Plans being discussed of a Golf Boycott by Priority Members !!!!!

[Golden Domer]

I have heard rumblings recently that a group of Priority Members have been discussing a "boycott day / week" ....... anyone else heard anything about this ?

[Pairadocs]

I have heard rumblings recently that a group of Priority Members have been discussing a "boycott day / week" ....... anyone else heard anything about this ?

Haven't heard, but your post made me stop and think about IF such a thing took place. Would the villages administration, or golf administration, or even the lowly course employees really care if everyone stayed off all the courses for a day ? Or a week ? If they did, would the 1300 people who checked in in the month of March also be willing to "pass" on the times they are given on the championship courses, and just play the none hole courses ? Maybe I am not seeing any benefit, but I could certainly be wrong ! To me it seems like if our entire community stopped buying bread for an entire day, or for an entire week, would it really have an "awaking" effect ? Maybe so because as it relates to the courses, I have no idea what the actual profit is for one day, or one week ? Does anyone know ?

[Keefelane66]

I doubt it will happen a day or a week will not make an impression on the Developer. Maybe if you brought it to the attention on national media.

[asianthree]

Already have your money so probably not a big deal.

BUT…..if 29% chose not to renew for a few months maybe cause pause.

[BrianL99]

I have heard rumblings recently that a group of Priority Members have been discussing a "boycott day / week" ....... anyone else heard anything about this ?

I've brought up that possibility on this site, numerous times.

That said, I think there would be repercussions that won't be pleasant, for those organizing such a thing.

On a more positive note. I believe the Developer has taken heed and begun to work at getting the courses into better condition. I've seen significant evidence of that, over the last 2 weeks.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I think the bad social media publicity is enough, along with ire and direct confrontation at Meetings withCCD members will effect sales (duh) of the developer, esp during a soft sales period, that changes may take place, as BrianL pointed out

[Jayhawk]

I have heard rumblings recently that a group of Priority Members have been discussing a "boycott day / week" ....... anyone else heard anything about this ?

The non-priority golfers will thank you mightily.

[Shipping up to Boston]

No developer likes this kind of smoke. If there is a vocal group in place, kudos to you as your efforts appear to be gaining some traction.

[Mleeja]

Maybe the courses would actually be happy with a boycott! It would give the fairways and greens a day without traffic!

[pokeefe45@aol.com]

Haven't heard, but your post made me stop and think about IF such a thing took place. Would the villages administration, or golf administration, or even the lowly course employees really care if everyone stayed off all the courses for a day ? Or a week ? If they did, would the 1300 people who checked in in the month of March also be willing to "pass" on the times they are given on the championship courses, and just play the none hole courses ? Maybe I am not seeing any benefit, but I could certainly be wrong ! To me it seems like if our entire community stopped buying bread for an entire day, or for an entire week, would it really have an "awaking" effect ? Maybe so because as it relates to the courses, I have no idea what the actual profit is for one day, or one week ? Does anyone know ?

I'd roughly calculate one day's full revenue potential at $10K per nine holes- (based on available tee times and guessing at a medium greens fee plus factoring in some 9-hole players). From a 'boycott' effectiveness-it would all be lost profit-as the overhead doesn't change. Again-$10K is a max revenue-I'd figure 80% of that during peak season (2somes or 3somes instead of all 4somes). So for a 27-hole course-$24K a day in sales. If you put up picket lines and golfers refused to cross-that would be the loss. Imagine the press it would get though? Not sure I'd be on the picket line-but I'd sure be across the street with my iPhone filming it.
Although-now that I think about it-imagine the tee times it would open up-And I've always wanted to play at exactly 10 AM.......

[Shipping up to Boston]

I'd roughly calculate one day's full revenue potential at $10K per nine holes- (based on available tee times and guessing at a medium greens fee plus factoring in some 9-hole players). From a 'boycott' effectiveness-it would all be lost profit-as the overhead doesn't change. Again-$10K is a max revenue-I'd figure 80% of that during peak season (2somes or 3somes instead of all 4somes). So for a 27-hole course-$24K a day in sales. If you put up picket lines and golfers refused to cross-that would be the loss. Imagine the press it would get though? Not sure I'd be on the picket line-but I'd sure be across the street with my iPhone filming it.
Although-now that I think about it-imagine the tee times it would open up-And I've always wanted to play at exactly 10 AM.......

Love the math and the premise. I’d be next to you with my Android

[HORNET]

That would be great for the Golf Course Employees, they would still get paid and they would enjoy a day of not hearing all of the senseless complaining !

[HORNET]

Play outside The Villages and see what you really get for your money

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I think it'd be great for the greens if no one golfed at them one day every week. Maybe it's something the golf courses should consider. Each one shuts down on a rotating basis, so maybe course 1, 5, 17, and 29 all close on Tuesdays THIS month - and next month it switches to Wednesdays. And so on.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I think it'd be great for the greens if no one golfed at them one day every week. Maybe it's something the golf courses should consider. Each one shuts down on a rotating basis, so maybe course 1, 5, 17, and 29 all close on Tuesdays THIS month - and next month it switches to Wednesdays. And so on.

That is a perfect solution...at any course in the US. It might give the course time to ‘heal’ but it’s a huge loss of income/revenue for the operator. Thus highly unlikely.

[forebubba]

Haven't heard, but your post made me stop and think about IF such a thing took place. Would the villages administration, or golf administration, or even the lowly course employees really care if everyone stayed off all the courses for a day ? Or a week ? If they did, would the 1300 people who checked in in the month of March also be willing to "pass" on the times they are given on the championship courses, and just play the none hole courses ? Maybe I am not seeing any benefit, but I could certainly be wrong ! To me it seems like if our entire community stopped buying bread for an entire day, or for an entire week, would it really have an "awaking" effect ? Maybe so because as it relates to the courses, I have no idea what the actual profit is for one day, or one week ? Does anyone know ?

I dont play the month of May ever since it became part of the winter rate
They start their work on the courses and during the summer not that they aerate the greens so often that need 2+ weeks to recover leaves you really limits you few courses to play

[graciegirl]

No. But those who stand to gain at the developers expense have circulated rumors like this on this forum for as long as I can remember.

I always wonder if it it is those who don't live here and wish they do, or those who are building other developments closeby. Or just folks who are envious of the Morses enormous success. But this kind of talk and negative talk about this wonderful place happens here, and has happened here and will happen here while The Villages continues to be head and shoulders above any similar entity in this whole country.

[Shipping up to Boston]

No. But those who stand to gain at the developers expense have circulated rumors like this on this forum for as long as I can remember.

I always wonder if it it is those who don't live here and wish they do, or those who are building other developments closeby. Or just folks who are envious of the Morses enormous success. But this kind of talk and negative talk about this wonderful place happens here, and has happened here and will happen here while The Villages continues to be head and shoulders above any similar entity in this whole country.

You may be right. Too often on forums like this and others, posters talk about the negativity and envy etc. It’s because it’s the way people feel whether we agree or not....neatly packaged and presented in one place. Do you not agree in past generations, pre internet, that this type of ‘negativity’ was confined to social clubs, fraternal organizations, Dunkin Donuts, bars etc....and still does? It’s human nature. There was a comedian who passed recently, Greg Giraldo, who had a bit about people that say their town or city is the best in the country. Unless you’ve visited every corner and crevice of this great country, how can you make that distinction. TV is a special place and I don’t see it as exclusive. It represents a decent demographic and varying income levels. If someone is envious, welcome aboard.....and if not, best wishes moving forward

[Bogie Shooter]

I'd roughly calculate one day's full revenue potential at $10K per nine holes- (based on available tee times and guessing at a medium greens fee plus factoring in some 9-hole players). From a 'boycott' effectiveness-it would all be lost profit-as the overhead doesn't change. Again-$10K is a max revenue-I'd figure 80% of that during peak season (2somes or 3somes instead of all 4somes). So for a 27-hole course-$24K a day in sales. If you put up picket lines and golfers refused to cross-that would be the loss. Imagine the press it would get though? Not sure I'd be on the picket line-but I'd sure be across the street with my iPhone filming it.
Although-now that I think about it-imagine the tee times it would open up-And I've always wanted to play at exactly 10 AM.......

Should help the folks trying to sell their homes …….not even Forest Gump has a quote to identify with this picket line idea.:yuck:

[kkingston57]

I've brought up that possibility on this site, numerous times.

That said, I think there would be repercussions that won't be pleasant, for those organizing such a thing.

On a more positive note. I believe the Developer has taken heed and begun to work at getting the courses into better condition. I've seen significant evidence of that, over the last 2 weeks.

Live on Hacienda. Huge improvements over the past 18 months.

[Vermilion Villager]

I've brought up that possibility on this site, numerous times.

That said, I think there would be repercussions that won't be pleasant, for those organizing such a thing.

On a more positive note. I believe the Developer has taken heed and begun to work at getting the courses into better condition. I've seen significant evidence of that, over the last 2 weeks.
Developer has nothing to do with executive courses. They gave up that responsibility last year.

[kkingston57]

I have heard rumblings recently that a group of Priority Members have been discussing a "boycott day / week" ....... anyone else heard anything about this ?

Bet that most "enhanced" members bought this membership to get lower green fees and will re new due to a savings

[kkingston57]

That is a perfect solution...at any course in the US. It might give the course time to ‘heal’ but it’s a huge loss of income/revenue for the operator. Thus highly unlikely.

Would help somewhat but most of the significant problems are not from overplay, but is from poor maintenance. Look at Glenview. Hardest course to get a tee time and is in best condition. Company who re did the course did a great job

[bobmarc]

Hey...it's the fault of El Nino....didn't you read the Daily Sun? BTW...how did Bay Hill escape El Nino?
🤔

[BrianL99]

I'd roughly calculate one day's full revenue potential at $10K per nine holes- (based on available tee times and guessing at a medium greens fee plus factoring in some 9-hole players). From a 'boycott' effectiveness-it would all be lost profit-as the overhead doesn't change. Again-$10K is a max revenue-I'd figure 80% of that during peak season (2somes or 3somes instead of all 4somes). So for a 27-hole course-$24K a day in sales. If you put up picket lines and golfers refused to cross-that would be the loss. Imagine the press it would get though? Not sure I'd be on the picket line-but I'd sure be across the street with my iPhone filming it.
Although-now that I think about it-imagine the tee times it would open up-And I've always wanted to play at exactly 10 AM.......

I think your very close. I did a fairly lengthy run at putting numbers together, last year. I estimated the yearly revenue at $75M. One day in prime season of no play, using the #'s I came up with, gives me a total of $250,000. Just about the same as yours.

I am going to reiterate, there has been significant improvement at every golf course I play, in the last 2 weeks. Those courses are TDS, Palmer, Glenview & Mallory. Today at Palmer, I saw at least 8-10 "patches" in fairways and on greens. I've hardly ever seen that in TV. They're making an effort over the last 2 weeks. They've heard the rumblings.

[BrianL99]

Developer has nothing to do with executive courses. They gave up that responsibility last year.

You need to read the title of thread. The discussion involves Priority/Enhanced Members boycotting Championship golf courses.

& the Developer didn't "give up that responsibility last year".

[shut the front door]

Already have your money so probably not a big deal.

BUT…..if 29% chose not to renew for a few months maybe cause pause.

You may want to educate yourself on priority golf in TV. Priority members pay every time they play. At a slightly discounted rate, but they pay. See above post about golf revenue.

[Stu from NYC]

Hey...it's the fault of El Nino....didn't you read the Daily Sun? BTW...how did Bay Hill escape El Nino?
������

Bay Hill paid off the people that run El Nino.:a040:

[BrianL99]

Bay Hill paid off the people that run El Nino.:a040:


It's amazing what you can buy for 50 Tacos.

[Bogie Shooter]

I think your very close. I did a fairly lengthy run at putting numbers together, last year. I estimated the yearly revenue at $75M. One day in prime season of no play, using the #'s I came up with, gives me a total of $250,000. Just about the same as yours.

I am going to reiterate, there has been significant improvement at every golf course I play, in the last 2 weeks. Those courses are TDS, Palmer, Glenview & Mallory. Today at Palmer, I saw at least 8-10 "patches" in fairways and on greens. I've hardly ever seen that in TV. They're making an effort over the last 2 weeks. They've heard the rumblings.
Good news things are improving.
What have they done in two weeks for things to improve?
All I read on TOTV is it will take time for any improvement, fire pros, fire supervisors , train the grass cutters and on & on.🤦

[Rwirish]

Totally stupid for multiple reasons.

[BrianL99]

Good news things are improving.
What have they done in two weeks for things to improve?
All I read on TOTV is it will take time for any improvement, fire pros, fire supervisors , train the grass cutters and on & on.������

Every green I've putted on in the last week, has recently been fertilized.

The greens on Laurel Valley were atrocious 3 weeks ago. I think they've cut back on their mowing schedule, allowed them more growth (slows them down a little) and now the greens seem to coming back and most are putting well.

I believe Riley Grove's greens had been infected with a disease, but they seem to be improving.

Glenview's overall condition has improved in the last 2 weeks, although it's always been reasonable good. I noticed the bunkers are being power raked more often.

On Palmer yesterday, I noticed a bunch of areas where they've removed bad areas of fairway & green turf and patched in new sod.

Mallory's overall condition seemed to improve over the last 2 weeks.

I was told this morning, that there's a battalion of folks working on the Havana courses that are closed.

Some of the above is attributable to better weather and growing conditions, but I've also noticed more maintenance people seem to be out & about and working at the courses.

I think all the social media and other attention the courses have received over the last month, has been a little bit of a wake up call for the Developer. We're not dealing with dumb people here and once they began to be concerned their image might get damaged, I think they took notice.

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

[mike234]

I have heard rumblings recently that a group of Priority Members have been discussing a "boycott day / week" ....... anyone else heard anything about this ?
31 replies so far, and not one says they heard what you are implying.....fake news, and rumors.......nice try, i'm sure the developer is shaking in their boots

[ehonour]

They already do this in the off season. I live on Virginia course, and I've seen days when it's shut down to rest; Mallory Hill keeps playing on Caroline and Amelia. They rotate the off-days.

[SHIBUMI]

Its amazing when the grass starts growing how conditions improve. Its amazing when the grass stops growing how the complaints roll in. Mother Nature is waking up and the conditions will continue to get better. Take a good look at your lawn, its starting to comeback too. Most looked like crap in the winter.

Truly amazing this Mother Nature and grass growth. You cant fool Mother Nature in the winter and force grass growth, so conditions will be not as good in the winter and voila, spring hits, heat hits, water hits and its a golfers miracle.

If we copy all these posts, we can just re-enter them next winter when the grass stops growing, save time to complain about other stuff.

Very glad to see Spring has sprung.:bowdown:



QUOTE=Golden Domer;2309176]I have heard rumblings recently that a group of Priority Members have been discussing a "boycott day / week" ....... anyone else heard anything about this ?[/QUOTE]

[BrianL99]

Its amazing when the grass starts growing how conditions improve. Its amazing when the grass stops growing how the complaints roll in. Mother Nature is waking up and the conditions will continue to get better. Take a good look at your lawn, its starting to comeback too. Most looked like crap in the winter.

Truly amazing this Mother Nature and grass growth. You cant fool Mother Nature in the winter and force grass growth, so conditions will be not as good in the winter and voila, spring hits, heat hits, water hits and its a golfers miracle.

If we copy all these posts, we can just re-enter them next winter when the grass stops growing, save time to complain about other stuff.

Very glad to see Spring has sprung.:bowdown:


QUOTE=Golden Domer;2309176]I have heard rumblings recently that a group of Priority Members have been discussing a "boycott day / week" ....... anyone else heard anything about this ?[/QUOTE]


Don't be going back on your previous, 100% accurate statement: "A good superintendent can grow grass on a bald head".

Any dummy can grow grass when it's 75 degrees and the weather alternates ... 2 days sun, 1 day rain.

In New England, we grow grass when it's 50 degrees and we grow grass when it's 95 degrees. We keep it safe & secure, when it's 5 below zero ... and sometimes in the spring time and sometimes in the fall, we do it all.

Remember all that, for your pre-retirement?

[MidWestIA]

All the other golfers would stand up and applaud for easier tee times the villages wouldn't notice

[garnold]

I have heard rumblings recently that a group of Priority Members have been discussing a "boycott day / week" ....... anyone else heard anything about this ?

That's a great idea. We need to send a strong message about the lack of value for our pricy investment

[guitarguy]

Any significant change in course conditions will not occur unto the soil is warm enough for the Bermuda grass to aggressively grow. Hope for sunshine and warm nights.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Don't be going back on your previous, 100% accurate statement: "A good superintendent can grow grass on a bald head".

Any dummy can grow grass when it's 75 degrees and the weather alternates ... 2 days sun, 1 day rain.

In New England, we grow grass when it's 50 degrees and we grow grass when it's 95 degrees. We keep it safe & secure, when it's 5 below zero ... and sometimes in the spring time and sometimes in the fall, we do it all.

Remember all that, for your pre-retirement?[/QUOTE]

Grass growing Mic drop!

[golfing eagles]

Any significant change in course conditions will not occur unto the soil is warm enough for the Bermuda grass to aggressively grow. Hope for sunshine and warm nights.

While this winter's weather has been a factor, it's far from the whole story. Turn on your TV and look at the conditions at TPC Sawgrass---same weather, or Bay Hill last week. To make a more reasonable comparison, look at Juliette Falls. Heck, just look at the difference between Glenview and Havana. It would seem the biggest factor is the maintenance crew and their supervision.

[BrianL99]

While this winter's weather has been a factor, it's far from the whole story. Turn on your TV and look at the conditions at TPC Sawgrass---same weather, or Bay Hill last week. To make a more reasonable comparison, look at Juliette Falls. Heck, just look at the difference between Glenview and Havana. It would seem the biggest factor is the maintenance crew and their supervision.

... or Evans Prairie and TDS.

That's what's so frustrating to me. It's as clear as day, the problem is with their contracting approach and management of same. There's hardly a contract of any sort, in effect anywhere, that does't have a revocation/cancellatoin clause. Get rid of the contractors that can't do the job and hire ones who can and will ... or take it over yourself.

This is Business 101 and the Developer has demonstrated for years, there's no shortage of business savvy on staff.

[Robojo]

I have heard rumblings recently that a group of Priority Members have been discussing a "boycott day / week" ....... anyone else heard anything about this ?

I don't play golf so I don't really know much about this but I was wondering how would a boycott help your cause?

[Papa_lecki]

I don't play golf so I don't really know much about this but I was wondering how would a boycott help your cause?

In this case, a boycott isn’t about the lost revenue, it would be about the message it sends (that the residents can organize)
Unfortunately, for a boycott to be successful, you would need 85 to 95% participation.
the course would need to be EMPTY for 2 or 3 days. That won’t happen. People will see an opportunity to play on empty courses and cave on the afternoon of day 1.

[barbnick]

Haven't heard, but your post made me stop and think about IF such a thing took place. Would the villages administration, or golf administration, or even the lowly course employees really care if everyone stayed off all the courses for a day ? Or la week ? If they did, would the 1300 people who checked in in the month of March also be willing to "pass" on the times they are given on the championship courses, and just play the none hole courses ? Maybe I am not seeing any benefit, but I could certainly be wrong ! To me it seems like if our entire community stopped buying bread for an entire day, or for an entire week, would it really have an "awaking" effect ? Maybe so because as it relates to the courses, I have no idea what the actual profit is for one day, or one week ? Does anyone know ?

Lowly course employees????

[ThirdOfFive]

In this case, a boycott isn’t about the lost revenue, it would be about the message it sends (that the residents can organize)
Unfortunately, for a boycott to be successful, you would need 85 to 95% participation.
the course would need to be EMPTY for 2 or 3 days. That won’t happen. People will see an opportunity to play on empty courses and cave on the afternoon of day 1.
Agreed. Especially so at this time of year. Lots of 'birds in TV, many of which are here for the golf. I doubt many of them would be willing to ruin their vacation for a cause that they most likely see as overblown in the first place.

[JustSomeGuy]

Have a friend/relative outside the Villages post on Facebook (various sites, not just villages), Instagram, Yelp, X, etc -

I have been hearing golf conditions are not good on most of the courses in the Villages and tee times are not easy to get. With all the new development over the last 3 years fewer golf homes per house are being built and most of those are less than 100 yard pitch and putts. Has the number of houses vs. golf holes increased over the last few years? If so, what are the plans to rebalance the number of real golf holes per new homes built so they return to pre-covid numbers and course conditions improve? Can I go visit several courses in the older sections to see if conditions are as bad as I am hearing?

Once a few of those posts show up and new buyers ask to see the courses and holes per home numbers, things will change. Competitors will also catch on and let their buyers know to look hard when visiting. It will only take a few posts on Friday evenings to gain attention. When a few new buyers ask their sales reps, you will see quick over seeding and new sod suddenly appear. They know it is easier to fix a problem now vs. fix an image of decline later.

Our opinions are not valued as much as the next home buyers opinion. Give them the questions to ask when touring the Villages and it becomes "good marketing" to improve conditions.

[Dond1959]

Have a friend/relative outside the Villages post on Facebook (various sites, not just villages), Instagram, Yelp, X, etc -

I have been hearing golf conditions are not good on most of the courses in the Villages and tee times are not easy to get. With all the new development over the last 3 years fewer golf homes per house are being built and most of those are less than 100 yard pitch and putts. Has the number of houses vs. golf holes increased over the last few years? If so, what are the plans to rebalance the number of real golf holes per new homes built so they return to pre-covid numbers and course conditions improve? Can I go visit several courses in the older sections to see if conditions are as bad as I am hearing?

Once a few of those posts show up and new buyers ask to see the courses and holes per home numbers, things will change. Competitors will also catch on and let their buyers know to look hard when visiting. It will only take a few posts on Friday evenings to gain attention. When a few new buyers ask their sales reps, you will see quick over seeding and new sod suddenly appear. They know it is easier to fix a problem now vs. fix an image of decline later.

Our opinions are not valued as much as the next home buyers opinion. Give them the questions to ask when touring the Villages and it becomes "good marketing" to improve conditions.

You need to go look at Goldwingnut (Don Wiley’s) latest video on YouTube. He has all the numbers and basically the number of homes per golf hole (just counting championships and executives, not pitch and putts) is about the same as it has always been. With the addition of all the courses in the Eastport area we will be in good shape.

It has always been difficult to get tee times in high season on executives for large groups that have high points. I have never had a problem with getting tee times on championship or executive courses. My championship group has 12 golfers. On executive courses it is 4 or less. If you show some flexibility on time and courses you should have no problem. Maybe some of the large groups should split up and have a better chance of securing a reservation.