1/30 of the amenities budget.

A Dec 18 letter from the Developer, presented at the Jan 8 meeting of the PWAC, sets the Contractual Amenity Fee for new sales at $195.

1/30 of $195 is $6.50. This simple, back-of-the-envelope calculation would say that removing golf would reduce Amenity Fee payments by less than $80/year.

I am still confused by all of the districts and subdistricts and committees and subcommittees but I think this is limited to the Sumter Landing Amenities Division Fund. I don't think that encompasses the entire Villages and all 42 courses but I could be mistaken. There is also a Village Center CDD; a Brownwood CDD; and an Eastport CDD.

I believe that the Executive Golf Trail courses are owned and operated by the Village Center Community Development District and the Sumter Landing Community Development District.

Does anyone here know the answer? How much much does the Villages pay for Executive Golf maintenance for all of the courses during the year?

https://www.districtgov.org/PDFView/PDFMeeting.aspx?id=20230925sl0101

[Bill14564]

That's interesting. 3.2M for 44 exec courses = about 72K/year/course for maintenance. According to the USGA, the average cost of maintaining and full 18 hole course is 800K/year. Our execs are about 1/4 as long but have 1/2 the greens of an 18 hole course, so one would expect it to cost slightly north of 200K/year for each exec. Is there another source that contributes to the maintenance of these courses, such as the CDD they are within, or is this 1/3 of the expected expenditure the reason for the condition of most execs?

My guess is there is not another source. However, there are many, many lines in the budget but only two include the word "golf" and perhaps some of the costs are covered by those other lines.

Still, there is no indication that the exec courses cost more than your calculation which is about three times the number I had. In that case, about $20/month ($240/yr, 10%) of the amenity fee would be spent on golf. Still not a significant amount.

[Rainger99]

My guess is there is not another source. However, there are many, many lines in the budget but only two include the word "golf" and perhaps some of the costs are covered by those other lines.

Still, there is no indication that the exec courses cost more than your calculation which is about three times the number I had. In that case, about $20/month ($240/yr, 10%) of the amenity fee would be spent on golf. Still not a significant amount.

I find it frustrating that the information is not readily available. The numbers are buried in a 22 page budget report. You would have to be a CPA to find out the real answer.

[Bill14564]

I am still confused by all of the districts and subdistricts and committees and subcommittees but I think this is limited to the Sumter Landing Amenities Division Fund. I don't think that encompasses the entire Villages and all 42 courses but I could be mistaken. There is also a Village Center CDD; a Brownwood CDD; and an Eastport CDD.

I believe that the Executive Golf Trail courses are owned and operated by the Village Center Community Development District and the Sumter Landing Community Development District.

Does anyone here know the answer? How much much does the Villages pay for Executive Golf maintenance for all of the courses during the year?

https://www.districtgov.org/PDFView/PDFMeeting.aspx?id=20230925sl0101

Darn it, you're right! The courses are maintained by the Amenity Division but that includes RAD under VCCDD as well as SLAD under SLCDD.

The two lines for "Golf" in the SLAD budget add to $3.2M of a $95M budget while in the RAD budget they are $2M out of a $77M budget. So a total of $5.2M out of $172M. Still close to 1/30.

[Craig Vernon]

How important was free golf for life when you made your decision to move to the Villages?

If they didn't have free golf - but had free walking trails - would you have moved here?

If you remove the free golf and had a reasonable charge and kept all the other amenities, then there still would be nothing to compare to the TV.